The Laura Flanders Show: Recent Episodes
Laura Flanders
Award winning host, author and journalist Laura Flanders interviews forward-thinking people from the world of politics, business, culture and social movements. The show explores actionable models for creating a better world by reporting on the people and movements driving systemic change. We spotlight the solutions of tomorrow, today. The show airs on PBS stations in over 200+ US markets, and airs on 40+ community radio stations, and is available on YouTube and as a podcast. Online subscribers receive lots of video and audio web exclusives. Recent specials include "Indigenous People's Power", "James Baldwin: Lessons for the US", "Building Public Trust for Public Health", "Countering the Coup From the Grassroots Up". Recent special guests include Representative Karen Bass, environmental activist Jane Fonda, economist Robert Reich, author/activist Naomi Klein, agrarian reformer Shirley Sherrod, novelist Arundhati Roy, economist Michael Hudson and ’Next System” theorist Gar Alperovitz.
This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we turn to the state of journalism—at a moment of deep disruption, consolidation, and consequence. But journalists aren’t simply standing by—they’re pushing back, reimagining their work, and, in many cases, taking matters into their own hands. This week we explore whether worker-owned media might offer a path forward, as reporters and editors respond to industry collapse by building new models rooted in accountability and collective power.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The business of media is in danger — but it sure isn’t dead. Many of the rising stars that were poised to “save journalism” like Vice and Buzzfeed have either entered bankruptcy or stopped reporting on news. There have been layoffs across the industry and many newsrooms have cut back on the resources available to journalists. But workers have also organized unions, including high-profile campaigns at Condé Nast and The New Yorker, and started worker-owned media like Hell Gate and Defector. This month on “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders is joined by three journalists who have lived through the struggles and are a part of the solutions. Alex Sujong Laughlin is a supervising producer and co-owner at Defector; Esther Wang is a worker-owner at Hell Gate; and Tammy Kim helped organize unions at Al Jazeera America and The New Yorker, where she is a contributing writer. How do they think about the future of journalism, and what difference does it make when journalists have the freedom to speak truth to power — especially when it comes to reporting on policing and Palestine?
Guests:
• Tammy Kim: Contributing Writer, The New Yorker; Contributing Editor, Lux Magazine
• Alex Sujong Laughlin: Supervising Producer & Co-Owner, Defector Media
• Esther Wang: Co-Founder, Hell Gate; Former Senior Political Reporter, Jezebel
Note- Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Jumaane Williams & Hell Gate on Rikers: Why is it So Hard to Close a Jail? Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and/or Listen on Major Podcast Platforms
•. BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble
Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and/or Listen on Major Podcast Platforms
•. BIPOC Media on the Fight for Fair Wages — & Anti-Racist Unions
Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and/or Listen on Major Podcast Platforms
Related Articles and Resources:
• Unionizing the Digital Newsroom, by Tammy Kim, Dissent Magazine, Read Here
• The Freelance Solidarity Project is the Digital Media Division of the National Writers Union. Learn More Here
• Opinion: It’s possible to be a journalist and a human, by Alex Sujong Laughlin, Poynter, Read Here
• Report: Why ‘Affordable Housing’ Is Rarely Affordable in NYC, by Esther Wang, May 7, 2024, Hell Gate, Read Here
Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:
Pleasure, Joy & Happiness by Galliano, released on Brownswood Records. Listen & Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we turn to the state of journalism—at a moment of deep disruption, consolidation, and consequence. Across the country and around the world, newsrooms are shrinking, ownership is concentrating, and the very idea of a free and independent press is under pressure. But journalists aren’t simply standing by—they’re pushing back, reimagining their work, and, in many cases, taking matters into their own hands.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we turn to the state of journalism—at a moment of deep disruption, consolidation, and consequence. Across the country and around the world, newsrooms are shrinking, ownership is concentrating, and the very idea of a free and independent press is under pressure. But journalists aren’t simply standing by—they’re pushing back, reimagining their work, and, in many cases, taking matters into their own hands.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Note- Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency." These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week we revisit a Peabody Award–winning documentary about a summer camp that helped spark a disability revolution—reminding us that transformation often begins with community.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Crip Camp is a Peabody Award-winning documentary from Netflix and Higher Ground Productions that tells the story of Camp Jened, a summer camp in the 1960s where disabled youth could be themselves. The film follows several former campers who went on to be leaders of the Disability Rights Movement. Laura speaks with the directors and producers of Crip Camp about how they are using the film to advance the next step in the revolution: Disability Justice, a movement that centers the leadership of disabled queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. If the inclusive culture of Camp Jened could help transform American society in the second half of the 20th century, what could a truly intersectional Disability Justice Movement change for us all today? Plus thoughts from Laura on interdependence.
Guests:
• Jim LeBrecht, Co-Director Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution; Founder Berkeley Sound Artists
• Nicole Newnham, Co-Director Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution;
• Andraéa LaVant, Impact Producer Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution; And President and Chief Inclusion Officer of LaVant Consulting Inc.
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Disability Justice: Alice Sheppard & Jess Thom
• Policy Demands for #DisabilityRights: An Animated Explainer w/Dara Baldwin
• Special Report: Ableism Out, Independent Living Now!
• Ableism Separated Disabled People from Autonomy: Kelly Buckland and vilissa Thompson
• Design For Justice: Disabled Hackers Are Leading The Way
• Tech: Existential Threat or Life Support?
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Crip Camp Educational Curriculum
• Crip Camp 2020: The Virtual Experience
• The Defense of Black Lives Must Include Disability Justice by Andraéa LaVant, The Root
• 10 Principles of Disability Justice by Sins Invalid
• This manager is working toward diversity in Hollywood — and that includes those with disabilities by Anousha Sakoui,
Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:
“Badass and Blind” the title track of Raul Midón’s album released on Mack Avenue Records. Check out our feature with Raul Midón: “Creative Adaptation and Covid-19” Listen and Read More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week we celebrate the life and legacy of Alice Wong with two of her closest collaborators, reflecting on the movement she helped to build.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Alice Wong lived longer than she expected, but not long enough. The celebrated disability activist lived by the principle that disability justice is integral to all liberation movements, and centered disabled stories with the Disability Visibility Project. When Alice Wong died on November 14 at the age of 51, people across social movements shared their grief and awe for her work, such as her bestselling 2022 memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life”. She has been called an oracle, visionary, unapologetic and fearless, and our guests, Wong’s dear friends and collaborators, are committed to lifting up her legacy. Sandy Ho is the Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and partner with Alice Wong and Mia Mingus in the Access is Love campaign. She was asked by Alice Wong to post her letter after she passed, where Wong writes “. . . our wisdom is incisive and unflinching.” Steven Thrasher is an acclaimed journalist, professor and author of “The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality & Disease Collide”. He was suspended from teaching classes after speaking out — as Wong also did — on Palestine. Join us as we celebrate Alice Wong and ask what is the work to be done when it comes to healthcare and civil rights for disabled people. Plus a commentary from Laura on imagining the next 100 years.
“A lot of Alice's advocacy was focused around the systems that force disabled people to be at the margins . . . Whether it is the Black Lives Matter movement or the pandemic, we see the ways in which our society and political systems respond, and not in ways that prioritize those who are least privileged and have the least amount of power.” - Sandy Ho
“I remember talking to [Alice Wong] about the ways she had been conditioned as a disabled Asian American woman to try to accept crumbs, to not complain, to be very docile. I thought that she was really brilliant in bridging together not just Asian American communities, but queer communities, LGBTQ communities, all the communities where your body is made to feel like it doesn't belong.” - Steven Thrasher
Guests:
• Sandy Ho: Executive Director, Disability & Philanthropy Forum
• Steven Thrasher: Daniel Renberg Chair of Social Justice in Reporting, Northwestern University; Author, The Viral Underclass & The Overseer Class
*Recommended books:
“Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life” by Alice Wong, *Get the book
“The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide” by Steven Thrasher, *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The New Disabled Population in Gaza: Comedian & Disability Advocate Maysoon Zayid: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Disability Visibility Project, Founder: Alice Wong
• DisabledWriters.com
• Access Is Love
• A Tribute to an Oracle, Alice Wong, by Rebecca Cokley, November 26, 2025, The Nation
• Trump Gutted AIDS Health. Care at the Worst Possible Time, by Steven W. Thrasher & Afeef Nessouli, December 1, 2025, The Intercept
• On Valentine’s Day, Let’s Recognize Why #AccessIsLove, by Alice Wong, February 14, 2019, Rooted In Rights
• Remembering Alice Wong: Writer, Advocate, Friend, by Steven W. Thrasher, November 17, 2025, LitHub
• Crips for eSims for Gaza, chuffed.org
• Alice Wong Interview with Steven Thrasher with subtitles, Watch
• Alice Wong, 2024 MacArthur Fellow, MacArthur Foundation
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week we celebrate the life and legacy of Alice Wong with two of her closest collaborators, reflecting on the movement she helped to build.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Alice Wong lived longer than she expected, but not long enough. The celebrated disability activist lived by the principle that disability justice is integral to all liberation movements, and centered disabled stories with the Disability Visibility Project. When Alice Wong died on November 14 at the age of 51, people across social movements shared their grief and awe for her work, such as her bestselling 2022 memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life”. She has been called an oracle, visionary, unapologetic and fearless, and our guests, Wong’s dear friends and collaborators, are committed to lifting up her legacy. Sandy Ho is the Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and partner with Alice Wong and Mia Mingus in the Access is Love campaign. She was asked by Alice Wong to post her letter after she passed, where Wong writes “. . . our wisdom is incisive and unflinching.” Steven Thrasher is an acclaimed journalist, professor and author of “The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality & Disease Collide”. He was suspended from teaching classes after speaking out — as Wong also did — on Palestine. Join us as we celebrate Alice Wong and ask what is the work to be done when it comes to healthcare and civil rights for disabled people. Plus a commentary from Laura on imagining the next 100 years.
“A lot of Alice's advocacy was focused around the systems that force disabled people to be at the margins . . . Whether it is the Black Lives Matter movement or the pandemic, we see the ways in which our society and political systems respond, and not in ways that prioritize those who are least privileged and have the least amount of power.” - Sandy Ho
“I remember talking to [Alice Wong] about the ways she had been conditioned as a disabled Asian American woman to try to accept crumbs, to not complain, to be very docile. I thought that she was really brilliant in bridging together not just Asian American communities, but queer communities, LGBTQ communities, all the communities where your body is made to feel like it doesn't belong.” - Steven Thrasher
Guests:
• Sandy Ho: Executive Director, Disability & Philanthropy Forum
• Steven Thrasher: Daniel Renberg Chair of Social Justice in Reporting, Northwestern University; Author, The Viral Underclass & The Overseer Class
*Recommended books:
“Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life” by Alice Wong, *Get the book
“The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide” by Steven Thrasher, *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The New Disabled Population in Gaza: Comedian & Disability Advocate Maysoon Zayid: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Disability Visibility Project, Founder: Alice Wong
• DisabledWriters.com
• Access Is Love
• A Tribute to an Oracle, Alice Wong, by Rebecca Cokley, November 26, 2025, The Nation
• Trump Gutted AIDS Health. Care at the Worst Possible Time, by Steven W. Thrasher & Afeef Nessouli, December 1, 2025, The Intercept
• On Valentine’s Day, Let’s Recognize Why #AccessIsLove, by Alice Wong, February 14, 2019, Rooted In Rights
• Remembering Alice Wong: Writer, Advocate, Friend, by Steven W. Thrasher, November 17, 2025, LitHub
• Crips for eSims for Gaza, chuffed.org
• Alice Wong Interview with Steven Thrasher with subtitles, Watch
• Alice Wong, 2024 MacArthur Fellow, MacArthur Foundation
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week, We’ll hear from a comedian and unapologetic voice weaving together disability rights and Palestinian identity with humor and sharp political insight.
These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Description [Original Release Date December 8, 2024]: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields.
“I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid
Guest: Maysoon Zayid: Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits
Music Credits: “Purpose Love” by Jhelisa released on Dorado Records; "Steppin'" by Podington Bear; Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go. Watch
• Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Shiny Misfits” Maysoon’s graphic novel and audio version available from Audible featuring the voice of Dave Matthews, and others.
• Maysoon Zayid’s Ted Talk
• DISCO, a live interactive panel show hosted by Maysoon Zayid coming up February, 2015 at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week, We’ll hear from a comedian and unapologetic voice weaving together disability rights and Palestinian identity with humor and sharp political insight.
These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Description [Original Release Date December 8, 2024]: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields.
“I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid
Guest: Maysoon Zayid: Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Music Credits: “Purpose Love” by Jhelisa released on Dorado Records; "Steppin'" by Podington Bear; Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go. Watch
• Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Shiny Misfits” Maysoon’s graphic novel and audio version available from Audible featuring the voice of Dave Matthews, and others.
• Maysoon Zayid’s Ted Talk
• DISCO, a live interactive panel show hosted by Maysoon Zayid coming up February, 2015 at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week, a candid conversation with two leading disability rights organizers on the ongoing fight for recognition, respect, and full inclusion for the largest minority in the country—these stories push us to rethink what justice really looks like.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights, with a vision of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. But ableism, or discrimination in favor of able-bodied people, persists, affecting the one in four Americans with a disability. What does ableism mean and why is it still a prominent problem? Anita Cameron and Keith Jones, leaders in the disability rights and disability justice movements, have answers.
Cameron, who has been arrested nearly 150 times, participated in the "Capitol Crawl" for the passage of the ADA in 1990 and, later in 2017, she was part of the widely-publicized Rotunda Takeover with the disability advocacy group, ADAPT, to protest proposed Medicaid cuts. Her influential writings shed light on topics like ableism in media and the intersection of ableism and mental health. She currently heads the Minority Outreach at "Not Dead Yet", an organization committed to fighting ableism, or discrimination veiled as physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia of persons with disabilities.
As an African-American activist, entrepreneur, and father living with cerebral palsy, Keith Jones advocates for quality independent living for persons with disabilities. He also strives for equal access to housing, education, and voting rights - for all. In addition to his human rights work, Jones is the founder of SoulTouchin’ Experiences and has earned an Emmy award for his song "Rising Phoenix," a documentary about the Paralympic Games. This far-ranging feature, timed to coincide with the signing of the ADA on July 25, 1990, concludes with a commentary by Flanders.
“The lives of people with disabilities are so regulated, we don't have true autonomy. I can guarantee you that the access to healthcare, reproductive rights and all of that, we disabled women have to fight for that access anyway.” - Anita Cameron
“They like to either say, you're disabled or you’re a woman, you're disabled or you're queer, you're disabled or you're Black. That's not the case. We are an intricate mosaic of identities.” - Keith Jones
Guests:
Keith Jones, Human Rights & Disability Justice Activist, President, Soul Touchin’ Experiences
Anita Cameron, Disability Justice Activist, Director of Minority Outreach, Not Dead Yet
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “So Hip Hop” by Fezo de Mad One featuring Toni Kickman courtesy of the artist and Soul Touchin’ Experiences. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
ACCESSIBILITY - This episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
*Recommended books:
“Voices of a People's History of the United States in the 21st Century: Documents of Hope and Resistance, Learn more here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Did a Summer Camp Help Spark a Disability Revolution? Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Ableism Out, Independent Living Now! Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Laura’s Commentary aka The F-Word: The Disability Revolution Listen-Download Podcast
• Playlist of LFShow Disability Justice Episodes - Watch Here
Related Articles and Resources:
• Highlighting Disability / Poverty Connection, NCD Urges Congress to Alter Federal Policies that Disadvantage People with Disabilities Read Here
• Dobbs Is a Disaster for Disability Justice (from the series After Roe) by Liz Bowen, Society for Cultural Anthropology Read Here
• EndAssistedSuicide.org
• State laws legalizing assisted suicide violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, by Matt Valliére, Opinion Contributor, The Hill, Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week, a candid conversation with two leading disability rights organizers on the ongoing fight for recognition, respect, and full inclusion for the largest minority in the country—these stories push us to rethink what justice really looks like.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights, with a vision of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. But ableism, or discrimination in favor of able-bodied people, persists, affecting the one in four Americans with a disability. What does ableism mean and why is it still a prominent problem? Anita Cameron and Keith Jones, leaders in the disability rights and disability justice movements, have answers.
Cameron, who has been arrested nearly 150 times, participated in the "Capitol Crawl" for the passage of the ADA in 1990 and, later in 2017, she was part of the widely-publicized Rotunda Takeover with the disability advocacy group, ADAPT, to protest proposed Medicaid cuts. Her influential writings shed light on topics like ableism in media and the intersection of ableism and mental health. She currently heads the Minority Outreach at "Not Dead Yet", an organization committed to fighting ableism, or discrimination veiled as physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia of persons with disabilities.
As an African-American activist, entrepreneur, and father living with cerebral palsy, Keith Jones advocates for quality independent living for persons with disabilities. He also strives for equal access to housing, education, and voting rights - for all. In addition to his human rights work, Jones is the founder of SoulTouchin’ Experiences and has earned an Emmy award for his song "Rising Phoenix," a documentary about the Paralympic Games. This far-ranging feature, timed to coincide with the signing of the ADA on July 25, 1990, concludes with a commentary by Flanders.
Guests:
Keith Jones, Human Rights & Disability Justice Activist, President, Soul Touchin’ Experiences
Anita Cameron, Disability Justice Activist, Director of Minority Outreach, Not Dead Yet
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “So Hip Hop” by Fezo de Mad One featuring Toni Kickman courtesy of the artist and Soul Touchin’ Experiences. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
ACCESSIBILITY - This episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
RESOURCES:
*Recommended books:
“Voices of a People's History of the United States in the 21st Century: Documents of Hope and Resistance, Learn more here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Did a Summer Camp Help Spark a Disability Revolution? Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Ableism Out, Independent Living Now! Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Laura’s Commentary aka The F-Word: The Disability Revolution Listen-Download Podcast
• Playlist of LFShow Disability Justice Episodes - Watch Here
Related Articles and Resources:
• Highlighting Disability / Poverty Connection, NCD Urges Congress to Alter Federal Policies that Disadvantage People with Disabilities Read Here
• Dobbs Is a Disaster for Disability Justice (from the series After Roe) by Liz Bowen, Society for Cultural Anthropology Read Here
• EndAssistedSuicide.org
• State laws legalizing assisted suicide violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, by Matt Valliére, Opinion Contributor, The Hill, Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders & Friends we’re lifting up the people, the stories, and the ideas driving disability justice forward. This week, two artists expand our ideas about beauty, mobility and inclusion.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: As the nation marks another anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability advocates are calling attention to the work still left undone—from expanding accessibility and representation in public life to protecting disability rights and ensuring equitable access to the arts. In this episode, Laura Flanders speaks with two groundbreaking performance artists whose work challenges assumptions about disability, creativity, and who gets to belong in our cultural spaces.
Alice Sheppard, acclaimed wheelchair dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of Kinetic Light, and Jess Thom, performer, comedian, and founder of Touretteshero, explore how disability and neurodiversity expand artistic possibility rather than limit it. Through their work, they invite audiences to rethink conventional ideas of beauty, access, productivity, and "normalcy."
In conversation with Laura, they examine the role of art in advancing social change, the importance of disabled leadership in cultural institutions, and why accessibility should be understood not as an accommodation for a few, but as a creative and democratic practice that benefits everyone. At a moment when disability rights, inclusive design, and authentic representation remain pressing civic issues, Sheppard and Thom offer a vision of a richer, more imaginative society—one that recognizes difference as a source of collective strength, innovation, and cultural vitality.
Guests:
- Alice Sheppard: wheelchair dancer and choreographer, artistic director, Kinetic Light.
- Jess Thom: performer, comedian and founder of Touretteshero.
Watch the episode released on our YouTube channel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode); and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•Design for Justice: Disabled Hackers are Leading the Way
•Special Report: Ableism Out, Independent Living Now!
•F-Word: Inclusive Design and Me
Related Articles and Resources:
- • “I Dance Because I can.” by Sheppard, Alice, The New York Times, February 27th, 2019.
- • “Road Map for Inclusion: Changing the Face of Disability in Media” by Heumann E, Judith, The Ford Foundation, April 2019.
- •Risk Pool. Triple Canopy, Issue #24. Published from January 17, 2018 to April 25, 2019.
- •“When it come to sex, are your Sins Invalid?” by Silverberg, Cory. Interview with Sins Invalid founders Leroy Moore and Patricia Berne. •Touretteshero
- Welcome to Biscuit Land: A Year in the Life of Touretteshero by Jess Thom
Bios:
Alice Sheppard is the Artistic Director of Kinetic Light, as well as a choreographer and dancer in the company. Read More
Jess Thom, British performer, comedian and activist. Thom created Touretteshero to increase awareness of and expand perceptions of what is possible with Tourette’s Syndrome. Read More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we learn from the feminist philosopher Donna Haraway about thinking beyond binaries, cultivating community and taking risks.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: “Thinking requires action and passion,” says feminist philosopher and scholar, Donna Haraway in this unique conversation. In her 1985 essay “A Cyborg Manifesto” and 2003 work, “The Companion Species Manifesto”, Haraway challenged patriarchal, capitalist, binary, species-ist ways of looking at the world. It’s no surprise that people are looking to her work again now. Generative thinking, she tells Laura, requires “taking the risk to try a new pattern; to invent something that may very well fall apart in your collective hands but leaves threads to be picked up again.” In this episode, Haraway and Flanders sit down for an expansive conversation about what it means to be human in an age of AI and resisting what she calls authoritarian “mono-thought.” Plus, a commentary from Laura on staying in the present and “staying with the trouble.”
“An individual is embedded deeply in worlds with other people, with other organisms, with living and non-living parts of the world. To be a self is to come to a thicker appreciation and accountability for the way we're embedded in the world and act in the world. That's what I mean by being a proper self.” - Donna Haraway
Guests: Donna Haraway, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California Santa Cruz, History of Consciousness Department; Author, A Cyborg Manifesto, When Species Meet, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode cut airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: Opolopo's 'No More Lies remix' of “We Rise” by Groove Junkies, Opolopo and Solara courtesy of More House Music; 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper'
Additional Credits: Audio Clip- Donna Haraway lecturing at the Next Nature Museum for Friday Next, organized in collaboration with the Premium Erasmium Foundation, and recorded by Emily Cohen Ibañez
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness” by Donna Haraway: *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Pride Pioneers Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “Powerlands”: Indigenous Youth Fight Big Oil & Gas Worldwide: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival by Fabrizo Terranova - Watch
• Making Oddkin: Story Telling for Earthly Survival lecture at Yale - Watch
• You Are Cyborg by Hair Kunzru, February 1, 1997, WIRED
• Donna Haraway, Erasmus laureate 2025 at the Next Nature Museum, November 21, 2025, by Next Nature
• Rethinking Humanity with Donna Haraway: A Cyborg Manifesto for the AI Age, August 18, 2025, Philosopheasy
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we learn from the feminist philosopher Donna Haraway about thinking beyond binaries, cultivating community and taking risks.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: “Thinking requires action and passion,” says feminist philosopher and scholar, Donna Haraway in this unique conversation. In her 1985 essay “A Cyborg Manifesto” and 2003 work, “The Companion Species Manifesto”, Haraway challenged patriarchal, capitalist, binary, species-ist ways of looking at the world. It’s no surprise that people are looking to her work again now. Generative thinking, she tells Laura, requires “taking the risk to try a new pattern; to invent something that may very well fall apart in your collective hands but leaves threads to be picked up again.” In this episode, Haraway and Flanders sit down for an expansive conversation about what it means to be human in an age of AI and resisting what she calls authoritarian “mono-thought.” Plus, a commentary from Laura on staying in the present and “staying with the trouble.”
“An individual is embedded deeply in worlds with other people, with other organisms, with living and non-living parts of the world. To be a self is to come to a thicker appreciation and accountability for the way we're embedded in the world and act in the world. That's what I mean by being a proper self.” - Donna Haraway
Guest: Donna Haraway, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California Santa Cruz, History of Consciousness Department; Author, A Cyborg Manifesto, When Species Meet, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness” by Donna Haraway: *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Pride Pioneers Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “Powerlands”: Indigenous Youth Fight Big Oil & Gas Worldwide: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival by Fabrizo Terranova - Watch
• Making Oddkin: Story Telling for Earthly Survival lecture at Yale - Watch
• You Are Cyborg by Hair Kunzru, February 1, 1997, WIRED
• Donna Haraway, Erasmus laureate 2025 at the Next Nature Museum, November 21, 2025, by Next Nature
• Rethinking Humanity with Donna Haraway: A Cyborg Manifesto for the AI Age, August 18, 2025, Philosopheasy
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we celebrate Marsha P Johnson's life and legacy with two trans activists who are carrying on her work.
This show is made possible by you! Make a one off donation or make it monthly at LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Episode Description: Activist and artist Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key founders of the gay liberation movement after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, but it’s taken years for her to receive recognition. On this special Pride Month edition of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we’re celebrating Marsha’s life and legacy with two activists carrying her story forward. A new biography from Penguin House, “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by our guest, Tourmaline traces Marsha’s working-class beginnings to her work with sex workers and street activists, to her death in 1992. Qween Jean is a self-described “spiritual daughter” of Marsha and the founder of Black Trans Liberation. Explore how mainstream media coverage once excluded Marsha, and what’s changed since then. We also unpack the media’s coverage of transphobia and the recent ruling from Tennessee that restricts gender-affirming care for minors. In the face of extreme backlash and repression, how are artists and activists reframing media narratives for queer and trans liberation?
“A lot of trans and queer people, especially here in New York City, that are asylum seekers that have had to leave other countries from persecution now find themselves in a place of purgatory . . . They can't even go to get a hormone shot because they're afraid. What if ICE is literally outside waiting for us?” - Qween Jean
“Marsha knew that these conditions didn't get to determine how she felt about herself. No court, no Supreme Court, no police officer, no governor, no president . . . She was creating the conditions to remind herself and each other that we too get to feel beautiful and know our value firmly.” - Tourmaline
Guests:
• Qween Jean: Founder, Black Trans Liberation; Human Rights Activist & Costume Designer including 'CATS: The Jellicle Ball' on Broadway
• Tourmaline: Artist; Author, MARSHA: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended books:
• “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by Tourmaline: Get the Book*
• “Revolution is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation”: Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Full Uncut Conversation: Marsha P. Johnson’s Queer Legacy Lives On: Tourmaline & Qween Jean on Trans Liberation LISTEN
• Special Report- Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists. Watch / Listen-Download
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Beyond Disability Rights; Disability Justice: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we celebrate Marsha P Johnson's life and legacy with two trans activists who are carrying on her work.
This show is made possible by you! Make a one off donation or make it monthly at LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Description: Activist and artist Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key founders of the gay liberation movement after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, but it’s taken years for her to receive recognition. On this special Pride Month edition of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we’re celebrating Marsha’s life and legacy with two activists carrying her story forward. A new biography from Penguin House, “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by our guest, Tourmaline traces Marsha’s working-class beginnings to her work with sex workers and street activists, to her death in 1992. Qween Jean is a self-described “spiritual daughter” of Marsha and the founder of Black Trans Liberation. Explore how mainstream media coverage once excluded Marsha, and what’s changed since then. We also unpack the media’s coverage of transphobia and the recent ruling from Tennessee that restricts gender-affirming care for minors. In the face of extreme backlash and repression, how are artists and activists reframing media narratives for queer and trans liberation?
“A lot of trans and queer people, especially here in New York City, that are asylum seekers that have had to leave other countries from persecution now find themselves in a place of purgatory . . . They can't even go to get a hormone shot because they're afraid. What if ICE is literally outside waiting for us?” - Qween Jean
“Marsha knew that these conditions didn't get to determine how she felt about herself. No court, no Supreme Court, no police officer, no governor, no president . . . She was creating the conditions to remind herself and each other that we too get to feel beautiful and know our value firmly.” - Tourmaline
Guests:
• Qween Jean: Founder, Black Trans Liberation; Human Rights Activist & Costume Designer
• Tourmaline: Artist; Author, MARSHA: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended books:
• “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by Tourmaline: Get the Book*
• “Revolution is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation”: Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Special Report- Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists. Watch / Listen-Download
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Beyond Disability Rights; Disability Justice: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Trans power is my sword and my shield: Qween Jean at trans rights conference in Chennai, by Video Sigamany, November 10, 2024, The News Minute
• Thanks to Tourmaline, the Long-Awaited Biography of Marsha P. Johnson Is Here, by Journey Streams, May 20, 2025, Interview Magazine
• Stonewall 1979: The Drag of Politics, by Steve Watson, Originally published: June 15, 1979, The Village Voice
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*ed Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest: Dean Spade, Author, “Love In A F*cked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together”, “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)” and more.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “We are Rising” by activist, singer and songwriter, Taína Asili. She created the song for One Billion Rising’s 2020 global campaign.. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:
“Love In A Fcked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together” by Dean Spade, Learn more here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week Dean Spade shares tips for putting our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*ed Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest:
Dean Spade, Author, “Love In A F*cked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together”, “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)” and more.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:
• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we explore 'The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity’, with author and activist Sarah Schulman, who shares what she’s learned from AIDS activism to Palestine.
Description: What is “solidarity” and what does it require? Giving up on perfection, for one thing, says Sarah Schulman, author of “Conflict is Not Abuse,” and so much more. Award-winning writer, teacher, playwright and activist, Schulman’s latest book is “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity”, in which she reflects on years of experiments and learning, from the 1980s to today. In this episode, find out what role GRITtv, an earlier iteration of Flanders’ show, played in the movement for Palestinian liberation, and hear a discussion of the Harlem artist Alice Neel. Schulman sits on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her non-fiction books include “Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair” and “Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993”. Also in this episode, a commentary from Laura on the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, a strategic progressive who practiced solidarity.
“When I confronted the Israeli occupation of Palestine, something resonated for me emotionally between that and the AIDS experience. What I felt was similar was that people who were endangered were being falsely depicted as dangerous.” - Sarah Schulman
“Right now we're in the middle of a cataclysm of fascism and there's no quick fix. And we have to understand that the idea that you can go in and just fix it is a supremacy concept.” - Sarah Schulman
Guests: Sarah Schulman, Writer & AIDS Historian; Author, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Watch the special report released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Uncut Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• GRITtv: Sarah Schulman: Emerging Palestinian Queer Movement: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘They’re Coming After All of Us.’ You Might as Well Tell the Truth. The longtime activist and writer Sarah Schulman on why now is the time to stand up to people you oppose. By Lydia Polgreen, Produced by Vishakha Darbha, April 10, 2025, The Opinion - New York Times
• The Vault: ACT UP protesters tue up traffic in lower Manhattan in 1988, NY Eyewitness News ABC 7
• Jewish peace activists hold sit-in protest at Grand Central to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, October 27, 2023, PIX11 News-NY
• Alice Neel Documentary on the life and work of Alice Need (1900—1984), American portrait painter. November 18, 2009, Official Trailer
• Jim Hubbard and Sarah Schulman Present, United In Anger, A History of ACT-UP, a film by Jim Hubbard. Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around solidarity, kinship and what it means to be human. This week we explore 'The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity’, with author and activist Sarah Schulman, who shares what she’s learned from AIDS activism to Palestine.
Description: What is “solidarity” and what does it require? Giving up on perfection, for one thing, says Sarah Schulman, author of “Conflict is Not Abuse,” and so much more. Award-winning writer, teacher, playwright and activist, Schulman’s latest book is “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity”, in which she reflects on years of experiments and learning, from the 1980s to today. In this episode, find out what role GRITtv, an earlier iteration of Flanders’ show, played in the movement for Palestinian liberation, and hear a discussion of the Harlem artist Alice Neel. Schulman sits on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her non-fiction books include “Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair” and “Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993”. Also in this episode, a commentary from Laura on the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, a strategic progressive who practiced solidarity.
“When I confronted the Israeli occupation of Palestine, something resonated for me emotionally between that and the AIDS experience. What I felt was similar was that people who were endangered were being falsely depicted as dangerous.” - Sarah Schulman
“Right now we're in the middle of a cataclysm of fascism and there's no quick fix. And we have to understand that the idea that you can go in and just fix it is a supremacy concept.” - Sarah Schulman
Guests: Sarah Schulman, Writer & AIDS Historian; Author, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 20th; PBS World Channel Sundays at 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• GRITtv: Sarah Schulman: Emerging Palestinian Queer Movement: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘They’re Coming After All of Us.’ You Might as Well Tell the Truth. The longtime activist and writer Sarah Schulman on why now is the time to stand up to people you oppose. By Lydia Polgreen, Produced by Vishakha Darbha, April 10, 2025, The Opinion - New York Times
• The Vault: ACT UP protesters tue up traffic in lower Manhattan in 1988, NY Eyewitness News ABC 7
• Jewish peace activists hold sit-in protest at Grand Central to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, October 27, 2023, PIX11 News-NY
• Alice Neel Documentary on the life and work of Alice Need (1900—1984), American portrait painter. November 18, 2009, Official Trailer
• Jim Hubbard and Sarah Schulman Present, United In Anger, A History of ACT-UP, a film by Jim Hubbard. Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now. They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they’re just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People’s Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris’s News From Nowhere.
“We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru
“My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb
“We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans
Guests:
• Edget Betru: Coordinator, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders
• David Cobb: Staff, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network
• Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab
- Watch the episode released on our YouTube channel; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: "Solace" by Antibalas from their album Hourglass released on Daptone Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch
• Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox: Watch / Listen
• Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Community Movement Builders’ Community Sea Moss Cooperative
• Tale of the Tape: An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City’ Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B
• Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series
• The Butterfly Effect Fund
• Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future
• Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette
• Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation
• Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time
• U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN)
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now. They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they’re just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People’s Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris’s News From Nowhere.
“We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru
“My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb
“We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans
Guests:
• Edget Betru: Coordinator, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders
• David Cobb: Staff, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network
• Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab
Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch
• Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox: Watch / Listen
• Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Community Movement Builders’ Community Sea Moss Cooperative
• Tale of the Tape: An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City’ Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B
• Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series
• The Butterfly Effect Fund
• Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future
• Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette
• Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation
• Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time
• U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN)
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week we explore how workers and their allies are confronting authoritarianism—and building power from the ground up.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
DESCRIPTION [Original Release Date July 9, 2025]: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?
“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han
“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís Ramos
Guests:
Alex Han: Executive Director, In These Times
Tarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]Watch / Listen: Episode
• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode
• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation
• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
In These Times magazine
Political Research Associates
Future Currents
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week we explore how workers and their allies are confronting authoritarianism—and building power from the ground up.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
DESCRIPTION [Original Release Date July 9, 2025]: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?
“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han
“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís Ramos
Guests:
Alex Han: Executive Director, In These Times
Tarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube.; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]Watch / Listen: Episode
• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode
• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation
• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
In These Times magazine
Political Research Associates
Future Currents
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week, we turn our lens on the AI Data Center Revolt underway. Red and blue state's alike people across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires and they're speaking out.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative?
“Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy
“. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir
Guests:
• John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI
• Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
m and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI” by John Cassidy: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Featured Clip Credit: America’s Dataland? 1st Amendment Under Attack: There women arrested, produced by Johnathan Klett - Watch the full video
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Donna Haraway on Cyborgs, “Oddkin” & Resisting the Monoculture of the Mind: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversations- Brian Salisbury and Hilary Wainwright
Related Articles and Resources:
• Small Towns Are Rising Up Against AI Data Centers, “We don’t want to be the next Data Center Alley,” by Joe Wilkins, May 4, 2025, Futurism
• The AI Backlash Keeps Growing Stronger, by Reece Rogers, June 28, 2025, WIRED
• The Dangers of AI and Extreme Wealth Inequality, by David Atkins, January 5, 2026, Washington Monthly
• At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, by Tom Kertscher, January 26, 2026, Wisconsin Watch
• Anti-data center protesters arrested during Port Washington meeting, by Claudia Levens, Jessie Opoien and Francesca Pica, December 3, 2025, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• How Sam Altman Outfoxed Elon Musk to Become Trump’s AI Buddy, by Keach Hagey, Dana Mattionili and Josh Dawsey, July 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal
• Curtis Yarvin’s brave new world: we need a corporate dictatorship to replace a dying democracy’ by Boris Munoz, August 19, 2005, El Pais
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week, we turn our lens on the AI Data Center Revolt underway. Red and blue state's alike people across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires and they're speaking out.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative?
“Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy
“. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir
Guests:
• John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI
• Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week, get inspired by courageous activism! Learn from lifelong activists like 95-year-old Dolores Huerta on using narrative to break through fear and build movements.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [original airdate October 24, 2025]: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director and producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers with César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin
“. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . . The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta
Guests:
• Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab
• Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episodes air on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, "Funk 4 Peace" by Fort Knox Five featuring Mustafa Akbar from their album Radio Free DC courtesy of Fort Knox Recordings, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Additional Crew:
Director of Photography: Brian Dentz, Fig Pie Media
Sound Mixer: Alexander Marshall, Blowtorch Productions
Credits:
“The People, United” video short
Writer, Director & Executive Producer: Ellen Gavin
Producers: Alana Maiello, Natasha Estrada
Director of Photography: Sevdije Kastrati Dill
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week, get inspired by courageous activism! Learn from lifelong activists like 95-year-old Dolores Huerta on using narrative to break through fear and build movements.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [Original Air Date - October 19, 2025]: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director, producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin
“. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . . The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta
Guests:
• Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab
• Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio, (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Additional Crew:
Director of Photography: Brian Dentz, Fig Pie Media
Sound Mixer: Alexander Marshall, Blowtorch Productions
Credits:
“The People, United” video short
Writer, Director & Executive Producer: Ellen Gavin
Producers: Alana Maiello, Natasha Estrada
Director of Photography: Sevdije Kastrati Dill
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Two decades after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana, the state is now facing a new kind of storm: the rapid expansion of liquified natural gas facilities that are displacing residents and polluting minority communities.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the United States, killing 1,833 people, displacing hundreds of thousands more and causing more than $100 billion in damage. Louisianans wanted change and climate action, but 20 years on, a state ravaged by climate disasters is now ground zero for a whole new kind of storm: liquified natural gas facilities. The Trump administration okayed several new LNG plants on the Gulf this year, but residents are still picking up the pieces after the first LNG plants entered their neighborhood under Democratic administrations. In this episode, Laura speaks to Louisianans whose lives have been turned upside down by the expansion of LNG exports, and an expert who says minority communities benefit little from the jobs in the petrochemical facilities that surround them, yet suffer disproportionate pollution effects. Their message? Climate refugees exist in the U.S., and there will be more: “Wake up, open your eyes!”
“[I’m a] climate refugee, more than once . . . I'm no scientist, but I'm more of an expert than the experts. Living it’s a whole different ball game.” - Travis Dardar
“[Companies] demand big tax incentives to come here . . . We are last in transportation, last in healthcare, last in education . . . We’re almost last in every measurable area because we give tax breaks to the big oil companies and petrochemical companies.” - General Russel L. Honoré
“Donald Trump doesn't live next to an oil refinery and he never will.” - Kimberly Terrell
Guests:
• Travis Dardar: Commercial Fisherman; Founder, Fishermen Interested In Saving our Heritage (FISH)
• General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
• Kimberly Terrell: Visiting Scientist, Center for Applied Environmental Science (CAES); Former Research Scientist & Director, Community Engagement, Tulane Environmental Law Clinic
Additional Crew: for this special report includes Dan T. Peters of Dan T. Peters Media and Calvin Blue Jr.. Special Thanks: Gina Kim and Anne Rolfes
Music credits: Jagged and Thrum of Soil by Blue Dot Sessions and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Watch the episode released on YouTube August 1st, 5pm ET; PBS World Channel August 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast August 6th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation with General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• "Immunity for oil & gas companies are on the horizon if HB804 becomes law in Louisiana:" - A new bill from State Rep. Geymann would restrict nearly any claims for damages caused by emissions. Environmental reporter Emily Sanders from ExxonKnews explains what's in the bill." by Carolyne Heldman, Behind the Lens Podcast
• War in Iran increases demand for U.S. liquified natural gas providers, by Drew Hawkins, March 13, 2026, Morning Edition - NPR
• Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center
• The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision. The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming. September 22, 2023, By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker
• Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week we head to Louisiana for a special investigative report. Decades after Katrina, Louisiana is weathering a new storm: the petrochemical industry.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description [Original release date August 3, 2025]: While our weekly Laura Flanders & Friends shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is an extended interview from our upcoming podcast special “Louisiana Survived Katrina. Will it Survive the Petrochemical Industry? — that takes a deeper dive into the stories of the frontline communities fighting back.
We speak with General Russel Honoré, the retired Lieutenant General who led the federal response to Katrina and now heads the GreenArmy, a grassroots environmental alliance.
Since the Trump administration returned to office in 2025, a surge of federally approved LNG export plants has swept across Louisiana’s coast. Honoré warns these developments are accelerating land loss, worsening hurricane impacts, and deepening the crisis for communities already facing climate displacement. Many have been forced to move multiple times as storms intensify, floodwaters rise, and petrochemical pollution endangers public health—especially in Black, Indigenous, and working-class areas.
In this urgent and unfiltered interview, General Honoré speaks out about government capture, corporate corruption, and the growing disconnect between environmental policy and public survival. For him, real resilience means challenging the industries and institutions that continue to put profit ahead of people.
GUEST: General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays at 11:00am, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• War in Iran increases demand for U.S. liquified natural gas providers, by Drew Hawkins, March 13, 2026, Morning Edition - NPR
• Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center
• The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision. The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming. September 22, 2023, By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker
• Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week we head to Brittons Neck, South Carolina to explore the Booming Forest Industry in the South - Economic Gains vs. Community Costs.
Make a tax deductible and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.
“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra
“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry
“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith
Guests:
• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance
• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance
• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast..
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast: Episode & Related Commentary by Laura
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer. Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News
• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out
• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance
• Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist
Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:
“Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings. Listen & Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week we head to Brittons Neck, South Carolina to explore the Booming Forest Industry in the South - Economic Gains vs. Community Costs.
Make a tax deductible and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.
“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra
“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry
“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith
Guests:
• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance
• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance
• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast..
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast: Episode & Related Commentary by Laura
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer. Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News
• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out
• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance
• Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week, Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs.
Make a tax deductible donation and become a member at LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: Are you drowning? This year hasn’t been smooth sailing for many of us — with extreme temperatures, and other crises. How do we take a breath? Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ UNDROWNED: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, draws on the practices of marine mammals — they are the experts, after all, in not drowning. (The harbor seal can slow its breath to about four beats per minute!) The book landed her the prestigious 2022 Whiting Prize for nonfiction, and now she is working on a biography of Audre Lorde. Plus, she is bringing people together through Soul Sanctuary, retreats that center a Black, feminist and queer vision. Join Laura and Gumbs for a conversation on how we can all practice “another way to breathe.” Music featured in the middle of the radio show and podcast is the title track of Samora Pinderhughes’ “Transformation Suite”.
“This is an offering towards evolution, towards our evolution, towards the possibility that instead of continuing the trajectory of slavery, entrapment, separation, and domination, and making our atmosphere unbreakable, we might instead practice another way to breathe.” - Alexis Pauline Gumbs
“The context of undrowning, breathing in unbreathable circumstances is what we do every day, in the choke hold of racial, gendered, ableist capitalism. We are still undrowning. And by we, I don't only mean people like myself whose ancestors specifically survive the middle passage.” - Alexis Pauline Gumbs
Guest:
Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Poet, Author, Independent Scholar & Activist
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel nationally airing Sundays at 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Podcast: Full uncut conversation is available in the podcast feed.
Music Credit: “Transformation Suite” by Samora Pinderhughes, "Ripples" by Ketsa, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Related Books:
“Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, published by AK Press as part of adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy Series Find More About the Book Here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “Revolution Mothering” hosted by Alexis Pauline Gumbs Watch Here
• Kristina Wong & Rebecca Solnit: The Power of Art & Aunties Watch & Listen Here
• Armed with Art: Taking Down the Wall of Whiteness Watch & Listen Here
• How Radical Self Love Can Heal the World Watch & Listen Here
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm Watch & Subscribe to the podcast here and the full conversation here
Related Articles and Resources:
• Song versions of pieces from Gumbs’ book ‘Undrowned’ in collaboration with Toshi Reagon Listen Here
• Music video “Makalani = Eye of Heaven = She knows” by Be Steadwell featuring one of the collaborations between Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Toshi Reagon Watch Here
• Where to Turn When You Feel ‘at Odds With Being Human’, by Alana Mohamed, The Atlantic, Read Here
• The Age of Stolen Salt (salt is time) by Pauline Gumbs, Orion People & Nature Read Here
Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:
The title track of Samora Pinderhughes’ “Transformation Suite” Listen and Learn More Here
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week, a call to ecological action that’s about more than planting with 'plant whisperer', ecologist, Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Make a tax deductible donation and become a member at LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you’ll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn’t peaceful.
“I think it is so important that we embrace ecological grief rather than look away . . . When we recognize that pain we feel for our relationships with the natural world is also the measure of our love for the living world. It's that love which is mirrored in the grief that makes you get back up and say, ‘Not on my watch.’” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Guest: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass
*Recommended book:
Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book* And to accompany the book:
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel nationally airing Sundays at 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Podcast: Full uncut conversation is available in the podcast feed.
Music Credit: “Ode to Nature” by Hover Fly from the Climate Soundtrack Compilation produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, Listen
• Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Speaking of Nature: Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture
• Watch: Gifts of the Land: A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU
• The Braiding Sweetgrass’ Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times
• Fishing in a superfund site: Onondaga Lake’s road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week, A call to ecological action that’s about more than planting with Braiding Sweetgrass' Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [Full Uncut Conversation]: When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you’ll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn’t peaceful. [original release date January 7th, 2026]
“I think it is so important that we embrace ecological grief rather than look away . . . When we recognize that pain we feel for our relationships with the natural world is also the measure of our love for the living world. It's that love which is mirrored in the grief that makes you get back up and say, ‘Not on my watch.’” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Guest: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass
*Recommended book:
Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast..
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, Listen
• Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Speaking of Nature: Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture
• Watch: Gifts of the Land: A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU
• The Braiding Sweetgrass’ Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times
• Fishing in a superfund site: Onondaga Lake’s road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As a bestselling author of 18 books, including "Aftershock" and "The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It", Robert Reich shares his insights on how to address growing income inequality and its impact on politics and economy.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description (original air date September 14, 2025)-The crisis we’re in was a long time coming. Now that we’re here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich’s latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich’s viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura’s two cents on “democratic capitalism.”
“If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,’ then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.’” - Robert Reich
“More than a century ago, we had the first Gilded Age in the United States . . . We had the equivalent of billionaires, the equivalent of Elon Musk . . . Why would we not have another Progressive Era as a response to the Gilded Age? We are now in the second Gilded Age.” - Robert Reich
Guest: Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Robert Reich Full Uncut Conversation
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: 'Dawn Smolders' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Watch
• The Pandemic Economy- Watch / Listen
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentary: The Last Class with Robert Reich
• “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack
• Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News
• Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts’ as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico
• Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action
• Office Hours: Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack
• Schumer: Democrats ‘will force votes’ on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Robert Reich Calls Out Corporate Power Threatening US Democracy
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description (original air date September 14, 2025)- The crisis we’re in was a long time coming. Now that we’re here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich’s latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich’s viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura’s two cents on “democratic capitalism.”
“If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,’ then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.’” - Robert Reich
Guest: Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode cut airs on community radio across the country (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, by Robert Reich - *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Watch
• The Pandemic Economy- Watch / Listen
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentary: The Last Class with Robert Reich
• “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack
• Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News
• Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts’ as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico
• Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action
• Office Hours: Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack
• Schumer: Democrats ‘will force votes’ on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“. . . There's this sense that [Left-leaning candidates] have to essentially be apologizing for their policy prescriptions and their stances. Mamdani has not done that . . . For the most part, he very much embraces who he is and what his policy prescriptions are.” - Felipe De La Hoz
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [original air date Oct 31, 2025]: Wherever you are in the country, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. If elected, Mamdani would become the first Muslim-American and only the second Democratic Socialist Mayor of the largest city in the U.S. His victory, on a promise to make New York affordable for working people, would have implications for politics everywhere. The race is already garnering both excitement and anxiety. President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding for New York City if Mamdani wins. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with Felipe De La Hoz, investigative immigration and policy reporter whose work has been featured in The Intercept, The Washington Post, New York Mag and The Nation; Osama Siblani, publisher and founder of The Arab American News, the largest Arab American newspaper in the U.S., and Asha Ransby-Sporn, organizer and writer for In These Times and co-founder of Black Youth Project 100, where she led the group's national organizing program. Join us as we explore what a Mamdani victory would signal for the nation.
Guests:
• Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC
• Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times
• Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airs on community radio across the country (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & is available as a podcast. The full uncut conversation is also available to podcast subscribers thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Libertango” by Stephan Wrembel’s from the ‘Django New Orleans II Hors Série’' courtesy of the artist, "Steppin" by Podington Bear and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“I hate giving labels. I don't look at Mandani as a progressive. I look at him as representing the anger and anguish of people who have been left behind with the political apparatus.” - Osama Siblani, Publisher, The Arab American News
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [Original air date Oct 31, 2025]: Wherever you are in the county, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. If elected, Mamdani would become the first Muslim-American and only the second Democratic Socialist Mayor of the largest city in the U.S. His victory, on a promise to make New York affordable for working people, would have implications for politics everywhere. The race is already garnering both excitement and anxiety. President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding for New York City if Mamdani wins. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with Felipe De La Hoz, investigative immigration and policy reporter whose work has been featured in The Intercept, The Washington Post, New York Mag and The Nation; Osama Siblani, publisher and founder of The Arab American News, the largest Arab American newspaper in the U.S., and Asha Ransby-Sporn, organizer and writer for In These Times and co-founder of Black Youth Project 100, where she led the group's national organizing program. Join us as we explore what a Mamdani victory would signal for the nation.
“More so than I am concerned with Black people being pulled to the Right or being pulled in by Trump . . . I think what we see are people who are disengaged and feel like our political system isn't going to deliver for them at all. Who feel let down by the establishment Democratic party that has sold all of us out for decades, and Black people have borne an enormous amount of the brunt of that impact.” - Asha Ransby-Sporn
Guests:
• Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC
• Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times
• Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode cut airs on community radio across the country (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Indivisible’s Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think.
This show is made possible by you! Make a tax deductible donation and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Description: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary’s strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary’s most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary’s universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today’s episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin
“You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper
Guests:
• Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible
• László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary
Listen to the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed.
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube, PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airs on community radio across the U.S. (check here to see if your station airs the show) & as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “Give In to What is Real” by STR4TA from their album Aspects released on Brownswood Recordings, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
* Recommended Book:
“We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink: Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version
• The Three R’s Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack
•. Countering Authocratization: Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
• Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary’s Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine
• The Government Took Over Their University. Here’s How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons
• How to save the news. The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance. A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue
• Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: If you’re worried about authoritarianism, this episode reminds you that people-powered resistance still wins. Indivisible’s Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think.
This show is made possible by you! Make a tax deductible donation and become a member, go to LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Description [orignal airdate December 2025]: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary’s strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary’s most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary’s universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today’s episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin
“You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper
Guests:
• Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible
• László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
* Recommended Book:
“We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink: Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version
• The Three R’s Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack
•. Countering Authocratization: Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
• Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary’s Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine
• The Government Took Over Their University. Here’s How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons
• How to save the news. The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance. A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue
• Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: The Trump administration’s aggressive use of ICE agents and National Guardsmen has sparked outrage among lawmakers like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and veteran activists such as Janessa Goldbeck; they join forces to discuss what can be done now.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [original air-date November 2025]: The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that’s getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura’s guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it’s time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State’s 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.
Note: This conversation took place prior to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in MN]
“What we're seeing now is the president attempting to reshape the U.S. military into a tool of his own domestic political control . . . And then to deploy uniformed service members and the National Guard across the country against the wishes of local elected leaders . . . I feel a lot of sadness and frustration on behalf of those who are serving in uniform today who are being put into this very partisan political position by the United States president.” - Janessa Goldbeck
“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Guests:
• Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional District
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episodes air on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement.
• Pentagon orders states’ national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’ by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle: ‘We are the people’s movement that will save our democracy’, October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com
• Former Military Leaders Decry National Guard Deployment in Illinois, by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois, October 16, 2025, WTTW-PBS
• Where has Trump suggested sending troops? In cities run by Democratic mayors, by Juliana Kim, October 16, 2025, NPR
•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney, October 16, 2025, ProPublica
•. Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act, by Irie Sentner, October 6, 2025, Politico
• FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Of Peace” by Galliano from the album Halfway Somewhere Expanded released on Brownswood Recordings and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: What happens when the President threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act? Two leading voices weigh in on how Congress, veterans, and citizens can push back against rising militarization.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description [original air-date November 2025]: The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that’s getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura’s guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it’s time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State’s 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.
Note: This conversation took place prior to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in MN]
“What we're seeing now is the president attempting to reshape the U.S. military into a tool of his own domestic political control . . . And then to deploy uniformed service members and the National Guard across the country against the wishes of local elected leaders . . . I feel a lot of sadness and frustration on behalf of those who are serving in uniform today who are being put into this very partisan political position by the United States president.” - Janessa Goldbeck
“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Guests:
• Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional District
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episodes air on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement.
• Pentagon orders states’ national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’ by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle: ‘We are the people’s movement that will save our democracy’, October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com
• Former Military Leaders Decry National Guard Deployment in Illinois, by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois, October 16, 2025, WTTW-PBS
• Where has Trump suggested sending troops? In cities run by Democratic mayors, by Juliana Kim, October 16, 2025, NPR
•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney, October 16, 2025, ProPublica
•. Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act, by Irie Sentner, October 6, 2025, Politico
• FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: From Resistance to Revolution How Communities Are Creating a New Economy
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they’re just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People’s Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris’s News From Nowhere.
“We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru
“My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb
“We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans
Guests:
• Edget Betru: Coordinator, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders
• David Cobb: Staff, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network
• Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab
Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show).
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: "Solace" by Antibalas from their album Hourglass released on Daptone Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch
• Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox: Watch / Listen
• Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Community Movement Builders’ Community Sea Moss Cooperative
• Tale of the Tape: An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City’ Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B
• Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series
• The Butterfly Effect Fund
• Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future
• Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette
• Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation
• Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time
• U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN)
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Members of PNLL are experimenting with new ways of doing politics and economics in communities across the US, focusing on local solutions and shared resources.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they’re just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People’s Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris’s News From Nowhere.
“We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru
“My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb
“We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans
Guests:
• Edget Betru: Coordinator, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders
• David Cobb: Staff, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network
• Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People’s Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab
Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast March 4, 2026.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch
• Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox: Watch / Listen
• Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Community Movement Builders’ Community Sea Moss Cooperative
• Tale of the Tape: An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City’ Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B
• Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series
• The Butterfly Effect Fund
• Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future
• Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette
• Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation
• Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time
• U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN)
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times Third World Newsreel's Enduring Legacy
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: It’s almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There’s lots to learn about how they’ve adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today’s “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing.
“I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi
“We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold
“People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila
Guests:
• Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now!
• Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist
• JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel
Watchon YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: Music Credit: "Povenier" by Sotomayor from their album WABI SABI courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times
• My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold
• La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer
• Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker
•. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc
• Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila
• Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel
• Have You Seen It Yet? The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: What’s it take for an independent media collective to last for almost 60 years?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: It’s almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There’s lots to learn about how they’ve adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today’s “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing.
“I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi
“We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold
“People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila
Guests:
• Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now!
• Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist
• JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel
Watchon YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 25th, 2026.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times
• My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold
• La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer
• Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker
•. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc
• Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila
• Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel
• Have You Seen It Yet? The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Why is the sexism at the heart of Trumpism taken so lightly?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Donald Trump has a long record of demeaning and berating women. He’s also linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his name appears literally thousands of times in relation to what is arguably the biggest, sickest sex abuse scandal ever. So why is the sexism at the heart of Trumpism taken so lightly? In this episode, we look at how sexism functions in today’s fascist resurgence with experts Nina Burleigh, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and Annie Wilkinson. Burleigh is a journalist, best-selling author, documentary producer, and publisher of “American Freakshow” on Substack. Rev. Washington-Leapheart is a minister, professor, and the first-ever Strategic Partnerships Director at Political Research Associates (PRA), a social justice research and strategy center founded in 1981 by the feminist political scientist Jean Hardisty. In 2025 PRA dedicated an entire issue of their journal to the relationship between gender and authoritarianism, with a lead essay written by Wilkinson. Hear what our guests are taking away from the Epstein story, why authoritarians are afraid of feminism, and how women’s leadership poses such a threat to fascists. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on impunity in our times.
“It's not just about a sex case. It's not just about the mistreatment of women, I'm sorry to say, because that's a big part of it. It's the underpinning of how Epstein maybe was operating. It's really about influence, foreign affairs, and the way the last 20 years of American foreign policy has played out.” - Nina Burleigh
“The most unprotected women in the United States throughout our history have been Black women . . . It's sort of okay for a MAGA influencer to say that Black women have brains that process more slowly than any, and nobody challenges that.” - Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart
Guests:
• Nina Burleigh: NYT Bestselling Author & Journalist; Substack, American Freakshow
• Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart: Strategic Partnerships Director, Political Research Associates
• Annie Wilkinson: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: ''Bottom Line (ICE)" radio edit by Wunmi (courtesy of the artist), 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Trump Women: Part of the Deal” by Nina Burleigh: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Fighting Fascism from Hungary to No Kings: Ezra Levin & László Upor on Trump & Orbán- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Freedom for Women Requires Abolition Feminism: Suzanne Pharr & Beth Richie- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Return of the Planet of the Apes: the All-Boys’ Clubs of the Trumpocene, by Nina Burleigh, December 16, 2026, American Freakshow
• Jeffrey Epstein: the Ultimate Davos Man, by Nina Burleigh, January 23, 2026, American Freakshow
• What We Cannot Do is Be Revolutionaries Except When We’re Mothering, by Kenton Wahsington-Leapheart & REv. Naomi Washington-Leaphear, May 10, 2028, Religion Dispatches
• Q&A: Harnassing Our Power to End Political Violence, An interview with Scot Nakagawa and Hardy Merriman, by Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, November 21, 224, PRA
• Gender and Authoritarianism: A Framework for Analysis and Action, by Annie Wilkinson, April 3, 2025, PRA
• Revenge of the Patriarchs: Why Autocrats Fear Women, by Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks, February 8, 2022, Foreign Affairs
• Donald Trump vows to be protector of women ‘whether they like it or not’, by Edward Helmore, October 31, 2024, The Guardian
• White House Posts Photo Altered to Show Arrested Minnesota Protester Crying, by Tiffany Tsu, Alan Feuer and Stuart A. Thompson, January 22, 2026, New York Times
• Shutdown, federal layoffs take toll on Black women, by AFSCME Staff, November 6, 2025, AFSCME
• ‘We have to keep showing up for each other’: In Minnesota, caregiving is a form of resistance, by Barbara Rodriguez, February 6, 2026, 19thenews
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: What does Jeffrey Epstein's scandal have to do with Trump's brand of populist nationalism? We dive into the surprising links between fascism, feminism, and power dynamics on today's show.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Donald Trump has a long record of demeaning and berating women. He’s also linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his name appears literally thousands of times in relation to what is arguably the biggest, sickest sex abuse scandal ever. So why is the sexism at the heart of Trumpism taken so lightly? In this episode, we look at how sexism functions in today’s fascist resurgence with experts Nina Burleigh, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart and Annie Wilkinson. Burleigh is a journalist, best-selling author, documentary producer, and publisher of “American Freakshow” on Substack. Rev. Washington-Leapheart is a minister, professor, and the first-ever Strategic Partnerships Director at Political Research Associates (PRA), a social justice research and strategy center founded in 1981 by the feminist political scientist Jean Hardisty. In 2025 PRA dedicated an entire issue of their journal to the relationship between gender and authoritarianism, with a lead essay written by Wilkinson. Hear what our guests are taking away from the Epstein story, why authoritarians are afraid of feminism, and how women’s leadership poses such a threat to fascists. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on impunity in our times.
“It's not just about a sex case. It's not just about the mistreatment of women, I'm sorry to say, because that's a big part of it. It's the underpinning of how Epstein maybe was operating. It's really about influence, foreign affairs, and the way the last 20 years of American foreign policy has played out.” - Nina Burleigh
“The most unprotected women in the United States throughout our history have been Black women . . . It's sort of okay for a MAGA influencer to say that Black women have brains that process more slowly than any, and nobody challenges that.” - Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart
Guests:
• Nina Burleigh: NYT Bestselling Author & Journalist; Substack, American Freakshow
• Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart: Strategic Partnerships Director, Political Research Associates
• Annie Wilkinson: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 13th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Trump Women: Part of the Deal” by Nina Burleigh: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Fighting Fascism from Hungary to No Kings: Ezra Levin & László Upor on Trump & Orbán- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Freedom for Women Requires Abolition Feminism: Suzanne Pharr & Beth Richie- Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Return of the Planet of the Apes: the All-Boys’ Clubs of the Trumpocene, by Nina Burleigh, December 16, 2026, American Freakshow
• Jeffrey Epstein: the Ultimate Davos Man, by Nina Burleigh, January 23, 2026, American Freakshow
• What We Cannot Do is Be Revolutionaries Except When We’re Mothering, by Kenton Wahsington-Leapheart & REv. Naomi Washington-Leaphear, May 10, 2028, Religion Dispatches
• Q&A: Harnassing Our Power to End Political Violence, An interview with Scot Nakagawa and Hardy Merriman, by Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, November 21, 224, PRA
• Gender and Authoritarianism: A Framework for Analysis and Action, by Annie Wilkinson, April 3, 2025, PRA
• Revenge of the Patriarchs: Why Autocrats Fear Women, by Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks, February 8, 2022, Foreign Affairs
• Donald Trump vows to be protector of women ‘whether they like it or not’, by Edward Helmore, October 31, 2024, The Guardian
• White House Posts Photo Altered to Show Arrested Minnesota Protester Crying, by Tiffany Tsu, Alan Feuer and Stuart A. Thompson, January 22, 2026, New York Times
• Shutdown, federal layoffs take toll on Black women, by AFSCME Staff, November 6, 2025, AFSCME
• ‘We have to keep showing up for each other’: In Minnesota, caregiving is a form of resistance, by Barbara Rodriguez, February 6, 2026, 19thenews
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As the federal government's grip on power tightens, a growing movement is harnessing the power of local governments to resist authoritarianism and protect constitutional freedoms.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: There are countless strategies for resisting authoritarianism — many of which we’ve discussed on this program. This time, we’re looking at ways to stop the MAGA Right using the power of cities and states. What’s possible when people take federalism seriously and partner with state officials to protect their constitutional freedoms — and elections — from being violated by the federal government? Our guests are organizers and strategists with experience and plans for outmaneuvering MAGA at the state and municipal level. Christopher Armitage is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, writer, and founder of “The Existentialist Republic” on Substack. He is the author of a handbook on “Oppositional Federalism”. Sumathy Kumar is the Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc. She was the former Co-Chair of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America and under her leadership, NYC-DSA elected six socialist legislators to the New York State Legislature, including mayor Zohran Mamdani. From withholding federal revenue to building social housing, hear the creative ways people and local governments can turn up the heat. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“We need to take power away from the Trump administration and from the GOP. That means taking that power and putting it locally . . . Being able to provide a good quality of life in an affordable environment for your residents is soft succession.”
“Tenants are half the state in New York, they're 70% of the city . . . What I tell people is that you're not by yourself, you're with millions of other people who want this. It is scary to resist what's happening, especially when we see what ICE is doing, what the federal government is doing to people who stand up. But they are doing that because they are feeling threatened by the resistance . . .” - Sumathy Kumar
Guests:
• Christopher Armitage: Journalist & Policy Strategist; Substack, The Existentialist Republic; Author, Oppositional Federalism
• Sumathy Kumar: Executive Director, Housing Justice for All & NY State Tenant Bloc
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: We offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed.
Music Credit: 'Rise' by Maurice Joshua and 2FTHR released on Maurice Joshua Digital, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Oppositional Federalism” by Christopher Armitage: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Organizing for Gaza Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Overcoming the Housing Crisis: The Story of the Cooper Square Community Land Trust: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
•. A Public Bank for Public Good: Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• DSA’s Sumathy Kumar & the Socialists in Office Committee, by Stephanie Luce, August 20, 2021, Convergence
• The Cost-of-Living Crisis Explains Everything, by Annie Lowrey, November 11, 2024, The Atlantic
• It’s Time for Americans to Start Talking About “Soft Secession”, by Christopher Armitage, August 18, 2025, The Existentialist Republic
•. ICYMI: New analysis shows democratic AGS who sued protected their states’ public health funding, while GOP-led states lost out, August 28, 2025, Democratic Attorneys General Association
• New York law aims to stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements in West Bank, by Chris McGreal, May 17, 2023, The Guardian
•. What is The Montana Plan? Transparent Election Initiative
• Experts Say Blue States Can Stop Paying Federal Taxes, There’s Precedent, by Christopher Armitage, November 10, 2025, The Existentialist Republic
• Building “Mass Governance” in Zohran Mamdani’s New York City, by Sumathy Kumar and Gianpaolo Baiocchi, Jacobin Magazine
• Trump Lawsuit Against IRS Puts Him on Both Sides of the Same Case, by Richard Rubin, C Ryan Barber and Annie Linskey, February 1, 2026, The Wall Street Journal
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: By leveraging federalism, activists are finding creative ways to outmaneuver the MAGA Right at the state and municipal level, from withholding funds to building affordable housing.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: There are countless strategies for resisting authoritarianism — many of which we’ve discussed on this program. This time, we’re looking at ways to stop the MAGA Right using the power of cities and states. What’s possible when people take federalism seriously and partner with state officials to protect their constitutional freedoms — and elections — from being violated by the federal government? Our guests are organizers and strategists with experience and plans for outmaneuvering MAGA at the state and municipal level. Christopher Armitage is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, writer, and founder of “The Existentialist Republic” on Substack. He is the author of a handbook on “Oppositional Federalism”. Sumathy Kumar is the Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc. She was the former Co-Chair of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America and under her leadership, NYC-DSA elected six socialist legislators to the New York State Legislature, including mayor Zohran Mamdani. From withholding federal revenue to building social housing, hear the creative ways people and local governments can turn up the heat. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“We need to take power away from the Trump administration and from the GOP. That means taking that power and putting it locally . . . Being able to provide a good quality of life in an affordable environment for your residents is soft succession.” -Christopher Armitage
“Tenants are half the state in New York, they're 70% of the city . . . What I tell people is that you're not by yourself, you're with millions of other people who want this. It is scary to resist what's happening, especially when we see what ICE is doing, what the federal government is doing to people who stand up. But they are doing that because they are feeling threatened by the resistance . . .” - Sumathy Kumar
Guests:
• Christopher Armitage: Journalist & Policy Strategist; Substack, The Existentialist Republic; Author, Oppositional Federalism
• Sumathy Kumar: Executive Director, Housing Justice for All & NY State Tenant Bloc
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 11th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Oppositional Federalism” by Christopher Armitage: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Organizing for Gaza Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Overcoming the Housing Crisis: The Story of the Cooper Square Community Land Trust: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
•. A Public Bank for Public Good: Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• DSA’s Sumathy Kumar & the Socialists in Office Committee, by Stephanie Luce, August 20, 2021, Convergence
• The Cost-of-Living Crisis Explains Everything, by Annie Lowrey, November 11, 2024, The Atlantic
• It’s Time for Americans to Start Talking About “Soft Secession”, by Christopher Armitage, August 18, 2025, The Existentialist Republic
•. ICYMI: New analysis shows democratic AGS who sued protected their states’ public health funding, while GOP-led states lost out, August 28, 2025, Democratic Attorneys General Association
• New York law aims to stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements in West Bank, by Chris McGreal, May 17, 2023, The Guardian
•. What is The Montana Plan? Transparent Election Initiative
• Experts Say Blue States Can Stop Paying Federal Taxes, There’s Precedent, by Christopher Armitage, November 10, 2025, The Existentialist Republic
• Building “Mass Governance” in Zohran Mamdani’s New York City, by Sumathy Kumar and Gianpaolo Baiocchi, Jacobin Magazine
• Trump Lawsuit Against IRS Puts Him on Both Sides of the Same Case, by Richard Rubin, C Ryan Barber and Annie Linskey, February 1, 2026, The Wall Street Journal
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative?
“Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy
“. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir
Guests:
• John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI
• Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credits: “Living The Greatest Lie” by TQX and vocals by Shayna Stelle from the album Global Intimacy released on Extra Celestial Arts; 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper'
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI” by John Cassidy: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Featured Clip Credit: America’s Dataland? 1st Amendment Under Attack: There women arrested, produced by Johnathan Klett - Watch the full video
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Donna Haraway on Cyborgs, “Oddkin” & Resisting the Monoculture of the Mind: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversations- Brian Salisbury and Hilary Wainwright
Related Articles and Resources:
• Small Towns Are Rising Up Against AI Data Centers, “We don’t want to be the next Data Center Alley,” by Joe Wilkins, May 4, 2025, Futurism
• The AI Backlash Keeps Growing Stronger, by Reece Rogers, June 28, 2025, WIRED
• The Dangers of AI and Extreme Wealth Inequality, by David Atkins, January 5, 2026, Washington Monthly
• At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, by Tom Kertscher, January 26, 2026, Wisconsin Watch
• Anti-data center protesters arrested during Port Washington meeting, by Claudia Levens, Jessie Opoien and Francesca Pica, December 3, 2025, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• How Sam Altman Outfoxed Elon Musk to Become Trump’s AI Buddy, by Keach Hagey, Dana Mattionili and Josh Dawsey, July 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal
• Curtis Yarvin’s brave new world: we need a corporate dictatorship to replace a dying democracy’ by Boris Munoz, August 19, 2005, El Pais
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Only 17% of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years: Hear from labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union's Founder Faiz Shakir and NYer staff writer John Cassidy on who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed in the age of AI capitalism.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative?
“Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy
“. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir
Guests:
• John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI
• Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 4th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI” by John Cassidy: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Featured Clip Credit: America’s Dataland? 1st Amendment Under Attack: There women arrested, produced by Johnathan Klett - Watch the full video
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Donna Haraway on Cyborgs, “Oddkin” & Resisting the Monoculture of the Mind: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversations- Brian Salisbury and Hilary Wainwright
Related Articles and Resources:
• Small Towns Are Rising Up Against AI Data Centers, “We don’t want to be the next Data Center Alley,” by Joe Wilkins, May 4, 2025, Futurism
• The AI Backlash Keeps Growing Stronger, by Reece Rogers, June 28, 2025, WIRED
• The Dangers of AI and Extreme Wealth Inequality, by David Atkins, January 5, 2026, Washington Monthly
• At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, by Tom Kertscher, January 26, 2026, Wisconsin Watch
• Anti-data center protesters arrested during Port Washington meeting, by Claudia Levens, Jessie Opoien and Francesca Pica, December 3, 2025, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• How Sam Altman Outfoxed Elon Musk to Become Trump’s AI Buddy, by Keach Hagey, Dana Mattionili and Josh Dawsey, July 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal
• Curtis Yarvin’s brave new world: we need a corporate dictatorship to replace a dying democracy’ by Boris Munoz, August 19, 2005, El Pais
CHAPTERS:
Unpacking AI Resistance and Guests' Initial Concerns on Oligarchy
00:00:00
Communities Resist the Exploitation of Data Centers
00:03:58
AI's Disruptive Power: From Luddites to Broken Community Compacts
00:07:12
The Shocking Arrest at a Wisconsin Data Center Protest
00:10:34
Understanding the Luddites' Fight Against Technological Disruption
00:13:21
Navigating AI's Political Landscape and Economic Democracy
00:15:51
The Unforeseen Bipartisan Resistance to AI Data Centers
00:19:33
Addressing AI's Environmental Impact and Seeking Alternative Solutions
00:22:13
The Need for Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI
00:25:09
Capitalism's Crossroads: AI, Inequality, and Future Political Paths
00:27:23
Envisioning AI for Public Good and History's Future Judgment
00:31:12
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: We’re bringing you back to an episode from early 2024, co-hosted by Laura Flanders and Scot Nakagawa, because the forces they examined then are not behind us. They are very much with us now.
Political violence in the United States didn’t peak on January 6th. It metastasized. From threats against election workers and school board members, to attacks fueled by conspiracy, grievance, and organized extremism, the impact of violent political action continues to ripple through our communities — shaping who feels safe, who participates, and whose voices are pushed out of public life.
In this conversation, Laura and Scot convene organizers, researchers, and frontline leaders to define what political violence really is — not just spectacular acts, but sustained intimidation — and to ask how democracy survives when fear becomes a political tool.
You’ll hear from guests who have lived this reality, studied it, and resisted it — voices reminding us that while violence is meant to isolate and silence, community remains one of the strongest counterforces we have.
As the current political climate continues to normalize threats and reward extremism, this episode feels less like history — and more like a guidepost.
“As a child of a [Black] Panther, I saw inspiration in every action. Even when I saw my mother's friends being jailed for long periods of time or even killed by police terror . . . A lot of those folks went on to continue fighting against terror of the state and building community. I wanted to be a part of that . . .” - Sala Cyril
“Violence has greatly limited our ability to function as an inclusive, robust, multiracial democracy that in fact, we must deal with it . . . We need to believe we can win, and we need to think about who it is that we need on our side . . .” - Scot Nakagawa
“I can report anecdotally through different interactions with conservatives that they are experiencing political violence. I've been in attendance with secretaries of state, former Lieutenant governors. They all have stories of themselves or their families being on the receiving end of political violence . . .” - Maria J. Stephan
Guests:
• Sala Cyril: Interim Executive Director, Vision Change Win; Organizer, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, NYC
• Hardy Merriman: Author, Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence; Expert, Democracy Movements
• Scot Nakagawa (Co-host): Executive Director, 22nd Century Initiative & 22nd Century Conference
• Maria J. Stephan: Co-Lead & Chief Organizer, The Horizons Project; Co-author with Erica Chenoweth, Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict
This show is made possible thanks to you! To make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member, go to LauraFlanders.org/donate.
*Recommended book:
“Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict” by Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan: Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Countering the Coup: From the Grassroots Up: Watch / Subscribe to the podcast
•. Idaho’s United Vision Project: Confronting Extremism in America’s Heartland: Watch / Subscribe to the podcast
•. Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists: Watch / Subscribe to the podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• Combatting Authoritarianism: The Skills and Infrastructure Needed to Organize Across Difference, by Maria J. Stephan and Julia Roig, Just Security Read Here
•. What do Americans think about political violence? January 27, 2026, AllSides
• More Americans Say Political Rhetoric Has Gone to Far, by Jeffrey M. Jones, December 3, 2025, Gallop
•. America's New Era of Violent Populism is Here, January 14, 2026, Mother Jones
• Authoritarianism: How You Know It When You See It. What is Democracy? By Horizons Project, Learn More Here
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: A crime against journalism': Tune in as experts dissect corporate media's priorities - serving shareholders or informing voters?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Journalism is at an inflection point. Under a hail of lawsuits, firings, new hires, and mercenary mergers, the business of media is in shambles even as the need for reliable, truthful information to reach voters is greater than ever. Where does that leave journalists? In this episode, Laura and her guests discuss the money media’s dangerous denials and obfuscations, the problem with bothsidesism in a time of fascism, and the coverage of Renee Good’s killing in Minneapolis. Dean Obeidallah is a lawyer, writer, award-winning comedian and host of SiriusXM radio’s national daily program “The Dean Obeidallah Show”. Joy Reid, formerly host of the award-winning ReidOut on MSNBC, is a best-selling author, and host of the Joy Reid Show on YouTube. The decline of legacy media isn’t all bad news — especially for those, like Palestinians and others, who were always shut out of it — and the rise of independent platforms, savvy media consumers and new mechanisms for collaboration just might usher in a new age of great journalism, just when we need it. Join Dean, Joy and Laura for this rich conversation on resistance, reporting, and survival. [This conversation was recorded on January 14, 2026]
“What I would like corporate media to understand, their job is not to make money for shareholders and executives to get bonuses, but serve the people, make them smarter, even if it means losing access. I know that's a lot to ask, but that's what I would like because an educated, informed electorate is the key to saving this republic.” - Dean Obeidallah
“It is a crime against journalism for the editorial director of a news network to say our job is not to deliver the news, but to go viral. That's crazy.”- Joy Reid
Guests:
• Dean Obeidallah: Host of SiriusXM radio's The Dean Obeidallah Show
• Joy Reid: Host of The Joy Reid Show
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 28th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credits: “Life During Wartime” by Brooklyn Funk Essentials released on Dorado Records; 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper'
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” by Joy-Ann Reid: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Doxed, Stalked & Swatted: When the Far Right Goes After Journalists: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Maysoon Zayid: Comedy of Resistance, Disability, Difference & Palestine: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘There was no warning’: Joy Reid is speaking out about how she was fired from MSNBC, by Madeleine Marr, June 26, 2025, Miami Herald
• Dean Obeidallah - Substack
• ‘We Need to Be the News’: Inside Bari Weiss’s Bumpy Revamp at CBS, by Michael M. Grynbaum and Benjamin Mullin, January 13, 2026, New York Times
• What would Edward R. Murrow think of CBS parent company caving in to Donald Trump? By Kevin Cullen, July 3, 2025, The Boston Globe
• Nattering nabobs of news criticism: 50 years ago today, Spiro Agnew laid out a blueprint for attacking the press, by Thomas Alan Schwartz, November 13, 2019, NiemanLab
• 1964 Pulitzer Prize Winners - Journalism - Editorial Writing: Hazel Brannon Smith of Lexington, The Pulitzer Prices
• MeidasTouch News - a pro-democracy news network.
• Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow, by Ernesto Londono, January 13, 2026, New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Join a thought-provoking conversation with Laura, Dean Obeidallah, and Joy Reid as they dissect the media landscape's seismic shifts and explore how journalists can reclaim their role in serving the people.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Journalism is at an inflection point. Under a hail of lawsuits, firings, new hires, and mercenary mergers, the business of media is in shambles even as the need for reliable, truthful information to reach voters is greater than ever. Where does that leave journalists? In this episode, Laura and her guests discuss the money media’s dangerous denials and obfuscations, the problem with bothsidesism in a time of fascism, and the coverage of Renee Good’s killing in Minneapolis. Dean Obeidallah is a lawyer, writer, award-winning comedian and host of SiriusXM radio’s national daily program “The Dean Obeidallah Show”. Joy Reid, formerly host of the award-winning ReidOut on MSNBC, is a best-selling author, and host of the Joy Reid Show on YouTube. The decline of legacy media isn’t all bad news — especially for those, like Palestinians and others, who were always shut out of it — and the rise of independent platforms, savvy media consumers and new mechanisms for collaboration just might usher in a new age of great journalism, just when we need it. Join Dean, Joy and Laura for this rich conversation on resistance, reporting, and survival.
“What I would like corporate media to understand, their job is not to make money for shareholders and executives to get bonuses, but serve the people, make them smarter, even if it means losing access. I know that's a lot to ask, but that's what I would like because an educated, informed electorate is the key to saving this republic.” - Dean Obeidallah
“It is a crime against journalism for the editorial director of a news network to say our job is not to deliver the news, but to go viral. That's crazy.”- Joy Reid
Guests:
• Dean Obeidallah: Host of SiriusXM radio's The Dean Obeidallah Show
• Joy Reid: Host of The Joy Reid Show
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 28th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” by Joy-Ann Reid: *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Doxed, Stalked & Swatted: When the Far Right Goes After Journalists: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Maysoon Zayid: Comedy of Resistance, Disability, Difference & Palestine: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘There was no warning’: Joy Reid is speaking out about how she was fired from MSNBC, by Madeleine Marr, June 26, 2025, Miami Herald
• Dean Obeidallah - Substack
• ‘We Need to Be the News’: Inside Bari Weiss’s Bumpy Revamp at CBS, by Michael M. Grynbaum and Benjamin Mullin, January 13, 2026, New York Times
• What would Edward R. Murrow think of CBS parent company caving in to Donald Trump? By Kevin Cullen, July 3, 2025, The Boston Globe
• Nattering nabobs of news criticism: 50 years ago today, Spiro Agnew laid out a blueprint for attacking the press, by Thomas Alan Schwartz, November 13, 2019, NiemanLab
• 1964 Pulitzer Prize Winners - Journalism - Editorial Writing: Hazel Brannon Smith of Lexington, The Pulitzer Prices
• MeidasTouch News - a pro-democracy news network.
• Six Prosecutors Quit Over Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow, by Ernesto Londono, January 13, 2026, New York Times
CHAPTERS:
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Together, Laura and Donna consider expansive questions: how do we understand ourselves in an age of artificial intelligence? And how do we resist the pull of authoritarian “mono-thought” — the demand for certainty, sameness, and simple answers in a complex world?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: “Thinking requires action and passion,” says feminist philosopher and scholar, Donna Haraway in this unique conversation. In her 1985 essay “A Cyborg Manifesto” and 2003 work, “The Companion Species Manifesto”, Haraway challenged patriarchal, capitalist, binary, species-ist ways of looking at the world. It’s no surprise that people are looking to her work again now. Generative thinking, she tells Laura, requires “taking the risk to try a new pattern; to invent something that may very well fall apart in your collective hands but leaves threads to be picked up again.” In this episode, Haraway and Flanders sit down for an expansive conversation about what it means to be human in an age of AI and resisting what she calls authoritarian “mono-thought.” Plus, a commentary from Laura on staying in the present and “staying with the trouble.”
“An individual is embedded deeply in worlds with other people, with other organisms, with living and non-living parts of the world. To be a self is to come to a thicker appreciation and accountability for the way we're embedded in the world and act in the world. That's what I mean by being a proper self.” - Donna Haraway
Guest: Donna Haraway, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California Santa Cruz, History of Consciousness Department; Author, A Cyborg Manifesto, When Species Meet, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode cut airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 21st, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: Opolopo's 'No More Lies remix' of “We Rise” by Groove Junkies, Opolopo and Solara courtesy of More House Music; 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper'
Additional Credits: Audio Clip- Donna Haraway lecturing at the Next Nature Museum for Friday Next, organized in collaboration with the Premium Erasmium Foundation, and recorded by Emily Cohen Ibañez
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness” by Donna Haraway: *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Pride Pioneers Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “Powerlands”: Indigenous Youth Fight Big Oil & Gas Worldwide: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival by Fabrizo Terranova - Watch
• Making Oddkin: Story Telling for Earthly Survival lecture at Yale - Watch
• You Are Cyborg by Hair Kunzru, February 1, 1997, WIRED
• Donna Haraway, Erasmus laureate 2025 at the Next Nature Museum, November 21, 2025, by Next Nature
• Rethinking Humanity with Donna Haraway: A Cyborg Manifesto for the AI Age, August 18, 2025, Philosopheasy
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: A leading voice in feminist philosophy, Donna Haraway joins Laura for an incisive discussion on challenging patriarchal norms and cultivating a more inclusive understanding of humanity, one that prioritizes accountability and empathy in an increasingly complex world.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: “Thinking requires action and passion,” says feminist philosopher and scholar, Donna Haraway in this unique conversation. In her 1985 essay “A Cyborg Manifesto” and 2003 work, “The Companion Species Manifesto”, Haraway challenged patriarchal, capitalist, binary, species-ist ways of looking at the world. It’s no surprise that people are looking to her work again now. Generative thinking, she tells Laura, requires “taking the risk to try a new pattern; to invent something that may very well fall apart in your collective hands but leaves threads to be picked up again.” In this episode, Haraway and Flanders sit down for an expansive conversation about what it means to be human in an age of AI and resisting what she calls authoritarian “mono-thought.” Plus, a commentary from Laura on staying in the present and “staying with the trouble.”
“An individual is embedded deeply in worlds with other people, with other organisms, with living and non-living parts of the world. To be a self is to come to a thicker appreciation and accountability for the way we're embedded in the world and act in the world. That's what I mean by being a proper self.” - Donna Haraway
Guest: Donna Haraway, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California Santa Cruz, History of Consciousness Department; Author, A Cyborg Manifesto, When Species Meet, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 21st, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“The Companion Species Manifesto: Dogs, People, and Significant Otherness” by Donna Haraway: *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Pride Pioneers Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “Powerlands”: Indigenous Youth Fight Big Oil & Gas Worldwide: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival by Fabrizo Terranova - Watch
• Making Oddkin: Story Telling for Earthly Survival lecture at Yale - Watch
• You Are Cyborg by Hair Kunzru, February 1, 1997, WIRED
• Donna Haraway, Erasmus laureate 2025 at the Next Nature Museum, November 21, 2025, by Next Nature
• Rethinking Humanity with Donna Haraway: A Cyborg Manifesto for the AI Age, August 18, 2025, Philosopheasy
CHAPTERS:
Donna Haraway's Insights on Technology and Species
00:00:00
Why Haraway's Work Resonates: Thinking as a Collective Game
00:02:29
The Most Dangerous Story: Authoritarianism and Racial Capitalism
00:05:27
Beyond Binary: Understanding Technology's Dual Capacity for Good and Harm
00:08:48
From Isolated Individual to Networked Holo-Bion: Redefining the Self
00:11:09
Challenging Fixedness: The Diverse History of Humanity and Collective Life
00:18:40
Staying with the Trouble: Practicing Accountability and Making Kin
00:22:25
Finding Joy in Collective Action and Building Support Structures
00:27:49
The Power of Friendship and Non-Biological Kinship in Life and Work
00:31:50
Learning from Dogs: Agility and the Dance of Being with Others
00:36:58
From Local Action to AI: Revisiting the Cyborg Manifesto for Today's World
00:42:57
Affirmative Feminism and the Transformative Power of Compost
00:48:31
The Future is Now: Making Our Thick Present Livable & Show Outro
00:53:06
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a powerful tribute to a fearless leader, friends and collaborators share stories of Alice Wong's unwavering commitment to centering disabled voices and challenging systemic inequality in all its forms.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Alice Wong lived longer than she expected, but not long enough. The celebrated disability activist lived by the principle that disability justice is integral to all liberation movements, and centered disabled stories with the Disability Visibility Project. When Alice Wong died on November 14 at the age of 51, people across social movements shared their grief and awe for her work, such as her bestselling 2022 memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life”. She has been called an oracle, visionary, unapologetic and fearless, and our guests, Wong’s dear friends and collaborators, are committed to lifting up her legacy. Sandy Ho is the Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and partner with Alice Wong and Mia Mingus in the Access is Love campaign. She was asked by Alice Wong to post her letter after she passed, where Wong writes “. . . our wisdom is incisive and unflinching.” Steven Thrasher is an acclaimed journalist, professor and author of “The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality & Disease Collide”. He was suspended from teaching classes after speaking out — as Wong also did — on Palestine. Join us as we celebrate Alice Wong and ask what is the work to be done when it comes to healthcare and civil rights for disabled people. Plus a commentary from Laura on imagining the next 100 years.
“A lot of Alice's advocacy was focused around the systems that force disabled people to be at the margins . . . Whether it is the Black Lives Matter movement or the pandemic, we see the ways in which our society and political systems respond, and not in ways that prioritize those who are least privileged and have the least amount of power.” - Sandy Ho
“I remember talking to [Alice Wong] about the ways she had been conditioned as a disabled Asian American woman to try to accept crumbs, to not complain, to be very docile. I thought that she was really brilliant in bridging together not just Asian American communities, but queer communities, LGBTQ communities, all the communities where your body is made to feel like it doesn't belong.” - Steven Thrasher
Guests:
• Sandy Ho: Executive Director, Disability & Philanthropy Forum
• Steven Thrasher: Daniel Renberg Chair of Social Justice in Reporting, Northwestern University; Author, The Viral Underclass & The Overseer Class
*Recommended books:
“Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life” by Alice Wong, *Get the book
“The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide” by Steven Thrasher, *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 14th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: Kibir La Alma rework of “Until Tomorrow Comes” by Marysia Osu from her full length remix ep ‘harp, beats & dreams,’ courtesy of Brownswood Recordings; 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The New Disabled Population in Gaza: Comedian & Disability Advocate Maysoon Zayid: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Disability Visibility Project, Founder: Alice Wong
• DisabledWriters.com
• Access Is Love
• A Tribute to an Oracle, Alice Wong, by Rebecca Cokley, November 26, 2025, The Nation
• Trump Gutted AIDS Health. Care at the Worst Possible Time, by Steven W. Thrasher & Afeef Nessouli, December 1, 2025, The Intercept
• On Valentine’s Day, Let’s Recognize Why #AccessIsLove, by Alice Wong, February 14, 2019, Rooted In Rights
• Remembering Alice Wong: Writer, Advocate, Friend, by Steven W. Thrasher, November 17, 2025, LitHub
• Crips for eSims for Gaza, chuffed.org
• Alice Wong Interview with Steven Thrasher with subtitles, Watch
• Alice Wong, 2024 MacArthur Fellow, MacArthur Foundation
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a powerful tribute to a fearless leader, friends and collaborators share stories of Alice Wong's unwavering commitment to centering disabled voices and challenging systemic inequality in all its forms.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Alice Wong lived longer than she expected, but not long enough. The celebrated disability activist lived by the principle that disability justice is integral to all liberation movements, and centered disabled stories with the Disability Visibility Project. When Alice Wong died on November 14 at the age of 51, people across social movements shared their grief and awe for her work, such as her bestselling 2022 memoir, “Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life”. She has been called an oracle, visionary, unapologetic and fearless, and our guests, Wong’s dear friends and collaborators, are committed to lifting up her legacy. Sandy Ho is the Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and partner with Alice Wong and Mia Mingus in the Access is Love campaign. She was asked by Alice Wong to post her letter after she passed, where Wong writes “. . . our wisdom is incisive and unflinching.” Steven Thrasher is an acclaimed journalist, professor and author of “The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality & Disease Collide”. He was suspended from teaching classes after speaking out — as Wong also did — on Palestine. Join us as we celebrate Alice Wong and ask what is the work to be done when it comes to healthcare and civil rights for disabled people. Plus a commentary from Laura on imagining the next 100 years.
“A lot of Alice's advocacy was focused around the systems that force disabled people to be at the margins . . . Whether it is the Black Lives Matter movement or the pandemic, we see the ways in which our society and political systems respond, and not in ways that prioritize those who are least privileged and have the least amount of power.” - Sandy Ho
“I remember talking to [Alice Wong] about the ways she had been conditioned as a disabled Asian American woman to try to accept crumbs, to not complain, to be very docile. I thought that she was really brilliant in bridging together not just Asian American communities, but queer communities, LGBTQ communities, all the communities where your body is made to feel like it doesn't belong.” - Steven Thrasher
Guests:
• Sandy Ho: Executive Director, Disability & Philanthropy Forum
• Steven Thrasher: Daniel Renberg Chair of Social Justice in Reporting, Northwestern University; Author, The Viral Underclass & The Overseer Class
*Recommended books:
“Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life” by Alice Wong, *Get the book
“The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide” by Steven Thrasher, *Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 14th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• The New Disabled Population in Gaza: Comedian & Disability Advocate Maysoon Zayid: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Disability Visibility Project, Founder: Alice Wong
• DisabledWriters.com
• Access Is Love
• A Tribute to an Oracle, Alice Wong, by Rebecca Cokley, November 26, 2025, The Nation
• Trump Gutted AIDS Health. Care at the Worst Possible Time, by Steven W. Thrasher & Afeef Nessouli, December 1, 2025, The Intercept
• On Valentine’s Day, Let’s Recognize Why #AccessIsLove, by Alice Wong, February 14, 2019, Rooted In Rights
• Remembering Alice Wong: Writer, Advocate, Friend, by Steven W. Thrasher, November 17, 2025, LitHub
• Crips for eSims for Gaza, chuffed.org
• Alice Wong Interview with Steven Thrasher with subtitles, Watch
• Alice Wong, 2024 MacArthur Fellow, MacArthur Foundation
CHAPTERS: Remembering Alice Wong: A Visionary Activist's Profound Impact
00:00:00
How Sandy Ho and Steven Thrasher Connected with Alice
00:02:09
Alice Wong's Vision for Disability Justice and Bridging Movements
00:06:16
The Evolution of Disability Activism: From ADA to Disability Justice
00:12:29
Alice Wong's Fight Against Inaccessible Healthcare and Systemic Ableism
00:15:17
Navigating Political Attacks and the Complexities of Assisted Suicide
00:19:55
Imagining a World Budgeted for Access and Bodily Autonomy
00:24:40
Alice Wong's Unapologetic Humor and Generous Spirit
00:29:39
Sandy Ho Shares Alice Wong's Moving Posthumous Message
00:34:16
The Enduring Impact of the Disability Visibility Project
00:38:38
Reflecting on Activism's Future and Supporting Progressive Media
00:42:54
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In conversation with Laura Flanders, ecologist and activist Professor Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses how embracing ecological grief can be a powerful catalyst for change in restoring balance between humans and the Earth they inhabit.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you’ll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn’t peaceful.
“I think it is so important that we embrace ecological grief rather than look away . . . When we recognize that pain we feel for our relationships with the natural world is also the measure of our love for the living world. It's that love which is mirrored in the grief that makes you get back up and say, ‘Not on my watch.’” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
“. . . We have to kind of decolonize our minds from this industrial revolution concept that the Earth belongs to us as a source of nothing more than belongings, natural resources that are our property . . . There is this notion in many Indigenous worldviews that human beings play a critical role in maintaining balance, that the way we take from the living world can actually be regenerative.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Guest: Robin Wall Kimmerer: Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass
*Recommended book:
Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book* And to accompany the book:
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays at 11:30am and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast January 7th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Podcast: Full uncut conversation is available in the podcast feed.
Music Credit: “Ode to Nature” by Hover Fly from the Climate Soundtrack Compilation produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, Listen
• Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Speaking of Nature: Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture
• Watch: Gifts of the Land: A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU
• The Braiding Sweetgrass’ Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times
• Fishing in a superfund site: Onondaga Lake’s road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: When was the last time you listened to the plants? Plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a self-proclaimed “student of the plants,” has dedicated her life to helping people of all ages understand the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Her latest initiative “Plant Baby Plant” does exactly that, by mobilizing communities to restore plants while building collective power for the Earth. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor, MacArthur Fellow, mother and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her 2013 book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” emerged as a surprise bestseller with almost three million copies sold across 20 languages. In this enlightening episode, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Laura Flanders explore how nature can inform our language, our economy, our movements and more. As you’ll hear, our survival depends on it. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what it took to separate people from nature. Hint: it wasn’t peaceful.
“. . . We have to kind of decolonize our minds from this industrial revolution concept that the Earth belongs to us as a source of nothing more than belongings, natural resources that are our property . . . There is this notion in many Indigenous worldviews that human beings play a critical role in maintaining balance, that the way we take from the living world can actually be regenerative.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Guest: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Plant Ecologist, Writer, Professor; Founder, Plant Baby Plant; Author, Braiding Sweetgrass
*Recommended book:
Bookshop: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Get the book* And to accompany the book:
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel December 4th, 2026 and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast December 7th, 2026.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, Listen
• Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Speaking of Nature: Finding language that affirms our kinship with the natural world, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Orion Nature and Culture
• Watch: Gifts of the Land: A Guided Nature Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Commons KU
• The Braiding Sweetgrass’ Author Wants Us to Give Thanks Everyday, by Alexander Alter, November 29, 2024, New York Times
• Fishing in a superfund site: Onondaga Lake’s road to recovery, by Bee Kavanaugh, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, January 2, 2025, Planet Forward
CHAPTERS:
Welcoming Robin Wall Kimmerer and Plant Baby Plant
00:00:00
Redefining Botany: Learning From, Not Just About, Plants
00:02:02
Integrating Indigenous Wisdom with Western Scientific Knowledge
00:04:18
Shifting Worldviews Through a Grammar of Animacy
00:06:19
Biomimicry: Learning Nature's Circular Economic Principles
00:08:48
Reclaiming Reciprocity: Nature's Gifts and Human Alienation
00:11:02
Decolonizing Our Minds: Humans as Healers for the Land
00:14:09
From Cultural Burning to Regenerative Yards: Acts of Resistance
00:18:23
Mobilizing Urban Communities with Plant Baby Plant Initiatives
00:23:02
The Power of Process: Success, Giving Back, and Challenging Misuse
00:26:57
Nature's True Laws: Cooperation, Mutualism, and Moss Wisdom
00:29:59
AI's Limits: Beyond Intellect to Holistic Indigenous Wisdom
00:33:41
Ecological Grief as a Catalyst for Love and Action
00:36:40
The Next Generation's Gift of Compassion and Imagination
00:40:26
Practices for a Regenerative Future: Gratitude and Remembering Kinship
00:42:28
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: From his early days as an illustrator for the Black Panther Party to winning the prestigious Mohn Award in 2023, artist Akinsanya Kambon has been using art to amplify marginalized voices and tell stories of resilience.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: With each glimmering piece he creates, artist Akinsanya Kambon brings suppressed histories of both colonization and liberation to life. His ceramic works depict struggle and survival across the African diaspora, and stepping into his studio is a spiritual experience, as Laura Flanders recently discovered. Kambon was a member of the Sacramento chapter of the Black Panther Party where he worked on the layout and illustration of the party’s famous paper and became lieutenant for culture, illustrating among other things the party’s ten point plan and works for young people. In 2023, he won the prestigious Mohn Award — the top prize given by the Hammer Museum for his participation in their biennial “Made in LA” show, titled Acts of Living. His one-man show opened in Beverly Hills at Marc Selwyn Fine Art in April 2025. An exhibition of his work will open at the New York Sculpture Center in May 2026. In this unique conversation, Flanders asks Kambon about his own survival stories, including his polio diagnosis, getting drafted into the Vietnam War, and his year on death row. Kambon was arrested in connection with the killing of a police officer and was later acquitted from that high-profile Oak Park Four case. Join Flanders and Kambon as they discuss how art keeps spirits alive, and catch Flanders’ commentary on today’s fight to control our nation’s stories.
“Art educates the masses of people. Not Black or white or Asian, this educates the masses of young people to our struggle, to how long they're struggling and how it's connected.” - Akinsanya Kambon
“I thought of myself as an artist even when I was a child, because art was therapy for me . . . I used to always seem like I would always take the side of the underdog.” - Akinsanya Kambon
Guest: Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
Additional Credits:
Additional Crew: Marco Amador, Producciones Cimarrón
Clips from the documentary short- "Akinsanya Kambon The Hero Avenges," Produced by The Hammer Museum; Directed by Gabriel Noguez and Sean Rowry.
Special thanks: Cynthia Wornham, Annie Philbin, Marc Selwyn Fine Art
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 10th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation with Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
• Genesis Be & Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis: Building Collective Freedom with a Poet & Preacher, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity? Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Akinsanya Kambon exhibit for ‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ the Hammer Museum’s biennial exhibition highlighting the practices of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area
• Akinsanya Kambon Receives $100,000 John Award, Made in L.A. Biennial’s Top Prize Honors Artistic Excellence, by Victoria L. Walntine, December 12, 2023, Culture Type
• Akinsanya Kambon’s exhibition April 17-May31, 2025 at Marc Selwyn Fine Art
•. 10 Shows to see in Los Angeles May 2025, by Matt Stromberg, May 1, 2025 Hyperallergic
• Upcoming Akinsanya Kambon Exhibitions: He will be featured in a solo exhibition represented by Ortuza Projects in collaboration with Marc Selwyn Fine Art during Frieze New York in May 2026, and concurrent with a solo exhibition at the New York Sculpture Center. Art Media Agency
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Step into the studio of ceramicist Akinsanya Kambon, where ancient traditions meet revolutionary fervor: here, stunning works born from earthy materials recount tales of resistance, redemption, and hope across generations and geography.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [original release date September 2025]: With each glimmering piece he creates, artist Akinsanya Kambon brings suppressed histories of both colonization and liberation to life. His ceramic works depict struggle and survival across the African diaspora, and stepping into his studio is a spiritual experience, as Laura Flanders recently discovered. Kambon was a member of the Sacramento chapter of the Black Panther Party where he worked on the layout and illustration of the party’s famous paper and became lieutenant for culture, illustrating among other things the party’s ten point plan and works for young people. In 2023, he won the prestigious Mohn Award — the top prize given by the Hammer Museum for his participation in their biennial “Made in LA” show, titled Acts of Living. His one-man show opened in Beverly Hills at Marc Selwyn Fine Art in April 2025. An exhibition of his work will open at the New York Sculpture Center in May 2026. In this unique conversation, Flanders asks Kambon about his own survival stories, including his polio diagnosis, getting drafted into the Vietnam War, and his year on death row. Kambon was arrested in connection with the killing of a police officer and was later acquitted from that high-profile Oak Park Four case. Join Flanders and Kambon as they discuss how art keeps spirits alive, and catch Flanders’ commentary on today’s fight to control our nation’s stories.
“Art educates the masses of people. Not Black or white or Asian, this educates the masses of young people to our struggle, to how long they're struggling and how it's connected.” - Akinsanya Kambon
“I thought of myself as an artist even when I was a child, because art was therapy for me . . . I used to always seem like I would always take the side of the underdog.” - Akinsanya Kambon
Guest: Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
Special thanks: Cynthia Wornham, Annie Philbin, Marc Selwyn Fine Art
Additional Credits:
Additional Crew: Marco Amador, Producciones Cimarrón
Clips from the documentary short- "Akinsanya Kambon The Hero Avenges," Produced by The Hammer Museum; Directed by Gabriel Noguez and Sean Rowry.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
• Genesis Be & Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis: Building Collective Freedom with a Poet & Preacher, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity? Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Akinsanya Kambon exhibit for ‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ the Hammer Museum’s biennial exhibition highlighting the practices of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area
• Akinsanya Kambon Receives $100,000 John Award, Made in L.A. Biennial’s Top Prize Honors Artistic Excellence, by Victoria L. Walntine, December 12, 2023, Culture Type
• Akinsanya Kambon’s exhibition April 17-May31, 2025 at Marc Selwyn Fine Art
•. 10 Shows to see in Los Angeles May 2025, by Matt Stromberg, May 1, 2025 Hyperallergic
• Upcoming Akinsanya Kambon Exhibitions: He will be featured in a solo exhibition represented by Ortuza Projects in collaboration with Marc Selwyn Fine Art during Frieze New York in May 2026, and concurrent with a solo exhibition at the New York Sculpture Center. Art Media Agency
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Fifty years ago, factory floor workers at Lucas Aerospace challenged their company's focus on war machines with an innovative plan for socially useful production - and it could be just as relevant today.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [original release date July 2025]: Military budgets are skyrocketing across the globe, while funding for social needs—housing, healthcare, education—is being slashed. Politicians often justify this skewed spending by claiming it creates jobs. But what if the people doing those jobs had a say in how public money was used?
Fifty years ago, workers at Lucas Aerospace, a U.K. military contractor, designed a visionary proposal known as the Lucas Plan: a worker-led alternative focused on socially useful production rather than weapons of war.
In our special report, The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine, Laura spoke with Hilary Wainwright, Co-Author of The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making? And Co-Editor of Red Pepper magazine. Hilary is one of the voices behind that groundbreaking effort.
What follows is the full, uncut conversation with Hilary—rich with lessons for today’s movements for climate justice, peace, and economic democracy.
Guest: Hilary Wainwright: Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
-
Watch the episode released on YouTube July 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 16th.
-
Additional Uncut Conversation featuring Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward from Season 6, Episode 215 - The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As global military spending skyrockets and social programs face drastic cuts, a 50-year-old alternative emerges as a beacon of hope: the Lucas Plan, born from workers' determination to repurpose their skills for societal good.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [Original release date July 2025]: With the passage of the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” and NATO allies pledging to more than double their spending on defense as a portion of all economic output, military spending around the world is soaring, while spending on meeting social needs and the climate crisis is on the chopping block. Governments often justify spending public money this way by saying it will create good jobs, but what if the workers themselves had a say? Fifty years ago, employees at Lucas Aerospace, a huge military contractor in the United Kingdom came up with an alternative plan. Their approach, known as the Lucas Plan, used the workers’ same expertise, but directed production away from bombs, towards goods that actually help society. In this special episode, Laura heads to the UK to interview some of the original workers involved in the Lucas Plan and investigates what one senior government minister at the time called "one of the most remarkable exercises in all of British industrial history.” As she says, it’s as relevant now as the day it was conceived.
“What we're talking about is a poor economic choice that's being made to posture . . . and look like a big military power in a world that's growing increasingly unstable.” - Khem Rogaly
“One of the things that the Lucas Plan has done is actually made it fairly clear to people that there are choices. You're given the impression that you have to make weapons. No, you don't. You're given the choice . . . The issue here is who controls technology and who should control technology, and should it be used to free people or should it be used to enslave people?” - Philip Asquith
Guests:
• Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
• Philip Asquith: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
• Hilary Wainwright: Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
• Khem Rogaly: Senior Research Fellow, Commonwealth; Author, A Lucas Plan for the Twenty First Century: From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
MUSIC CREDITS: Thrum of Soil by Blue Dot Sessions and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 16th.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation featuring Brian Salsibury, Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation featuring Hilary Wainwright, Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
• From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Fifty years ago, factory floor workers at Lucas Aerospace challenged their company's focus on war machines with an innovative plan for socially useful production - and it could be just as relevant today.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description [original release date July 2025]: Military budgets are skyrocketing across the globe, while funding for social needs—housing, healthcare, education—is being slashed. Politicians often justify this skewed spending by claiming it creates jobs. But what if the people doing those jobs had a say in how public money was used?
Fifty years ago, workers at Lucas Aerospace, a U.K. military contractor, designed a visionary proposal known as the Lucas Plan: a worker-led alternative focused on socially useful production rather than weapons of war.
In our special report, The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine, Laura spoke with Brian Salisbury, a former Lucas Aerospace shop steward and one of the voices behind that groundbreaking effort. He comes from a proud family of Lucas workers: his father worked there for over 40 years. He himself worked for the company for 22 years at the Birmingham plant. At 90 years old today He says: “At a time when there’s a lack of a political alternative narrative to neoliberalism the opportunity to put forward a response from the “bottom up” is essential given the direction of travel by those in power on either side of the Atlantic.”
What follows is the full, uncut conversation with Brian—rich with lessons for today’s movements for climate justice, peace, and economic democracy.
Guest: Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
• From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Originally released in 2024, this episode is re-released in 2025 to honor the lives and legacy of Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, whose sudden deaths are deeply felt. We share this conversation again to uplift the vital work they brought into the world.
How does a religion rooted in love and peace become a force that fuels political violence, as seen on January 6, 2021? In the documentary God & Country, producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland, examine the rise of Christian Nationalism — a dangerous fusion of patriarchal White Nationalism and messianic faith. Based on Katherine Stewart’s The Power Worshippers, the film reveals how this movement threatens both secular democracy and Christianity itself.
Rob Reiner — Emmy-winning actor, acclaimed director, and lifelong defender of democratic values — devoted his later years to confronting authoritarianism. Michele Reiner, also a producer on God & Country, was a vital creative and moral force behind the film and this episode. Their work, and their warning, remain urgent in 2025 as the consequences of the 2024 election continue to unfold.
The episode closes with Laura Flanders on why civic engagement matters now more than ever.
Guests:
• Dan Partland: Director, God & Country
• Rob Reiner: Producer, God & Country
• Full Conversation- LISTEN
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member, go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible thanks to you!
*Recommended book:
“The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” by Katherine Stewart, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution & Democracy Hanging by a Thread, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Congressman Jamie Raskin On January 6th: After a Failed Coup, a Successful One?, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• How Radical Self Love Can Heal the World, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘God & Country,’ the Movie, List of Theater by zipcode Information Here
• Stop the Coup 2025 - Stop Project 2025 - Get Involved / Learn More Here
• All of Us, Organizing to Counter White Christian Nationalism and Build a Pro-Democracy Society, by Organizing All of Us,PDF Download
• Why a Group of Christians Is Fighting the Growing Threat of Christian Nationalism, by Vera Bergengruen, January 6, 2021, TIME Magazine, Read Here
• White Christian Nationalism: Attacking our Democracy, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Learn More Here
• BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, Learn More Here
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Indivisible’s Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary’s strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary’s most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary’s universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today’s episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin
“You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper
Guests:
• Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible
• László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary
Listen to the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed.
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube, PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “Give In to What is Real” by STR4TA from their album Aspects released on Brownswood Recordings, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
* Recommended Book:
“We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink: Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version
• The Three R’s Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack
•. Countering Authocratization: Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
• Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary’s Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine
• The Government Took Over Their University. Here’s How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons
• How to save the news. The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance. A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue
• Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: If you’re worried about authoritarianism, this episode reminds you that people-powered resistance still wins. Indivisible’s Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary’s strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary’s most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary’s universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today’s episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin
“You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper
Guests:
• Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible
• László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube; PBS World Channel December 14th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast December 17th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
* Recommended Book:
“We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen: Full uncut interview and Episode cut
Related Articles and Resources:
• Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink: Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version
• The Three R’s Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack
•. Countering Authocratization: Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
• Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary’s Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine
• The Government Took Over Their University. Here’s How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons
• How to save the news. The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance. A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue
• Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts
Chapters:
Parallels Between Trump and Orbán: The Need for Resistance
00:00:00
Ezra Levin on Indivisible's Start and Current Focus
00:02:25
László Upor on Creative Resistance at Hungarian University
00:07:09
Why Ridicule and Joy are Key to Fighting Authoritarianism
00:11:03
László Upor on Creating a Free Society After University Takeover
00:22:42
Identifying the Cracks in Trump and Orbán's Power
00:28:27
Discussing Coalition Building and Tactical Innovation in Activism
00:34:22
Boycotts and the Future Story of Liberal Democracy
00:42:49
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: “Wealth Supremacy”: Uncovering How The Global Economic System Drives Inequality
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [original release date September 8, 2023]: As we look back on this conversation first recorded in 2023 — fifteen years after the 2008 financial crash — its warnings and wisdom feel even more urgent today. The extractive systems that fueled the crisis haven’t disappeared; in many ways, they’ve tightened their grip. But so have the movements, ideas, and communities committed to building something better.
In this re-air, Laura revisits a powerful conversation with Marjorie Kelly, author of Wealth Supremacy, and Edgar Villanueva of the Lumbee people and founder of the Decolonizing Wealth Project. Together, they break down “capital bias” — the rules that prioritize wealth over people, manufacturing, and the planet — and explore how this bias continues to deepen inequality and undermine democracy.
But they also point toward possibility. If wealth supremacy is a story we’ve been taught, can we unlearn it? What happens when Indigenous perspectives, community-centered economics, and a spiritual shift in how we value life begin to guide our choices? This episode offers not just critique but clarity — and not just urgency but hope.
Whether you’re hearing this for the first time or returning with fresh ears, this conversation is here to inform, inspire, and uplift. Change is not only necessary — it’s already underway.
“. . . Big capital is out there right now buying water rights . . . Communities are saying no . . . Water needs to be declared a public trust. You have these two completely different worldviews, which show us we can have a financialized world or we can have a democratic world . . .” - Marjorie Kelly
“. . . Capitalism was completely founded upon the enslavement of Black people in this country. That is the blueprint for our economy. I don't know how to take racism and harm out of that existing system without completely imagining a new system . . .” - Edgar Villanueva
Guests:
Marjorie Kelly: Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Democracy Collaborative; Author, Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises
Edgar Villanueva (Lumbee): Founder & Principal, Decolonizing Wealth Project
*Recommended book:
“Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today's Crises” by Marjorie Kelly Check out the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• How to Make a Democratic Economy, Watch / Download Podcast
• Decolonizing Wealth Through Indigenous Leadership: Edgar Villanueva, Watch / Download Podcast
• *Saket Soni: How Trafficked Workers Pulled Off “The Great Escape” Watch / Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• Action guide for advancing Community Wealth Building in the United States, by the Democracy Collaborative Read Here - Download
• “*Private equity profits from climate disaster clean-up – while investing in fossil fuels,” by Nina Lakhani, The Guardian Read Here
*features Sakit Soni
• Ending the extractive economy before it brings an end to us, by Neil McInroy, Democracy Collaborative, Read Here
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Meet the fearless reporters who dare to shine a light on dark corners of American politics, tracking extremist groups and debunking disinformation with courage and conviction.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: Today’s guests have paid a price for their reporting on far Right extremists. But if journalists don’t do this critical work, then who will? The Trump administration is deprioritizing domestic terrorism to serve a political agenda, scaling back investigations of far-Right extremism while redirecting DHS agents to immigration crackdowns. As programs tracking domestic extremism are dismantled and January 6 rioters are recast as "patriots," journalists find themselves on the frontlines — and their attackers are now people in power. Jordan Green is an investigative reporter for Raw Story whose coverage on far-Right extremism has spanned from Charlottesville to January 6. He is currently working on a book about militant accelerationism. Green also reported on a story we’ve covered extensively on the show: the attack on two power stations in Moore County, North Carolina. A correspondent for the Texas Observer, investigative journalist Steven Monacelli has been tracking extremism, disinformation, social movements, and the influence of dark money in politics. He received the The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award for revealing the identities of far-Right extremists, including government employees. Freelance journalist Amanda Moore embedded with the far Right in 2020 and has faced backlash from far-Right groups for her reporting. Her reporting at present focuses on ICE and Border Control, and her work has appeared in the Nation, Politico, and the Intercept. Join us for this chilling conversation on threats against journalists and the implications for democracy, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guests:
• Jordan Green: Investigative Journalist, Raw Story
• Steven Monacelli: Freelance Investigative Journalist; Correspondent, The Texas Observer; publisher of Protean Magazine, a nonprofit literary magazine; co-founder of Apprentice Creative Space
• Amanda Moore: Freelance Investigative Journalist
Watch the episode released on YouTube; airing on PBS World Channel 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast December 10th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “Logue” by Tom Skinner featuring Contour from the album Kaleidoscopic Visions released on Brownswood Recordings, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• What is Political Violence? Uncovering MAGA Militancy & Strategies to Protect Democracy: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Vet Goldbeck: Standing Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry. By Jordan Green, July 14, 2025, The Assembly NC
• Pentagon Marine tied to ‘6 bullets to head’ threat against Pete Hegseth won’t face probe, by Jordan Green, November 7, 2025, Raw Story
•. Ex-Soldier linked to far-right groups pleads guilty to gun charge, by Jordan Green, September 17, 2205, Raw Story
• I Was Banned From CPAC, but the Extremists Weren’t, by Amanda Moore, February 27, 2024, The Nation
• Undercover With the New Alt-Right, by Amanda Moore, August 22, 2023, The Nation
• Trump Inauguration Official’s “Phony Charity” Allegedly Pocketed East Palestine Train Disaster Funds, by Amanda Moore, January 19, 2025, The Intercept
• Revealed: The Operators Behind Four Major Neo-Nazi X Accounts, by Steven Monacelli and Tristan Lee, December 4, 2024, Texas Observer
• The GOP Mega Donor Behind The Big to Break Dallas City Government, by Steven Monacelli, October 14, 2024, Texas Observer
• Parker County ‘White Nationalist Fight Club’ Leader Exposed, by Steven Monacelli, February 15, 2024, Texas Observer
• “The Federal Government Is Gone: Under Trump, the Fight Against Extremist Violence Is Left Up to the States, by Hannah Allam, May 29, 2025, ProPublica
• How MAGA Took Over America’s 250th Birthday, by Amanda Moore and Dan Friedman, June 13, 2025, Mother Jones
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Journalists Investigating Far-Right Extremism Face Growing Threats: As the Trump administration scales back investigations into far-right extremist groups, journalists on the front lines are facing increased attacks and threats from powerful figures.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: Today’s guests have paid a price for their reporting on far Right extremists. But if journalists don’t do this critical work, then who will? The Trump administration is deprioritizing domestic terrorism to serve a political agenda, scaling back investigations of far-Right extremism while redirecting DHS agents to immigration crackdowns. As programs tracking domestic extremism are dismantled and January 6 rioters are recast as "patriots," journalists find themselves on the frontlines — and their attackers are now people in power. Jordan Green is an investigative reporter for Raw Story whose coverage on far-Right extremism has spanned from Charlottesville to January 6. He is currently working on a book about militant accelerationism. Green also reported on a story we’ve covered extensively on the show: the attack on two power stations in Moore County, North Carolina. A correspondent for the Texas Observer, investigative journalist Steven Monacelli has been tracking extremism, disinformation, social movements, and the influence of dark money in politics. He received the The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award for revealing the identities of far-Right extremists, including government employees. Freelance journalist Amanda Moore embedded with the far Right in 2020 and has faced backlash from far-Right groups for her reporting. Her reporting at present focuses on ICE and Border Control, and her work has appeared in the Nation, Politico, and the Intercept. Join us for this chilling conversation on threats against journalists and the implications for democracy, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guests:
• Jordan Green: Investigative Journalist, Raw Story
• Steven Monacelli: Freelance Investigative Journalist; Correspondent, The Texas Observer; publisher of Protean Magazine, a nonprofit literary magazine; co-founder of Apprentice Creative Space
• Amanda Moore: Freelance Investigative Journalist
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel December 7th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast December 10th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• What is Political Violence? Uncovering MAGA Militancy & Strategies to Protect Democracy: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Vet Goldbeck: Standing Against the Administration’s War on Civilians: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry. By Jordan Green, July 14, 2025, The Assembly NC
• Pentagon Marine tied to ‘6 bullets to head’ threat against Pete Hegseth won’t face probe, by Jordan Green, November 7, 2025, Raw Story
•. Ex-Soldier linked to far-right groups pleads guilty to gun charge, by Jordan Green, September 17, 2205, Raw Story
• I Was Banned From CPAC, but the Extremists Weren’t, by Amanda Moore, February 27, 2024, The Nation
• Undercover With the New Alt-Right, by Amanda Moore, August 22, 2023, The Nation
• Trump Inauguration Official’s “Phony Charity” Allegedly Pocketed East Palestine Train Disaster Funds, by Amanda Moore, January 19, 2025, The Intercept
• Revealed: The Operators Behind Four Major Neo-Nazi X Accounts, by Steven Monacelli and Tristan Lee, December 4, 2024, Texas Observer
• The GOP Mega Donor Behind The Big to Break Dallas City Government, by Steven Monacelli, October 14, 2024, Texas Observer
• Parker County ‘White Nationalist Fight Club’ Leader Exposed, by Steven Monacelli, February 15, 2024, Texas Observer
• “The Federal Government Is Gone: Under Trump, the Fight Against Extremist Violence Is Left Up to the States, by Hannah Allam, May 29, 2025, ProPublica
• How MAGA Took Over America’s 250th Birthday, by Amanda Moore and Dan Friedman, June 13, 2025, Mother Jones
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00
Defending Democracy Through Investigative Journalism
00:03:17
Journalists Share Harrowing Personal Attacks and Harassment
00:05:59
Amanda Moore Details Her Personal Doxxing and Swatting
00:09:46
Uncovering Neo-Nazi Infrastructure Attacks and Youth Radicalization
00:12:11
From Fringe to Power: Dark Money and Political Influence
00:14:29
How Attacking Journalists Hides Government Failures
00:17:53
Powerful Figures and Government Inaction Fueling Threats
00:21:03
Strategies for Journalists and Supporting Independent Reporting
00:26:01
Journalists' Ongoing Investigations into Extremism and Corruption
00:32:29
Reflecting on the Future of Journalism and Society
00:37:34
Amanda Moore's Stalker and Supporting Independent Journalism
00:42:34
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a call to action, Sara Nelson urges workers to move beyond defense and set the agenda for change, declaring "our world is burning" but asserting that collective power can be used to create a better future.
Make a tax deductible YEAR END DONATION and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description [original release date July 2025]: Sara Nelson knows how to leverage worker power — and so do the 55,000 flight attendants she represents. A union member since 1996, she’s been the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO since 2014. You may remember her integral role in threatening a strike, which helped pressure the Trump administration to end the 2019 government shutdown. But under the second Trump term, the administration plans to gut many government agencies and has canceled one million contracts for federal workers so far. “We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next,” she tells Laura Flanders in this exclusive interview. “So we have to rush to each other's sides.” In this episode, Nelson and Flanders explore labor movement tactics and strategies, wins and losses, and why general strikes and cross-industry worker solidarity are critical in this moment. What is her message and her mission for 2025? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on floods and profits.
“We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next. So we have to rush to each other's sides. But we can also turn this around and not just be on defense. . . We are in a crisis. Yeah. Our world is burning. We can actually set the agenda and make things better.”
Guest: Sara Nelson: International President of the Association of Flight Attendants- (AFA-CWA) (representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines)
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube July 18th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 20th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 23rd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “Be the Change” by Nation Beat from their album Archaic Humans released on Rope a Dope Records, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:“The Work of Living: Working People Talk about Their Lives and the Year the World Broke” by Maximillian Alvarez, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Labor Safety, Project 2025, & the Far Right’s Plot Against Workers: What You Need to Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack: Watch / Listen: Episode
• UAW President Shawn Fain: "Workers are still up against the same billionaires": Watch
• Special Report- Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power Watch / Listen: Special Report, Uncut Interview- Bernie Sanders
• Watch: Episode, Bernie Sanders’ Speech at the Fight Oligarchy rally, Kenosha, WI
• Special Report- Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack. Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• Is America Pissed Off Enough at Trump and Musk for a General Strike? By Susan Miligan, April 24, 2025, The New Republic
• In Chicago, a Coalition of Unions, Community Organizers, and Riders Have Forced Uber to Come to the Table, by Will Tanzman and Lori Simmons, July 16, 2025, The Nation
• US aviation agency reinstating fired employees after court order, union says, by David Shepardson, March 17, 2025, Reuters
• Unions sue to stop Trump from ending collective bargaining rights for many federal employees, by Tami Luhby, April 4, 2025, CNN
• The Sleeping Giant That could Stop Trump’s Agenda in Its Tracks, by Mary Harris, April 25, 2025, SLATE
• The Call Is Out for Mass, Simultaneous Strikes in 4 Years, by Sarah Lazare, October 14, 2024, The Nation
• How Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson became America’s most powerful voice for labor, by Morgan Clendaniel, September 9, 2024, Fast Company Magazine
• Sara Nelson: Let’s Show Bosses They’re Lucky to Have Our Work, by Sara Nelson, February 13, 2024, Jacobin Magazine
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: US Labour Leader Sounds Alarm on Government Attacks. Sara Nelson's urgent call to action for cross-industry worker solidarity and general strikes as a powerful countermeasure against the Trump administration's plans to gut government agencies ending federal contracts is both timely and crucial. The uncut conversation includes the entire rich and inspiring discussion ringing in at 50minutes.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description [original release date July 2025]: Sara Nelson knows how to leverage worker power — and so do the 55,000 flight attendants she represents. A union member since 1996, she’s been the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO since 2014. You may remember her integral role in threatening a strike, which helped pressure the Trump administration to end the 2019 government shutdown. But under the second Trump term, the administration plans to gut many government agencies and has canceled one million contracts for federal workers so far. “We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next,” she tells Laura Flanders in this exclusive interview. “So we have to rush to each other's sides.” In this episode, Nelson and Flanders explore labor movement tactics and strategies, wins and losses, and why general strikes and cross-industry worker solidarity are critical in this moment. What is her message and her mission for 2025? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on floods and profits.
“We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next. So we have to rush to each other's sides. But we can also turn this around and not just be on defense. . . We are in a crisis. Yeah. Our world is burning. We can actually set the agenda and make things better.”
Guest: Sara Nelson: International President of the Association of Flight Attendants- (AFA-CWA) (representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines)
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube July 18th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 20th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 23rd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
CHAPTERS:
2:44 thoughts on today, forward on your mind: 911, lay-offs, bankruptcy & crisis capitalism, fighting back, immigration issues facing colleagues
5:29 How safe is flying today? Safety: air traffic controllers, pilots, flight attendants. Attacks on the industry. Dismantling of departments that help aviation including national weather service, USAID intersecting with rising pandemics.
8:27 What is coming in this moment and the cuts to agencies and a move to privatize the national weather service or air traffic controllers. An opportunity for the labor movement in this moment.
11:22 Sara’s origin story and the importance of unions and putting a check on unchecked capitalism.
14:00 Union fights for flight attendants including no smoking, weight restrictions, sexism, high heels. Fighting for ‘rest rules (10 hours of rest)’, health care, pay and pensions. Cross-Union solidarity. Win for the labor movement, FAA Reauthorization bill.
19:06 When we fight we win. Power mapping then and now in the industry. Labor movement strategy.
21:40. The plight of Air Traffic Controllers in the Reagan years then informing the labor movement now.
23:14 The New Deal and union power to the decline of unions. Imbalance of power. The power of organizing on many levels. Call to action, ‘what you can do’. Building labor solidarity.
29:40 Union’s in the Trump era. Now is the moment to lean in, organize and pushing back.
Your not going to win if you don’t fight. Mother Jones and the Colorado miners fight.
33:56 Communities rising to the occasion. Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani’s run for Mayor of New York City. Working class agenda and the spirit of solidarity.
37:30 General strikes. History lessons including Iceland’s Women’s day off. The need for more women and young people to participate in union organizing.
41:29 Are there potential allies perhaps like some ICE workers who are expressing moral concerns? Systems are the problem, not the majority of workers.
44:45 What do you think the future will tell of this moment?
49:00 Bonus
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:“The Work of Living: Working People Talk about Their Lives and the Year the World Broke” by Maximillian Alvarez, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Labor Safety, Project 2025, & the Far Right’s Plot Against Workers: What You Need to Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack: Watch / Listen: Episode
• UAW President Shawn Fain: "Workers are still up against the same billionaires": Watch
• Special Report- Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power Watch / Listen: Special Report, Uncut Interview- Bernie Sanders
• Watch: Episode, Bernie Sanders’ Speech at the Fight Oligarchy rally, Kenosha, WI
• Special Report- Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack. Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• Is America Pissed Off Enough at Trump and Musk for a General Strike? By Susan Miligan, April 24, 2025, The New Republic
• In Chicago, a Coalition of Unions, Community Organizers, and Riders Have Forced Uber to Come to the Table, by Will Tanzman and Lori Simmons, July 16, 2025, The Nation
• US aviation agency reinstating fired employees after court order, union says, by David Shepardson, March 17, 2025, Reuters
• Unions sue to stop Trump from ending collective bargaining rights for many federal employees, by Tami Luhby, April 4, 2025, CNN
• The Sleeping Giant That could Stop Trump’s Agenda in Its Tracks, by Mary Harris, April 25, 2025, SLATE
• The Call Is Out for Mass, Simultaneous Strikes in 4 Years, by Sarah Lazare, October 14, 2024, The Nation
• How Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson became America’s most powerful voice for labor, by Morgan Clendaniel, September 9, 2024, Fast Company Magazine
• Sara Nelson: Let’s Show Bosses They’re Lucky to Have Our Work, by Sara Nelson, February 13, 2024, Jacobin Magazine
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Joy Harjo’s new book is a guide to find our way during transformation.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: We are in what today’s guest calls a dark night of our national soul. Many of us are feeling hopeless, uncomfortable and stuck, but it is possible to make it through the darkness. Generations before us survived the unthinkable; if the past has a story to tell, what’s today’s? This notion of coming into ourselves and embracing our stories is what Joy Harjo, the internationally renowned poet, performer, writer and activist of the Muscogee Creek Nation takes up in her long-spanning career. Harjo is just out with “Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age”, a guide, dedicated especially to Indigenous girls, for people trying to find their way in a time of transformation. She is the author of two American Book Awards winners: “In Mad Love and War” and “Crazy Brave”, and was executive editor of the groundbreaking “When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry”. She was the first Indigenous Poet Laureate and served three terms from 2019 to 2022. Join Harjo and Flanders for this illuminating conversation on finding courage this winter, plus a commentary from Laura on releasing the files on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
“We have to stand for what's right. You can't stand and watch a neighbor starving. We have to realize that ultimately we were created by a creator who loves diversity . . . The universal law is diversity. Universal law is love and connection. We're all connected.” - Joy Harjo
“The bone and the muscle of being human is stories. That's what we do. I remember years ago, thinking about what use are human beings to the ecosystem. I really couldn't find a reason that we were here, except that we make stories. It's important we express gratitude and that we're helpful to the other beings who live here.” - Joy Harjo
Guest: Joy Harjo (Mvskoke): Poet, Performer & Writer; Author, Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show and air date & time) & available as a podcast.
Music Credit: “Fire” by Brightdarkdawn featuring Joy Harjo, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Additional Performance Soundbites: Joy Hajo performing “We the Peoples Before” at the Kennedy Center for First Peoples Fund; and Joy Harjo performing “witchi Tai To” for Southwest Roots Music’s “Shelter in Place Sessions”
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book: “Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age” by Joy Harjo: Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Red Road to the Future: Native Sovereignty is Key to Climate Justice: Watch / Listen- Episode
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
•. Resistance and Revolutionary Poetry: Aja Monet: Watch / Listen- Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Contagious Gen Z Uprisings, by Katrin Bennhold, October 19, 2025, The New York Times
• Exclusive: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Unveils Four New Portraits, by Emily Burack, October 22, 2025, Town & Country
• High youth death rates are an ‘emerging crisis’, global health study, by Kat Lay, October 12, 2025, The Guardian
• Joy Hard Honored With Portrait of a Nation Award at Smithsonian Gala, by Levi Rickert, November 16, 2025, Native News Online
• Joy Harjo’s Inaugural Reading as U.S. met Laureate, September 19, 2019, Library of Congress
• Health Disparities in Suicide, Suicide Prevention, May 16, 2024, CDC
• Joy Harjo, U.S. Poet Laureate, 2019-2022 - Library of Congress
• “Shelter in Place Sessions”, 2020, featuring Joy Harjo, Southwest Roots Music - Watch
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Join acclaimed poet Joy Harjo for an illuminating conversation on finding courage and embracing our stories, as she discusses her new guide "Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age"
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: We are in what today’s guest calls a dark night of our national soul. Many of us are feeling hopeless, uncomfortable and stuck, but it is possible to make it through the darkness. Generations before us survived the unthinkable; if the past has a story to tell, what’s today’s? This notion of coming into ourselves and embracing our stories is what Joy Harjo, the internationally renowned poet, performer, writer and activist of the Muscogee Creek Nation takes up in her long-spanning career. Harjo is just out with “Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age”, a guide, dedicated especially to Indigenous girls, for people trying to find their way in a time of transformation. She is the author of two American Book Awards winners: “In Mad Love and War” and “Crazy Brave”, and was executive editor of the groundbreaking “When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry”. She was the first Indigenous Poet Laureate and served three terms from 2019 to 2022. Join Harjo and Flanders for this illuminating conversation on finding courage this winter, plus a commentary from Laura on releasing the files on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
“We have to stand for what's right. You can't stand and watch a neighbor starving. We have to realize that ultimately we were created by a creator who loves diversity . . . The universal law is diversity. Universal law is love and connection. We're all connected.” - Joy Harjo
“The bone and the muscle of being human is stories. That's what we do. I remember years ago, thinking about what use are human beings to the ecosystem. I really couldn't find a reason that we were here, except that we make stories. It's important we express gratitude and that we're helpful to the other beings who live here.” - Joy Harjo
Guest: Joy Harjo (Mvskoke): Poet, Performer & Writer; Author, Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 23rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio starting November 26th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and air date & time) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Red Road to the Future: Native Sovereignty is Key to Climate Justice: Watch / Listen- Episode
• Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism: Watch / Listen- Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
•. Resistance and Revolutionary Poetry: Aja Monet: Watch / Listen- Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Contagious Gen Z Uprisings, by Katrin Bennhold, October 19, 2025, The New York Times
• Exclusive: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery Unveils Four New Portraits, by Emily Burack, October 22, 2025, Town & Country
• High youth death rates are an ‘emerging crisis’, global health study, by Kat Lay, October 12, 2025, The Guardian
• Joy Hard Honored With Portrait of a Nation Award at Smithsonian Gala, by Levi Rickert, November 16, 2025, Native News Online
• Joy Harjo’s Inaugural Reading as U.S. met Laureate, September 19, 2019, Library of Congress
• Health Disparities in Suicide, Suicide Prevention, May 16, 2024, CDC
• Joy Harjo, U.S. Poet Laureate, 2019-2022 - Library of Congress
• “Shelter in Place Sessions”, 2020, featuring Joy Harjo, Southwest Roots Music - Watch
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Chapters:
Introducing Joy Harjo's Guide for Our Times
00:00:00
Joy Harjo on Humanity's Spiritual Transformation
00:02:14
From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Navigating Collective Chaos
00:05:29
Finding Community: Real Life vs. Digital Connections
00:08:06
Humans as Storytellers: Navigating Contradictions and Gratitude
00:12:47
Finding Calm Amidst Anxiety and Embracing Inner Stillness
00:17:42
Joy Harjo Shares "Overwhelm" and Creative Healing
00:23:24
Finding Inspiration and Wisdom in Mentors and Humor
00:26:52
Embracing Curiosity for a Collective Vision of Harmony
00:29:56
Nurturing Youth for a Spiritual Renaissance
00:34:31
Joy Harjo's Upcoming Works and Final Wisdom
00:37:59
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Dems win big on Election Day, but what's next? Join Cori Bush and Kat Abughazaleh as they discuss the future of progressive politics.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: What do the results of this past Election Day signal for politician-activists running for office and the future of the Democratic Party? “Politivists” Cori Bush and Kat Abughazaleh say the tides are changing. In what was widely viewed as a rebuke of the Trump administration’s policies, Democrats won races at every level in blue and red states on November 4, including Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayor’s race. Today’s guests know firsthand how challenging and costly it can be to run for office as a progressive — especially when mega donors and backdoor deals are the name of the game in our political system. Cori Bush is fighting to retake the seat she won in 2021, Missouri’s First District, which covers the city of St. Louis. She’ll be up against incumbent Wesley Bell, whose successful campaign against her in 2024 was heavily funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, a zionist political action committee. Kat Abughazaleh is a 26-year old Palestinian-American, former journalist and political commentator who is currently facing a federal indictment related to her protests outside an ICE facility in Western Chicago. She’s making waves in a crowded Democratic field to represent Illinois’ Ninth District, covering the Chicago-area. How can modern progressives keep up this political momentum? And where does the Democratic Party go from here? Join us for that conversation, plus a commentary from Laura on making Congress less classist.
“I've been in Congress and I know the change that can happen when someone not only works for their district, but fights for the district . . . I have heard from my community, their frustrations with the lack of leadership. I've heard their despair as it relates to what happens tomorrow, because this manufactured chaos coming down from the Trump administration is not being dealt with . . . We are saying, ‘Wait till 2026 because things will get better.’ People are living it right now.” - Cori Bush
“A lot of people have lost faith in our political system, from every political stripe, because politicians are about words and not actions. We are using our resources to not only reach voters, but materially improve their lives. We do backpack drives, food drives, our campaign office doubles as a mutual aid hub . . . We are genuinely making a change on the ground and win or lose, this campaign is a net benefit to this community.” - Kat Abughazaleh
Guests:
• Kat Abughazaleh: Congressional Candidate (D-IL-09)
• Cori Bush: Former Congresswoman (D-MO-01); Current Congressional Candidate (D-MO-01)
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show and air date & time) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Mamdani v. The Establishment: What His Campaign Means for America: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “They Targeted Me”: Mayor Ras Baraka on His Arrest, Immigration Rights & Leading New Jersey: Watch / Listen: Episode cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power: Watch / Listen: Episode cut and Full Uncut Conversation with Bernie Sanders
Related Articles and Resources:
• Democrats Flip Two Seats in Deep Red Mississippi, Break GOP Supermajority, by Daniel Orton, November 5, 2025, Newsweek
• Here are the key races to watch in Tuesday’s off-year elections, by Caroline Vakil, November 3, 2025, The Hill
• Anti-genocide protests attacked and beaten at St. Louis town hall event for Democrat Wesley Bell, by Andrew Clyde & Kristina Betinis, August 21.2925, World Socialist Web Site
• How Kat Abughazaleh’s Parents Shaped Her Identity and Political Worldview, by Trisha Faulkner, October 30, 2025, Distractify
• Deciding To Win: Toward a Common Sense Renewal of the Democratic Party, Principal Author Simon Bazelon, Co-Authors, Lauren Harper Pope and Liam Kerr. October 27, 2025, Politico
• AOC and the Squad’s List of Left-Wing Accomplishments Is Quite Long, by Branko Narcotic, Jacobin Magazine
• Mamdani opens floodgates of younger Democrats running for office, by Surina Venkat, November 11, 2025, The Hill
• Kat Abughazaleh On the Right to Protest, November 1, 2025, The Intercept Briefing - Listen
• Press Release: Congresswoman Bush Endorsed by Justice Democrats, October 23, 2025, Coribush.org
•. House candidate Kat Abughazaleh indicted over ICE confrontation, by Andrew Solender, October 29, 2025, Axios
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: “The World Is Cold” by Cookin’ the Books featuring Mantra and Jane Tyrell from their album Cookin’ On 3 Burners released on Soul Messin’ Records, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: What does this past Election Day signal for politician-activists running for office?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: What do the results of this past Election Day signal for politician-activists running for office and the future of the Democratic Party? “Politivists” Cori Bush and Kat Abughazaleh say the tides are changing. In what was widely viewed as a rebuke of the Trump administration’s policies, Democrats won races at every level in blue and red states on November 4, including Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayor’s race. Today’s guests know firsthand how challenging and costly it can be to run for office as a progressive — especially when megadonors and backdoor deals are the name of the game in our political system. Cori Bush is fighting to retake the seat she won in 2021, Missouri’s First District, which covers the city of St. Louis. She’ll be up against incumbent Wesley Bell, whose successful campaign against her in 2024 was heavily funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, a zionist political action committee. Kat Abughazaleh is a 26-year old Palestinian-American, former journalist and political commentator who is currently facing a federal indictment related to her protests outside an ICE facility in Western Chicago. She’s making waves in a crowded Democratic field to represent Illinois’ Ninth District, covering the Chicago-area. How can modern progressives keep up this political momentum? And where does the Democratic Party go from here? Join us for that conversation, plus a commentary from Laura on making Congress less classist.
“I've been in Congress and I know the change that can happen when someone not only works for their district, but fights for the district . . . I have heard from my community, their frustrations with the lack of leadership. I've heard their despair as it relates to what happens tomorrow, because this manufactured chaos coming down from the Trump administration is not being dealt with . . . We are saying, ‘Wait till 2026 because things will get better.’ People are living it right now.” - Cori Bush
“A lot of people have lost faith in our political system, from every political stripe, because politicians are about words and not actions. We are using our resources to not only reach voters, but materially improve their lives. We do backpack drives, food drives, our campaign office doubles as a mutual aid hub . . . We are genuinely making a change on the ground and win or lose, this campaign is a net benefit to this community.” - Kat Abughazaleh
Guests:
• Kat Abughazaleh: Congressional Candidate (D-IL-09)
• Cori Bush: Former Congresswoman (D-MO-01); Current Congressional Candidate (D-MO-01)
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 16th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio starting November 19th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and air date & time) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Mamdani v. The Establishment: What His Campaign Means for America: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• “They Targeted Me”: Mayor Ras Baraka on His Arrest, Immigration Rights & Leading New Jersey: Watch / Listen: Episode cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power: Watch / Listen: Episode cut and Full Uncut Conversation with Bernie Sanders
Related Articles and Resources:
• Democrats Flip Two Seats in Deep Red Mississippi, Break GOP Supermajority, by Daniel Orton, November 5, 2025, Newsweek
• Here are the key races to watch in Tuesday’s off-year elections, by Caroline Vakil, November 3, 2025, The Hill
• Anti-genocide protests attacked and beaten at St. Louis town hall event for Democrat Wesley Bell, by Andrew Clyde & Kristina Betinis, August 21.2925, World Socialist Web Site
• How Kat Abughazaleh’s Parents Shaped Her Identity and Political Worldview, by Trisha Faulkner, October 30, 2025, Distractify
• Deciding To Win: Toward a Common Sense Renewal of the Democratic Party, Principal Author Simon Bazelon, Co-Authors, Lauren Harper Pope and Liam Kerr. October 27, 2025, Politico
• AOC and the Squad’s List of Left-Wing Accomplishments Is Quite Long, by Branko Narcotic, Jacobin Magazine
• Mamdani opens floodgates of younger Democrats running for office, by Surina Venkat, November 11, 2025, The Hill
• Kat Abughazaleh On the Right to Protest, November 1, 2025, The Intercept Briefing - Listen
• Press Release: Congresswoman Bush Endorsed by Justice Democrats, October 23, 2025, Coribush.org
•. House candidate Kat Abughazaleh indicted over ICE confrontation, by Andrew Solender, October 29, 2025, Axios
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
CHAPTERS:
Recent Election Victories Signal Hope for Progressive Candidates
00:00:00
Cori Bush and Kat Abughazaleh React to Election Outcomes
00:01:53
Shaping the Democratic Party with Authentic Progressive Values
00:05:15
Kat Abughazaleh's Mutual Aid Campaign and Political Transformation
00:10:13
Embracing the Politivist Role: Activism Meets Politics
00:19:09
Help Sustain Solutions-Focused Progressive Journalism
00:23:45
Addressing the Class Divide and Big Money in Congress
00:24:30
Fighting for Free Speech Amidst Federal Indictment
00:27:29
The Power of Progressives to Transform Party Leadership
00:30:26
Building a Better Future Through Collective Community Action
00:37:38
Final Thoughts and Supporting the Laura Flanders Show
00:43:54
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Uncover the truth behind over 1,000 police killings per year: Watch CYCLE to learn about one family's fight for justice after their son's tragic death at hands of law enforcement
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Would we know from our media that over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in the U.S.? The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are exceptions, but for the victims we don’t hear about, there’s CYCLE. The newly-released investigative feature documentary from LionArt Media focuses on the 2019 killing of Ty’rese West, an 18-year-old Black teenager from Racine, Wisconsin who was shot to death after being pulled over by a Mount Pleasant police officer for riding a bicycle with no headlights. No videos were taken, the details of West’s death were withheld from the community and the subsequent police report. Made in close collaboration with West’s mother, Monique West, the film follows the story of Ty’rese’s death and the lawsuit that ensued. CYCLE is an invitation, “. . . to interrupt the silence that follows so many cases that never go viral — cases where there’s no footage, no public pressure, and no accountability,” say director Laura Dyan Kezman and co-director William Howell, both Racine natives. Dyan Kezman is an award-winning director, DP, and editor, and the founder of LionArt Media committed to telling bold, socially driven stories that examine justice, culture, and civic engagement. Howell is a cinematographer, editor, and director based in Milwaukee. He was the cinematographer of ‘The Rise and Fall of Coo Coo Cal’ and the director of the 2020 film ‘You Don’t Know Me’. Join the CYCLE directors and Laura Flanders for this powerful conversation on police accountability and community action, plus a commentary on the media quiet about Trump’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean.
“. . . We started this film in 2019 with the intention of not making an angry film, but we didn't quite know what the film needed to be yet. Then COVID hit, Ahmaud Arbery was killed, and then Breonna Taylor was killed, and then George Floyd was killed . . . We felt it then, that this was something so much bigger than us in terms of us telling Tyrese's story in that moment.” - Laura Dyan Kezman
“The call to action, that's when I see, more than anything, that we achieved our goal. People are not leaving these theaters angry . . . They're leaving and saying, what can we do? What can I do? What can we do together as people to help create this change?” - William Howell
Guests:
• William Howell: Co-Director & Producer, CYCLE
• Laura Dyan Kezman: Director, Editor & Producer, CYCLE
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Police Violence Against Latinos: The Shocking Data We Now Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘CYCLE’ comes home: Racine premiere unites community in a call for action, by Heather Asiyanbi and Grant Ritchey, July 21st, 2025, Racine County Eye
• Mapping Police Violence: “Law enforcement agencies across the country are failing to provide us with even basic information about the lives they take. So we collect the data ourselves…”
• The U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division Dismisses Biden-Era Police Investigations and Proposed Police consent Decrees in Louisville and Minneapolis, May 21, 2025, Justice.gov
• Wisconsin DOJ reversed decision to release cop names after pushback from police groups, by Annie Pulley, April 2025, The Badger Project
• Trump administration drops police oversight spurred by Floyd, Taylor Killings, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, May 21, 2025, Reuters
• Trump signs orders targeting sanctuary cities, seeking military involvement in law enforcement, April 28, 2025, by Alex Galbraith, Salon.com
• MAIT: How Wisconsin’s investigations into police shootings protect officers, by Isiah Holmes, February 12, 2025, Wisconsin Examiner
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Oxygen" by Jhelisa, courtesy of Dorado Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: The directors of CYCLE invite viewers to confront the eerie stillness that follows many cases of police brutality, where no footage, public pressure, or accountability exist, and instead, inspire collective change.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Would we know from our media that over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in the U.S.? The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are exceptions, but for the victims we don’t hear about, there’s CYCLE. The newly-released investigative feature documentary from LionArt Media focuses on the 2019 killing of Ty’rese West, an 18-year-old Black teenager from Racine, Wisconsin who was shot to death after being pulled over by a Mount Pleasant police officer for riding a bicycle with no headlights. No videos were taken, the details of West’s death were withheld from the community and the subsequent police report. Made in close collaboration with West’s mother, Monique West, the film follows the story of Ty’rese’s death and the lawsuit that ensued. CYCLE is an invitation, “. . . to interrupt the silence that follows so many cases that never go viral — cases where there’s no footage, no public pressure, and no accountability,” say director Laura Dyan Kezman and co-director William Howell, both Racine natives. Kezman is an award-winning director, DP, and editor, and the founder of LionArt Media committed to telling bold, socially driven stories that examine justice, culture, and civic engagement. Howell is a cinematographer, editor, and director based in Milwaukee. He was the cinematographer of ‘The Rise and Fall of Coo Coo Cal’ and the director of the 2020 film ‘You Don’t Know Me’. Join the CYCLE directors and Laura Flanders for this powerful conversation on police accountability and community action, plus a commentary on the media quiet about Trump’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean.
“. . . We started this film in 2019 with the intention of not making an angry film, but we didn't quite know what the film needed to be yet. Then COVID hit, Ahmaud Arbery was killed, and then Breonna Taylor was killed, and then George Floyd was killed . . . We felt it then, that this was something so much bigger than us in terms of us telling Tyrese's story in that moment.” - Laura Dyan Kezman
“The call to action, that's when I see, more than anything, that we achieved our goal. People are not leaving these theaters angry . . . They're leaving and saying, what can we do? What can I do? What can we do together as people to help create this change?” - William Howell
Guests:
• William Howell: Co-Director, CYCLE
• Laura Dyan Kezman: Director, Editor & Producer, CYCLE
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 9th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 12th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Police Violence Against Latinos: The Shocking Data We Now Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘CYCLE’ comes home: Racine premiere unites community in a call for action, by Heather Asiyanbi and Grant Ritchey, July 21st, 2025, Racine County Eye
• Mapping Police Violence: “Law enforcement agencies across the country are failing to provide us with even basic information about the lives they take. So we collect the data ourselves…”
• The U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division Dismisses Biden-Era Police Investigations and Proposed Police consent Decrees in Louisville and Minneapolis, May 21, 2025, Justice.gov
• Wisconsin DOJ reversed decision to release cop names after pushback from police groups, by Annie Pulley, April 2025, The Badger Project
• Trump administration drops police oversight spurred by Floyd, Taylor Killings, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, May 21, 2025, Reuters
• Trump signs orders targeting sanctuary cities, seeking military involvement in law enforcement, April 28, 2025, by Alex Galbraith, Salon.com
• MAIT: How Wisconsin’s investigations into police shootings protect officers, by Isiah Holmes, February 12, 2025, Wisconsin Examiner
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Chapters:
00:00:00
Personal Connections Fuel the Creation of "Cycle"
00:04:15
Exposing Systemic Power: Police and DA's Narrative Control
00:08:14
Nancy Kowalchek's Warning: A Precedent of Police Violence
00:13:28
"Cycle" as a Guide for Community Change
00:19:42
Monique's Trust and the Film's Evolving Vision
00:24:35
"Cycle" Inspires Action and Brings Healing to Victims
00:33:38
The Enduring Legacy and Transformative Power of "Cycle"
00:41:51
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
North Carolina leads a new wave of gerrymandering battles ahead of the 2026 midterms. Laura Flanders revisits how redistricting there reveals the national struggle over democracy and fair representation.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description [original release date May 7, 2023] As the 2026 midterm elections approach, North Carolina has once again become ground zero in the fight over American democracy. In this re-release of “Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina,” Laura Flanders and her guests revisit how extreme gerrymandering has reshaped political power and voter representation in one of the nation’s key swing states.
North Carolina is now the first swing state to draw new congressional districts amid a nationwide push by both parties to lock in advantages before the next election. What’s at stake for democracy—not just in North Carolina, but across the country?
Tune in as Laura Flanders & Friends explore the local stories behind this national struggle, and what it reveals about the future of fair representation in America.
Guests:
Hilary Harris Klein: Senior Counsel of Voting Rights, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Irving L. Joyner: Professor of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law
Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Josh Stein: Attorney General, North Carolina (note: He served as NC's A.G. 2017 to 2024. Currently he is serving as the 76th governor of North Carolina since 2025.)
Angela M. Thorpe: Executive Director, Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
Watch this episode on YouTube
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: "Wings" by Terry Callier courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records. Additional music, 'Steppin' & 'Electric Car' by Podington Bear. "Unsilenced" by Ketsa. Original Sound Design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The Forgotten Coup, January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy Watch / Download Podcast
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection Watch / Download Podcast
• North Carolina: Courageous Conversations in a Climate of Fear Watch / Download Podcast
• Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolutions & Democracy Hanging by a Thread Watch / Download Podcast
• Democratizing Democracy: Redistricting by the People Watch / Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• North Carolinas Republicans Just Took Gerrymandering to a Whole New Level, by Laura Flanders, The Nation, Read Here
• Moore vs. Harper Explained, by Eliza Sweren-Becker & Ethan Herenstein, The Brennan Center, Read Here
• North Carolina Supreme Court delivers three sweeping blows to voting rights, opinion. by The Editorial Board, The News & Observer, Read Here
• What Happens to Moore v. Harper after the latest North Carolina Supreme Court decision in the partisan gerrymandering case? by Derek Muller, ElectionLawBlog.org Read Here
• The ‘Independent State Legislature Theory,’ Explained, by Ethan Herenstein & Thomas Wolf, The Brennan Center, read here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: The Trump administration’s aggressive use of ICE agents and National Guardsmen has sparked outrage among lawmakers like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and veteran activists such as Janessa Goldbeck; they join forces to discuss what can be done now.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that’s getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura’s guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it’s time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State’s 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.
“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Guests:
• Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional District
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement.
• Pentagon orders states’ national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’ by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle: ‘We are the people’s movement that will save our democracy’, October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com
•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney, October 16, 2025, ProPublica
• FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Of Peace” by Galliano from the album Halfway Somewhere Expanded released on Brownswood Recordings and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis- US Cities Under Siege: National Guard Deployed Despite Local Opposition: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck join us to discuss the implications of Trump's actions and what Congress, veterans, and the public can do to stop the militarization of American cities.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that’s getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura’s guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it’s time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State’s 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.
“What we're seeing now is the president attempting to reshape the U.S. military into a tool of his own domestic political control . . . And then to deploy uniformed service members and the National Guard across the country against the wishes of local elected leaders . . . I feel a lot of sadness and frustration on behalf of those who are serving in uniform today who are being put into this very partisan political position by the United States president.” - Janessa Goldbeck
“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Guests:
• Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional District
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement.
• Pentagon orders states’ national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces’ for ‘crowd control’ by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian
• Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle: ‘We are the people’s movement that will save our democracy’, October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com
• Former Military Leaders Decry National Guard Deployment in Illinois, by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois, October 16, 2025, WTTW-PBS
• Where has Trump suggested sending troops? In cities run by Democratic mayors, by Juliana Kim, October 16, 2025, NPR
•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney, October 16, 2025, ProPublica
•. Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act, by Irie Sentner, October 6, 2025, Politico
• FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Chapters:
Upholding Constitutional Values Against Authoritarian Threats
00:00:00
Trump's Government Overreach and ICE's Militarization
00:06:35
Distinguishing Military Roles and Resisting Escalation
00:13:21
Courts, Congress, and Citizens as Democratic Guardrails
00:20:40
Immigrant Courage and the Fight for Democracy's Future
00:29:38
Help Sustain Independent Media: Donate Today
00:33:29
The 'Personal Army' of ICE and Election Interference
00:34:13
War Game, Nonpartisanship, and Trump's Disrespect for Service
00:40:19
Building an Empathetic Future Through Collective Action
00:46:34
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
What a Mamdani Win Would Mean for Local Communities**: As the mayoral race heats up, we examine how a Mamdani administration would impact working-class families in New York City, with a focus on affordable housing, policy prescriptions, and the potential shift in national politics, featuring insights from Laura Flanders and journalists working around the country for this month's Meet the BIPOC Press.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Wherever you are in the county, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. If elected, Mamdani would become the first Muslim-American and only the second Democratic Socialist Mayor of the largest city in the U.S. His victory, on a promise to make New York affordable for working people, would have implications for politics everywhere. The race is already garnering both excitement and anxiety. President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding for New York City if Mamdani wins. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with Felipe De La Hoz, investigative immigration and policy reporter whose work has been featured in The Intercept, The Washington Post, New York Mag and The Nation; Osama Siblani, publisher and founder of The Arab American News, the largest Arab American newspaper in the U.S., and Asha Ransby-Sporn, organizer and writer for In These Times and co-founder of Black Youth Project 100, where she led the group's national organizing program. Join us as we explore what a Mamdani victory would signal for the nation.
Guests:
• Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC
• Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times
• Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 26th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 29th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast. The full uncut conversation is also available to podcast subscribers.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Libertango” by Stephan Wrembel’s from the ‘Django New Orleans II Hors Série’' courtesy of the artist, "Steppin" by Podington Bear and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00
Lessons from Chicago: A National Progressive Wave
00:02:25
Why Mamdani's Ground Game Resonates with Voters
00:04:53
Mamdani Represents Anguish of Left-Behind Voters
00:08:52
Connecting Black Voters to the Progressive Movement
00:13:13
Embracing Policy: Mamdani's Direct Campaign Approach
00:18:42
How Social Media Shapes Political Narratives
00:22:55
Challenges for Progressive Executives in Big Cities
00:25:01
Empowering Communities Through Political Engagement
00:30:30
Corporate Influence on Media and Local Politics
00:34:30
Covering Local Politics: Context and Realpolitik
00:36:40
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: The mayoral candidate who's got the nation talking, Zohran Mamdani, is on track to make history as New York City's first Muslim-American and second Democratic Socialist mayor.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Wherever you are in the county, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. If elected, Mamdani would become the first Muslim-American and only the second Democratic Socialist Mayor of the largest city in the U.S. His victory, on a promise to make New York affordable for working people, would have implications for politics everywhere. The race is already garnering both excitement and anxiety. President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding for New York City if Mamdani wins. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with Felipe De La Hoz, investigative immigration and policy reporter whose work has been featured in The Intercept, The Washington Post, New York Mag and The Nation; Osama Siblani, publisher and founder of The Arab American News, the largest Arab American newspaper in the U.S., and Asha Ransby-Sporn, organizer and writer for In These Times and co-founder of Black Youth Project 100, where she led the group's national organizing program. Join us as we explore what a Mamdani victory would signal for the nation.
“. . . There's this sense that [Left-leaning candidates] have to essentially be apologizing for their policy prescriptions and their stances. Mamdani has not done that . . . For the most part, he very much embraces who he is and what his policy prescriptions are.” - Felipe De La Hoz
“I hate giving labels. I don't look at Mandani as a progressive. I look at him as representing the anger and anguish of people who have been left behind with the political apparatus.” - Osama Siblani
“More so than I am concerned with Black people being pulled to the Right or being pulled in by Trump . . . I think what we see are people who are disengaged and feel like our political system isn't going to deliver for them at all. Who feel let down by the establishment Democratic party that has sold all of us out for decades, and Black people have borne an enormous amount of the brunt of that impact.” - Asha Ransby-Sporn
Guests:
• Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC
• Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times
• Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 26th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 29th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Chapter list:
Zohran Mamdani's Campaign: A National Story
00:00:00
Lessons from Chicago: A National Progressive Wave
00:02:25
Why Mamdani's Ground Game Resonates with Voters
00:04:53
Mamdani Represents Anguish of Left-Behind Voters
00:08:52
Connecting Black Voters to the Progressive Movement
00:13:13
Embracing Policy: Mamdani's Direct Campaign Approach
00:18:42
How Social Media Shapes Political Narratives
00:22:55
Challenges for Progressive Executives in Big Cities
00:25:01
Empowering Communities Through Political Engagement
00:30:30
Corporate Influence on Media and Local Politics
00:34:30
Covering Local Politics: Context and Realpolitik
00:36:40
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a conversation that spans decades of activism, Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to discuss the role of narratives in breaking down silos and fears, highlighting the impact of storytelling on building movements and inspiring courage in the face of adversity.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director and producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers with César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin
“. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . . The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta
Guests:
• Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab
• Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episodes air on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, "Funk 4 Peace" by Fort Knox Five featuring Mustafa Akbar from their album Radio Free DC courtesy of Fort Knox Recordings, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a conversation that spans decades of activism, Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to discuss the role of narratives in breaking down silos and fears, highlighting the impact of storytelling on building movements and inspiring courage in the face of adversity.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director, producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin
“. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . . The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta
Guests:
• Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab
• Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 19th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 22nd (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen: Episode
• These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen: Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover- Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media
• Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO
• Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025: Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes
• About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00
Introducing 'The People, United' and Guests' Initial Reflections
00:00:00
Why Narrative and Civil Disobedience Inspire Action
00:03:09
Dolores Huerta on Current Fascism and Community Impact
00:06:18
How the Grape Boycott United People for Justice
00:10:04
Overcoming Fear Through Non-Violent Action and Values
00:13:30
Lessons on Courage and Non-Violent Protection
00:20:16
Non-Violent Discipline and the Role of Culture
00:25:49
Practical Advice for Engaging in Activism and Elections
00:31:07
Reimagining Society Beyond Prisons and Towards Justice
00:36:40
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
REWIND FROM THE ARCHIVES: Lynne Martine Patton, a Trump aid and federal housing official responsible for the New York City region, said she'd move out of Trump Plaza and into public housing to bring attention to "inhuman conditions." In this 2018 commentary from Laura Flanders, she proposes an alternative to Patton's stunt and Trump's pro-privatization agenda.
Fast forward to today, check out this week's podcast on the Trump Administration and HUD:
Title: "Cuts, Shutdowns & Civil Rights Attacks: Federal Workers Fight Back" [episode cut & full uncut conversation]
About 750,000 people are on unpaid leave as the U.S. government shutdown continues — but some of the most caring parts of the government's work have been shut down for months. Civil rights attorneys Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe recently signed a shocking complaint letter describing chaos within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is responsible for protecting fair housing.
“No one is asking for a leg up or an extra hand or whatever the case might be. We're just asking to get rid of discrimination. And so I hope the future will tell the story of people doing just that, coming together, going to Congress and saying, ‘These are our rights. You passed them into law decades ago. Fight for the rights that we have now.’” - Palmer Heenan
“The thing that will actually get us through this is solidarity, recognizing what potential power we have as federal workers . . . [The administration wants] to create fear, which leads to silence, which lets things be dismantled without anyone standing up and fighting and saying, ‘This is illegal, this is wrong and this is harming people.’ It's up to federal workers, the ones in the building, to actually do that.” - Paul Osadebe
Guests:
• Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476
• Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis- HUD in crisis- The Department of Housing and Urban Development has seen its staff slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, with civil rights cases being abandoned and political appointees allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: About 750,000 people are on unpaid leave as the U.S. government shutdown continues — but some of the most caring parts of the government's work have been shut down for months. Take the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for example. This is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but in a shocking complaint letter submitted to Senator Elizabeth Warren on September 22, 2025, civil rights attorneys Palmer Heenan, Paul Osadebe and two other whistleblowers describe an agency in crisis. Staff has been slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. Every layoff and budget cut by the Trump administration, both within HUD and across federal agencies, is part of a larger plan to create chaos, end civil rights protections, legalize segregation and exert unitary executive power. Heenan and Osadebe, members of the Federal Unionists Network (FUN), are calling on federal employees to uphold their oath to constitution and protect Americans. And they’ve paid the price: *both Heenan and Osadebe were fired by HUD in what has been called a "stunning act of illegal retaliation.” In this conversation, the two share their story, what it means for civil rights and how unions can fight for government accountability.
“No one is asking for a leg up or an extra hand or whatever the case might be. We're just asking to get rid of discrimination. And so I hope the future will tell the story of people doing just that, coming together, going to Congress and saying, ‘These are our rights. You passed them into law decades ago. Fight for the rights that we have now.’” - Palmer Heenan
“The thing that will actually get us through this is solidarity, recognizing what potential power we have as federal workers . . . [The administration wants] to create fear, which leads to silence, which lets things be dismantled without anyone standing up and fighting and saying, ‘This is illegal, this is wrong and this is harming people.’ It's up to federal workers, the ones in the building, to actually do that.” - Paul Osadebe
Guests:
• Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476
• Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Place Delight” by Stephen Emmer featuring Mary Griffin, from the album Home Ground, released on Electric Fairytale Recordings, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Episodes:
• Housing is a Human Right Watch / Listen
• Frances Golden, “Rabble Rousers” & the NYC Housing Struggle that Won. Watch / Listen / Full,Uncut Conversation
• Domestic Violence Survivor & Homeless Too? A CA Cohort Shows What Can Be Done. Watch/Listen / Full, Uncut Conversation
• Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina: Watch/Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announces receipt of official complaint from HUD whistleblowers, ‘If you buy a home or rent a home or want to…’ YouTube
• US whistleblowers say they were fired for raising fair housing concerns, by Chris Stein, September 29, 2025, The Guardian
• Rent Debtors Strike Against Abusive Corporate Landlord. The Debt Collective is leading the charge against the real estate behemoth Equity Residential, by Michael Friedrich, October 6, 2025, The American Prospect
•. Trump appointees roll back rollback enforcement of fair housing laws, by Debra Kamin, September 22, 2025, New York Times
• Federal Workers Are Organizing for Democracy- from the Inside Out, by Chris Does and Alissa Tafti, June 25, 2025, NP Quarterly
• Save Public Services
• Exclusive: Federal Whistleblowers Expose How Trump’s HUD is Abandoning Vulnerable Americans, by Maximillian Alvarez, September 22, 2025, The Real News Network
• Trump’s housing department rolls back work to combat residential segregation, whistleblowers allege, by Shcris Stein, September 24, 2025, The Guardian
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As concerns about rolled-back protections grow louder, whistleblowers at HUD have risked it all by going public with allegations that paint a stark picture of systematic regression on equality under the law.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Housing discrimination is illegal in the U.S., but every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives thousands of complaints from individuals who believe they are not being treated fairly because of their race, religion, disability and other protected classes. HUD is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but a shocking new whistleblower complaint letter released on Monday, September 29, 2025 says the agency is in crisis. Staff was slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, some civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. These are just some of the claims in the formal complaint letter, which has now been filed through U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office and taken to the press. In this conversation, Laura Flanders speaks to two of the four whistleblowers, HUD civil rights fair housing attorneys, to find out what this story means for civil rights and why they’re speaking out now. As fair housing hangs in the balance, Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe are organizing union members to uphold their oath to defend the constitution and protect Americans.
Guests:
• Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476
• Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 12th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 15th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
RESOURCES:
Related Episodes:
• Housing is a Human Right Watch / Listen
• Frances Golden, “Rabble Rousers” & the NYC Housing Struggle that Won. Watch / Listen / Full, Uncut Conversation
• Domestic Violence Survivor & Homeless Too? A CA Cohort Shows What Can Be Done. Watch/Listen / Full, Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announces receipt of official complaint from HUD whistleblowers, ‘If you buy a home or rent a home or want to…’ YouTube
•. Trump appointees roll back rollback enforcement of fair housing laws, by Debra Kamin, September 22, 2025, New York Times
• Federal Workers Are Organizing for Democracy- from the Inside Out, by Chris Does and Alissa Tafti, June 25, 2025, NP Quarterly
• Save Public Services
• Exclusive: Federal Whistleblowers Expose How Trump’s HUD is Abandoning Vulnerable Americans, by Maximillian Alvarez, September 22, 2025, The Real News Network
• Trump’s housing department rolls back work to combat residential segregation, whistleblowers allege, by Shcris Stein, September 24, 2025, The Guardian
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: "Dusk & Glimmer" by Blue Dot Sessions. Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
CHAPTERS:
Exposing Alarming Civil Rights Rollbacks at HUD
00:00:00
Senator Warren Exposes HUD's Attack on Civil Rights
00:01:50
Why HUD Whistleblowers Risked Careers to Speak Out
00:04:51
How Political Interference Dismantles Fair Housing Enforcement
00:08:24
Protecting Survivors: The Violence Against Women Act Team
00:14:24
Collective Action: Building Worker Power Through FUN
00:16:49
Legal Strategy: Why a Formal Whistleblower Complaint
00:21:40
From Trump's Past to 'Valentine's Day Massacre' Layoffs
00:26:31
The Growing Movement of Organized Federal Workers
00:30:01
Demanding Oversight and Transparency for HUD Actions
00:34:34
Defending Unions: The Power of Collective Worker Solidarity
00:38:10
Why Rolling Back Protections Harms Everyone, Not Just Some
00:40:46
Federal Workers' Vision for a Fairer American Society
00:44:43
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis, Laura's Commentary: As billionaires buy up our newsrooms and Congress defunds public media, the stakes for democracy couldn’t be higher. If we don’t reinvent and reinvest in independent media now, it may soon be too late.
For the transcript of this commentary and more articles by Laura subscribe to Substack.
Watch Laura's interview with Documented NY's Labor Reporter Amir Khafagy and Capital B's Rural Issues Reporter Aallyah Wright on Laura Flanders & Friends on YouTube, or PBS stations and hear their take on commercial coverage of the NYC Mayor's race and anti-Black rule changes at USDA, or listen to past commentaries and full uncut interviews through subscribing to this free podcast.
Related Episode Information: Documented NY's Labor Reporter Amir Khafagy and Capital B's Rural Issues Reporter Aallyah Wright-
Watch: YouTube Listen: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation available wherever you get your podcasts.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“. . . [The Trump administration is] using Palestine. They are using the pretext of antisemitism and combating antisemitism to go after us because they know that this is the weakness of the Democratic party. When they go to the universities, they start with combating antisemitism, but then the second ask would be to abolish all DEI programs, to sanitize the history on slavery and the inception of America. And the list goes on and on and on.” - Mahmoud Khalil
Description: Mahmoud Khalil was coming home from an Iftar dinner with his pregnant wife on March 8, 2025 when he was detained without a warrant and transported 1,500 miles to a Louisiana detention camp. A negotiator for the 2024 pro-Palestine student protests at Columbia University, Khalil was a legal permanent resident who’d committed no violence or crime; his abduction shocked the world. The Trump administration was seeking to expel Khalil, not for his acts, but for his otherwise legal “beliefs, statements and associations” which Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in short letter, would “compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest.” A New Jersey federal judge threw out that case and Khalil was released after 104 days in detention, but the backlash keeps on coming. In this courageous conversation, Mahmoud Khalil joins Laura Flanders to discuss the night of his terrifying detainment, the “Palestinian Exception” and the case brought against him by the Trump administration. They are alleging errors on his green card application and have ordered Khalil to be deported — possibly to Algeria or Syria where his life would be under threat. Despite the risks of deportation, Mahmoud Khalil continues to speak out, and he and his legal team have filed a civil rights lawsuit with the U.S. District Court of New Jersey against the Trump administration to challenge his arrest and detention by ICE. Join Khalil and Flanders as they ask why the question of Palestine is a test for U.S. democracy — and one we are failing.
“People mistakenly think that what's happening is far from their doors. They think that this would never happen to them, because of their social status, because of their ethnicity or any of that. But what's happening around us should alarm us . . . It's not about that the U.S. is becoming authoritarian. It is authoritarianism now.” - Mahmoud Khalil
Guest: Mahmoud Khalil, Human Rights Advocate
UPDATE - since this interview was recorded- “The recent decision by a federal court in Massachusetts in the AAUP v. Rubio case confirms what Mahmoud has maintained all along: that Trump administration officials have acted in concert to suppress and silence anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian speech, in violation of the First Amendment. We look forward to the remedies that court will order and to pursuing Mahmoud’s own separate and ongoing federal court challenge to this unconstitutional policy.” -Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, and one of the lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: "Gazan Skies” by Ghost Producer Badawi from the album "Sonically Dismantling Western Imperialism” courtesy of Underground Producers Alliance (UPA), 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• UNCUT CONVERSATION from this episode with Mahmoud Khalil Listen
• Behind the Barricades at Columbia University: “The Encampments” for Gaza- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Israel, Hamas & Gaza: UN Insider Craig Mokhiber Exposes Genocide, Apartheid & Human Rights Failures- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Organizing for Gaza Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Israel-Palestine News - YouTube Playlist
Related Articles and Resources:
• Federal judge rules Trump unconstitutionally targeted Gaza war protesters for deportation, by Michael Casey, Associated Press, PBS
• What is Better US, the group pushing to deport pro-Palestinain students? By Al Jazeera Staff, March 25, 2025, Al Jazeera
• Google Secretly Handed ICE Data About Pro-Palestine Student Activist, by Shawn Musgrave, September 16, 2025, The Intercept
• UC Berkeley Gives Trump Administration 160 Names in Antisemitism Investigation, by Brian Krans, September 12, 2025, KQED
• Block the Bombs Act To Israel
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Mahmoud Khalil examines why the question of Palestine is a test for U.S. democracy.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Mahmoud Khalil was coming home from an Iftar dinner with his pregnant wife on March 8, 2025 when he was detained without a warrant and transported 1,500 miles to a Louisiana detention camp. A negotiator for the 2024 pro-Palestine student protests at Columbia University, Khalil was a legal permanent resident who’d committed no violence or crime; his abduction shocked the world. The Trump administration was seeking to expel Khalil, not for his acts, but for his otherwise legal “beliefs, statements and associations” which Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in short letter, would “compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest.” A New Jersey federal judge threw out that case and Khalil was released after 104 days in detention, but the backlash keeps on coming. In this courageous conversation, Mahmoud Khalil joins Laura Flanders to discuss the night of his terrifying detainment, the “Palestinian Exception” and the case brought against him by the Trump administration. They are alleging errors on his green card application and have ordered Khalil to be deported — possibly to Algeria or Syria where his life would be under threat. Despite the risks of deportation, Mahmoud Khalil continues to speak out, and he and his legal team have filed a civil rights lawsuit with the U.S. District Court of New Jersey against the Trump administration to challenge his arrest and detention by ICE. Join Khalil and Flanders as they ask why the question of Palestine is a test for U.S. democracy — and one we are failing.
“. . . [The Trump administration is] using Palestine. They are using the pretext of antisemitism and combating antisemitism to go after us because they know that this is the weakness of the Democratic party. When they go to the universities, they start with combating antisemitism, but then the second ask would be to abolish all DEI programs, to sanitize the history on slavery and the inception of America. And the list goes on and on and on.” - Mahmoud Khalil
“People mistakenly think that what's happening is far from their doors. They think that this would never happen to them, because of their social status, because of their ethnicity or any of that. But what's happening around us should alarm us . . . It's not about that the U.S. is becoming authoritarian. It is authoritarianism now.” - Mahmoud Khalil
Guest: Mahmoud Khalil, Human Rights Advocate
UPDATE - since this interview was recorded- “The recent decision by a federal court in Massachusetts in the AAUP v. Rubio case confirms what Mahmoud has maintained all along: that Trump administration officials have acted in concert to suppress and silence anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian speech, in violation of the First Amendment. We look forward to the remedies that court will order and to pursuing Mahmoud’s own separate and ongoing federal court challenge to this unconstitutional policy.” -Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, and one of the lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Music Credit: 'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Behind the Barricades at Columbia University: “The Encampments” for Gaza- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Israel, Hamas & Gaza: UN Insider Craig Mokhiber Exposes Genocide, Apartheid & Human Rights Failures- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Organizing for Gaza Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani- Watch / Listen: Episode and Uncut Conversation
• Israel-Palestine News - YouTube Playlist
Related Articles and Resources:
• Federal judge rules Trump unconstitutionally targeted Gaza war protesters for deportation, by Michael Casey, Associated Press, PBS
• What is Better US, the group pushing to deport pro-Palestinain students? By Al Jazeera Staff, March 25, 2025, Al Jazeera
• Google Secretly Handed ICE Data About Pro-Palestine Student Activist, by Shawn Musgrave, September 16, 2025, The Intercept
• UC Berkeley Gives Trump Administration 160 Names in Antisemitism Investigation, by Brian Krans, September 12, 2025, KQED
• Block the Bombs Act To Israel
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Laura speaks to organizers in western North Carolina one year after Hurricane Helene
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in September 2024, it came as a shock, hitting mountains, not coasts, and flooding rivers and communities with little experience of dealing with hurricanes. Helene quickly became one of the worst storms to ever hit the U.S., and in the absence of a quick response by state or federal government, other groups flooded in. Right-wing actors took advantage of the chaos, spreading rumors about looting and trying to boost their image. But it’s the mutual aid networks — some long standing, others new that responded with creative, effective strategies to distribute water, medicine and help communities rebuild. In this episode, Laura Flanders heads to some of the hardest-hit areas in western North Carolina and speaks with community activists to hear the lessons to be learned for the future. Amid Trump cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service, the future for storm recovery in North Carolina is uncertain. But one thing's for sure — mutual aid support like Pansy Collective, Cherokee One Feather, Racial Justice Coalition (RJC), Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR) and Collaborativa La Milpa have the strategies and solutions we may all need for survival.
“It takes the state a long time to mobilize, and that might continue to be true as FEMA gets defunded . . . It’s imperative that people fight to keep their disaster response funding, but until then, we need to know how to respond ourselves.” - RT
“We were talking to the people that were staying in hotels because they had just lost everything and didn't know where they were going to get their next meal or their medicine. Talk to those people . . . We had those journalists, especially BIPOC journalists in Western North Carolina, making sure those stories were told.” - Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Guests:
• Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians): Reporter, Cherokee One Feather
•. RT Pansy
• Ayotunde Dixson: Racial Justice Coalition (RJC)
• Janet Kent: Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR)
• Tai Little: SEAC Village
• Alan Luis Ramirez: Collaborativa La Milpa
• Mab Segrest: Anti Racist Research Program, Blueprint NC
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 1st (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: “Dawn Summit" and "Thrum of Soil" by Blue Dot Sessions. Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper.
Special thanks:
Davyne Dial, General Manager: WPVM FM 103.7 - Community Radio for Asheville
Mab Segrest
Blueprint NC
Additional crew: DL Anderson, Jon Laww
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Hurricane Helene 1 Year After, Survival Stories: Ayotunde Dixson, Tai Little: Listen:Exclusive Bonus Conversation
• Community Action After Hurricane Helene: BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Collective Real Estate: Land Without Landlords?: Watch / Listen: Episode
• A Co-op Story: People's Construction in Rockaway: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Hurricane in the Mountains: What we can learn from Western North Carolina, A Blueprint NC Special Report, by May Segrest with Sofia Trovato, May 2025
• North Carolina government calculates Hurricane Helene damages, needs at least $53B, October 24, 2024, The AP
• We Are The Relief: How Queer Appalachian Mutual Aid Showed Up After Helene, by Basil Vaughn Soper, October 22, 2024, Them.us
• Sunday thought: A national reckoning, (As we slide further into a dysfunctional police state), Robert Reich, July 6, 2025, Substack
• Across a Hundred Muddy Hollers: How mutual aid is filling the gaps in the recovery of North Carolina mountain communities after Hurricane Helene, by Justin Cook, December 10, 2024, The Progressive Magazine
• When the Hurricane-Relief Worker Turns Out To Be a Neo-Nazi, by Tawnell D. Hobbs, Jennifer Levitz and Joe Barrett, October 10, 2024, The Wall Street Journal
• Hurricane Helene brews up storm of online falsehoods and threats, October 8, 2024, Institute for Strategic Dialogue
• Extremists Co-Opt Hurricane Response to Blame Israel, Incite a Storm of Hateful Narratives, October 11, 2024, by Center on Extremism, ADL
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As displacement pressures mount in the mountains 1 year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, residents face gentrification head-on. Hear from local voices on the frontlines of a growing crisis in our exclusive conversation.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: In this bonus conversation recorded live at radio station WPVM in Asheville, North Carolina, Laura speaks with two community organizers who were on the ground in Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. On the one-year anniversary of that deadly storm, they reflect on what it meant to face such an unprecedented disaster in the mountains — a place few imagined a hurricane could strike. From mutual aid networks to lessons in resilience, race, and class, they share how neighbors became first responders when government failed, and why mutual aid isn’t just a slogan but a lifeline. And what pressure are residents facing now, to combat gentrification in the wake of displacement? Released alongside our full, investigative report, Alone & Under Water: Learning from Hurricane Helene, this live conversation brings local voices and learned wisdom too listeners everywhere.
Guests:
• Ayotunde Dixson, Racial Justice Coalition (RJC)
• Tai Little, SEAC Village
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 28th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 1st (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Special thanks:
Davyne Dial, General Manager: WPVM FM 103.7 - Community Radio for Asheville
Mab Segrest
Blueprint NC
Additional crew: DL Anderson, Jon Laww
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Community Action After Hurricane Helene: BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
• Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Collective Real Estate: Land Without Landlords?: Watch / Listen: Episode
• A Co-op Story: People's Construction in Rockaway: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Hurricane in the Mountains: What we can learn from Western North Carolina, A Blueprint NC Special Report, by May Segrest with Sofia Trovato, May 2025
• North Carolina government calculates Hurricane Helene damages, needs at least $53B, October 24, 2024, The AP
• We Are The Relief: How Queer Appalachian Mutual Aid Showed Up After Helene, by Basil Vaughn Soper, October 22, 2024, Them.us
• When the Hurricane-Relief Worker Turns Out To Be a Neo-Nazi, by Tawnell D. Hobbs, Jennifer Levitz and Joe Barrett, October 10, 2024, The Wall Street Journal
• Hurricane Helene brews up storm of online falsehoods and threats, October 8, 2024, Institute for Strategic Dialogue
• Extremists Co-Opt Hurricane Response to Blame Israel, Incite a Storm of Hateful Narratives, October 11, 2024, by Center on Extremism, ADL
CHAPTERS:
Unpacking Hurricane Helene's Impact and Community Response
00:00:00
Meet the Organizers: Hurricane Helene's Immediate Aftermath
00:02:39
Government Failure and Class Dynamics in Disaster Response
00:04:56
Gentrification and Class Divide Before the Storm
00:07:32
Mutual Aid Networks Fill the Void of Government Response
00:13:18
Building Community and Facing External Threats Post-Helene
00:18:42
Gentrification and Trauma: Helene's Lasting Societal Impact
00:22:39
Hope in Community: Defining and Practicing Mutual Aid
00:26:48
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As concerns about rolled-back protections grow louder, whistleblowers at HUD have risked it all by going public with allegations that paint a stark picture of systematic regression on equality under the law.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Housing discrimination is illegal in the U.S., but every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives thousands of complaints from individuals who believe they are not being treated fairly because of their race, religion, disability and other protected classes. HUD is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but a shocking new whistleblower complaint letter released on Monday, September 29, 2025 says the agency is in crisis. Staff was slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, some civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. These are just some of the claims in the formal complaint letter, which has now been filed through U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office and taken to the press. In this conversation, Laura Flanders speaks to two of the four whistleblowers, HUD civil rights fair housing attorneys, to find out what this story means for civil rights and why they’re speaking out now. As fair housing hangs in the balance, Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe are organizing union members to uphold their oath to defend the constitution and protect Americans.
Guests:
• Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476
• Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476
Subscribe to Laura Flanders & Friends on YouTube and podcast platforms to receive bonus interviews like these and our full, uncut conversations. And stay tuned for a new LF&F report featuring segments from this interview, coming soon to public television and radio.
RESOURCES:
Related Episodes:
• Housing is a Human Right Watch / Listen
• Frances Golden, “Rabble Rousers” & the NYC Housing Struggle that Won. Watch / Listen / Full, Uncut Conversation
• Domestic Violence Survivor & Homeless Too? A CA Cohort Shows What Can Be Done. Watch/Listen / Full, Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announces receipt of official complaint from HUD whistleblowers, ‘If you buy a home or rent a home or want to…’ YouTube
•. Trump appointees roll back rollback enforcement of fair housing laws, by Debra Kamin, September 22, 2025, New York Times
• Federal Workers Are Organizing for Democracy- from the Inside Out, by Chris Does and Alissa Tafti, June 25, 2025, NP Quarterly
• Save Public Services
• Exclusive: Federal Whistleblowers Expose How Trump’s HUD is Abandoning Vulnerable Americans, by Maximillian Alvarez, September 22, 2025, The Real News Network
• Trump’s housing department rolls back work to combat residential segregation, whistleblowers allege, by Shcris Stein, September 24, 2025, The Guardian
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: "Dusk & Glimmer" by Blue Dot Sessions. Original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
CHAPTERS:
Exposing Alarming Civil Rights Rollbacks at HUD
00:00:00
Senator Warren Exposes HUD's Attack on Civil Rights
00:01:50
Why HUD Whistleblowers Risked Careers to Speak Out
00:04:51
How Political Interference Dismantles Fair Housing Enforcement
00:08:24
Protecting Survivors: The Violence Against Women Act Team
00:14:24
Collective Action: Building Worker Power Through FUN
00:16:49
Legal Strategy: Why a Formal Whistleblower Complaint
00:21:40
From Trump's Past to 'Valentine's Day Massacre' Layoffs
00:26:31
The Growing Movement of Organized Federal Workers
00:30:01
Demanding Oversight and Transparency for HUD Actions
00:34:34
Defending Unions: The Power of Collective Worker Solidarity
00:38:10
Why Rolling Back Protections Harms Everyone, Not Just Some
00:40:46
Federal Workers' Vision for a Fairer American Society
00:44:43
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: With attacks on Critical Race Theory gaining momentum, Columbia & UCLA Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Laura Flanders to dissect the fight for antiracism in America today.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Calling all white people: How many times in the last eight months have you heard the phrase “isn’t that illegal?” The problems with our legal system are more conspicuous than ever in 2025, but thought leaders like Kimberlé Crenshaw have been sounding the alarm for decades. Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, Crenshaw is celebrating the organization's 30th anniversary and joining Laura Flanders in this episode to discuss the challenges ahead. For starters, the Supreme Court has recently legalized racial profiling for ICE deportations, the Trump administration is looking to remove so-called “improper ideology” from US institutions like the Smithsonian, and the president recently suggested domestic violence is not a real crime. Crenshaw is a leading scholar on Critical Race Theory, a Professor of Law at Columbia and UCLA Law Schools, and host of the podcast "Intersectionality Matters!" which is currently releasing a new episode of their series United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of Critical Race Theory. Join Crenshaw and Flanders as they look at the AAPF’s role in advancing intersectional policies to address antiracism, and how they plan to continue that work in this critical moment. Plus, a commentary from Laura on rights and the Right.
“To really stand behind this idea of making America great again, you've got to erase the memory of what America was . . . He's going after the history of enslavement. He's going after the history of genocide. He's saying that this kind of history is no longer appropriate for the federal government to officially recognize and historicize.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
“[Conservatives] believe race should not play a role in creating greater access to equality. They do believe race should play a role in deciding who should be surveilled. They do believe in race when it comes to who should be collected up, potentially put on buses and planes and sent out of this country.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
Guests: Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law, Columbia & UCLA Law Schools; Executive Director, African American Policy Forum
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: “Courage Wolf” by Jordan McLean’s Musical Resistance or JMMR from his album 'Resistance is Fertile' released on Nublu Records, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory: Watch / Listen: Episode, Uncut Conversation
• Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch / Listen: Episode, Uncut Conversation
• Juneteenth Special: To Confront Fascism, We Must Learn About Slavery and Colonialism: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Under the Blacklight Live 2025 AAPF Event: Preemptive Alliances: Black Attorneys General On The Frontlines For Civil Rights. Watch
• Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
• US Supreme Court ‘effectively legalized racial profiling’, immigration experts warn, by Lauren Gambino, September 9, 2025, The Guardian
• Supreme Court guts affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admissions, by Nina Totenberg, June 29, 2023, NPR
• Trump Says Having ‘a Little Fight With the Wife’ Should Not Be a Crime, by Luke Broadwater, September 8, 2025, New York Times
• ‘Critical thinking is the kryptonite to fascism’: Kimerlé Crenshaw on the Trumps’ erasure policies, by Ali Velshi, May 3, 2025, MSNBC
• Why Trump’s ‘anti-woke’ attack on the Smithsonian matters, by Kimberlé Crenshaw and Jason Stanley, August 27, 2025, Opinion- The Guardian
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: With attacks on Critical Race Theory gaining momentum, Columbia Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Laura Flanders to dissect the fight for antiracism in America today.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Calling all white people: How many times in the last eight months have you heard the phrase “isn’t that illegal?” The problems with our legal system are more conspicuous than ever in 2025, but thought leaders like Kimberlé Crenshaw have been sounding the alarm for decades. Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, Crenshaw is celebrating the organization's 30th anniversary and joining Laura Flanders in this episode to discuss the challenges ahead. For starters, the Supreme Court has recently legalized racial profiling for ICE deportations, the Trump administration is looking to remove so-called “improper ideology” from US institutions like the Smithsonian, and the president recently suggested domestic violence is not a real crime. Crenshaw is a leading scholar on Critical Race Theory, a Professor of Law at Columbia and UCLA Law Schools, and host of the podcast "Intersectionality Matters!" which is currently releasing a new episode of their series United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of Critical Race Theory. Join Crenshaw and Flanders as they look at the AAPF’s role in advancing intersectional policies to address antiracism, and how they plan to continue that work in this critical moment. Plus, a commentary from Laura on rights and the Right.
“To really stand behind this idea of making America great again, you've got to erase the memory of what America was . . . He's going after the history of enslavement. He's going after the history of genocide. He's saying that this kind of history is no longer appropriate for the federal government to officially recognize and historicize.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
“[Conservatives] believe race should not play a role in creating greater access to equality. They do believe race should play a role in deciding who should be surveilled. They do believe in race when it comes to who should be collected up, potentially put on buses and planes and sent out of this country.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
Guest: Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law, Columbia & UCLA Law Schools; Executive Director, African American Policy Forum
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: 'Dawn Smolders' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
• On Intersectionality - Selected Writings by Kimberlé Crenshaw, Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory: Watch / Listen: Episode, Uncut Conversation
• Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch / Listen: Episode, Uncut Conversation
• Juneteenth Special: To Confront Fascism, We Must Learn About Slavery and Colonialism: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Under the Blacklight Live 2025 AAPF Event: Preemptive Alliances: Black Attorneys General On The Frontlines For Civil Rights. Watch
• Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
• US Supreme Court ‘effectively legalized racial profiling’, immigration experts warn, by Lauren Gambino, September 9, 2025, The Guardian
• Supreme Court guts affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admissions, by Nina Totenberg, June 29, 2023, NPR
• Trump Says Having ‘a Little Fight With the Wife’ Should Not Be a Crime, by Luke Broadwater, September 8, 2025, New York Times
• ‘Critical thinking is the kryptonite to fascism’: Kimerlé Crenshaw on the Trumps’ erasure policies, by Ali Velshi, May 3, 2025, MSNBC
• Why Trump’s ‘anti-woke’ attack on the Smithsonian matters, by Kimberlé Crenshaw and Jason Stanley, August 27, 2025, Opinion- The Guardian
Chapters - Kimberlé Crenshaw - [Uncut Conversation]
Understanding Critical Race Theory and Current Attacks
00:00:00
Founding the AAPF and Intersectionality's Core Principles
00:03:04
Applying Intersectionality to Police and Domestic Violence
00:08:50
Attacks on History and the Fragility of Institutions
00:13:22
Lessons from US History to Resist Fascism
00:20:51
US Stance on Human Rights and Group Rights
00:25:45
Racial Profiling, Affirmative Action, and State Power
00:33:59
Political Violence, Media, and Hope for Democracy
00:38:51
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As the Federal Reserve convenes to discuss interest rates, revisit a timely podcast episode that dissects how central banks shape global development and whose interests they serve.
Description: In the wake of the Feds meeting this week to decide whether to lower interest rates or not, we rewind to our episode “Storming the Federal Reserve” on the way central banks steer world development and for whom. Laura is joined by former Goldman Sachs manager Naomi Prins, and public ownership researcher Thomas Hanna. They believe that banking and development could look very different. This episode was originally released January 2019.
“If you’re going to go the route of creating money to buy up all the subprime mortgages that were at risk at the crux of the crisis which effectively were more at risk because of how much they were manipulated by derivatives and other things throughout the financial system, you would have spent a fraction in a shorter period of time than what has been spent and continues to be spent on the subsidy to the financial system throughout the world.” Nomi Prins
“Postal banking here in the United States has been popular amongst some senators to give the Post Office, which is a publicly owned enterprise, the ability to provide banking services which is common around the rest of the world.” Thomas Hanna
Guests:
• Nomi Prins - Former Director, Goldman Sachs and Author, Collusion: How Central Bankers Ruled the World
• Thomas Hanna Research Director, The Democracy Collaborative and Author, Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
The Show is listener and viewer supported. That's thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
RESOURCES:
Related Episodes:
•. Revolution at the Federal Reserve - Watch the Episode
• Commonomics / New Economy Episodes - Playlist
• A Public Banking for Public Good - Watch
• Money: The Great Corrupter - David Harvey - Watch
*Recommended books:
• “Collusion: How Central Bankers Ruled the World” by Nomi Prins, Get the Book
• “Permanent Distortion: How the Financial Markets Abandoned the Real Economy Forever by Nomi Prins, Get the Book
• “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States” by Thomas M. Hanna, Get the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As a bestselling author of 18 books, including "Aftershock" and "The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It", Robert Reich shares his insights on how to address growing income inequality and its impact on politics and economy.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The crisis we’re in was a long time coming. Now that we’re here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich’s latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich’s viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura’s two cents on “democratic capitalism.”
“If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,’ then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.’” - Robert Reich
“More than a century ago, we had the first Gilded Age in the United States . . . We had the equivalent of billionaires, the equivalent of Elon Musk . . . Why would we not have another Progressive Era as a response to the Gilded Age? We are now in the second Gilded Age.” - Robert Reich
Guest: Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 14th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 17th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Robert Reich Full Uncut Conversation
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: 'Dawn Smolders' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Watch
• The Pandemic Economy- Watch / Listen
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentary: The Last Class with Robert Reich
• “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack
• Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News
• Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts’ as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico
• Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action
• Office Hours: Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack
• Schumer: Democrats ‘will force votes’ on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Historical context for change- Reich draws parallels between the current era and the first Gilded Age, suggesting that a new Progressive Era could be on the horizon as a response to the second Gilded Age, bringing about potential reforms to economic and political systems.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The crisis we’re in was a long time coming. Now that we’re here, what do we do about it? Returning to the show, former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies tormenting U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act, and act quickly to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Reich’s latest Substack, “Should Democrats Shut Down the Government?” presents some ideas. Reich's latest book is “Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America”. He is also the subject of “The Last Class” about his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley's Goldman School. He's the author of eighteen books, including the bestsellers, “Aftershock” and “The System: Who Rigged It and How We Fix It,” and is co-founder of Inequality Media. Online, you can find Reich’s viral video explainers and his widely-read newsletter on Substack. Join Reich and Flanders as they unpack how economic and political power intersect in American life – and catch Laura’s two cents on “democratic capitalism.”
“If the Republicans who now control Congress say, “‘We're not going to give you any role at all, and we are not even going to reassume our constitutional role as Congress,’ then I think the Democrats have no choice but to say, ‘Forget it. That's it. The only way we bring attention to this crisis is we stop and shut the whole place down.’” - Robert Reich
“More than a century ago, we had the first Gilded Age in the United States . . . We had the equivalent of billionaires, the equivalent of Elon Musk . . . Why would we not have another Progressive Era as a response to the Gilded Age? We are now in the second Gilded Age.” - Robert Reich
Guest: Robert Reich- Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 14th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 17th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends
Music Credit: 'Dawn Smolders' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, by Robert Reich - *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Watch
• The Pandemic Economy- Watch / Listen
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Documentary: The Last Class with Robert Reich
• “The Jobs Crash” by Robert Reich, Substack
• Democrats Regain Advantage in Party Affiliation, by Jeffrey M. Jones, July 31, 2025, Gallup News
• Bessent hails new ‘Trump accounts’ as ‘backdoor for privatizing Social Security, by Michael Stratford, July 30, 2025, Politico
• Co-founded by Robert Reich: Inequality Media and Inequality Media Civic Action
• Office Hours: Who is MOST responsible for this catastrophe, other than Trump? By Robert Reich, September 3, 2025, SubStack
• Schumer: Democrats ‘will force votes’ on Trump tariffs after disappointing jobs report, by Al Weaver, September 5, 2025, The Hill
Chapters ep224 - Robert Reich- [Uncut Conversation]
00:00:00 Laura Flanders Introduces Robert Reich and Hist Latest Work
00:02:10 How Widening Inequality Led to Political Disaffection and Trump
00:11:39 The Broken Social Contract and the Rise of Demagoguery
00:17:25 Robert Reich on the Loss of Democracy and Rule of Law
00:26:09 Unreliable Economic Data and the Future of Social Security
00:32:36 From Gilded Age to Progressive Era: A Historical Parallel
00:42:16 Robert Reich's Vision for a Democratic Capitalist Future
00:46:21 Robert Reich Warns Against the Dangers of Cryptocurrency
00:48:35 Reconciling Idealism, Future Paths, and Government Shutdown
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: From his early days as an illustrator for the Black Panther Party to winning the prestigious Mohn Award in 2023, artist Akinsanya Kambon has been using art to amplify marginalized voices and tell stories of resilience.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: With each glimmering piece he creates, artist Akinsanya Kambon brings suppressed histories of both colonization and liberation to life. His ceramic works depict struggle and survival across the African diaspora, and stepping into his studio is a spiritual experience, as Laura Flanders recently discovered. Kambon was a member of the Sacramento chapter of the Black Panther Party where he worked on the layout and illustration of the party’s famous paper and became lieutenant for culture, illustrating among other things the party’s ten point plan and works for young people. In 2023, he won the prestigious Mohn Award — the top prize given by the Hammer Museum for his participation in their biennial “Made in LA” show, titled Acts of Living. His one-man show opened in Beverly Hills at Marc Selwyn Fine Art in April 2025. An exhibition of his work will open at the New York Sculpture Center in May 2026. In this unique conversation, Flanders asks Kambon about his own survival stories, including his polio diagnosis, getting drafted into the Vietnam War, and his year on death row. Kambon was arrested in connection with the killing of a police officer and was later acquitted from that high-profile Oak Park Four case. Join Flanders and Kambon as they discuss how art keeps spirits alive, and catch Flanders’ commentary on today’s fight to control our nation’s stories.
“Art educates the masses of people. Not Black or white or Asian, this educates the masses of young people to our struggle, to how long they're struggling and how it's connected.” - Akinsanya Kambon
“I thought of myself as an artist even when I was a child, because art was therapy for me . . . I used to always seem like I would always take the side of the underdog.” - Akinsanya Kambon
Guest: Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
Additional Credits:
Additional Crew: Marco Amador, Producciones Cimarrón
Clips from the documentary short- "Akinsanya Kambon The Hero Avenges," Produced by The Hammer Museum; Directed by Gabriel Noguez and Sean Rowry.
Special thanks: Cynthia Wornham, Annie Philbin, Marc Selwyn Fine Art
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 10th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation with Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
• Genesis Be & Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis: Building Collective Freedom with a Poet & Preacher, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity? Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Akinsanya Kambon exhibit for ‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ the Hammer Museum’s biennial exhibition highlighting the practices of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area
• Akinsanya Kambon Receives $100,000 John Award, Made in L.A. Biennial’s Top Prize Honors Artistic Excellence, by Victoria L. Walntine, December 12, 2023, Culture Type
• Akinsanya Kambon’s exhibition April 17-May31, 2025 at Marc Selwyn Fine Art
•. 10 Shows to see in Los Angeles May 2025, by Matt Stromberg, May 1, 2025 Hyperallergic
• Upcoming Akinsanya Kambon Exhibitions: He will be featured in a solo exhibition represented by Ortuza Projects in collaboration with Marc Selwyn Fine Art during Frieze New York in May 2026, and concurrent with a solo exhibition at the New York Sculpture Center. Art Media Agency
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Step into the studio of ceramicist Akinsanya Kambon, where ancient traditions meet revolutionary fervor: here, stunning works born from earthy materials recount tales of resistance, redemption, and hope across generations and geography.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: With each glimmering piece he creates, artist Akinsanya Kambon brings suppressed histories of both colonization and liberation to life. His ceramic works depict struggle and survival across the African diaspora, and stepping into his studio is a spiritual experience, as Laura Flanders recently discovered. Kambon was a member of the Sacramento chapter of the Black Panther Party where he worked on the layout and illustration of the party’s famous paper and became lieutenant for culture, illustrating among other things the party’s ten point plan and works for young people. In 2023, he won the prestigious Mohn Award — the top prize given by the Hammer Museum for his participation in their biennial “Made in LA” show, titled Acts of Living. His one-man show opened in Beverly Hills at Marc Selwyn Fine Art in April 2025. An exhibition of his work will open at the New York Sculpture Center in May 2026. In this unique conversation, Flanders asks Kambon about his own survival stories, including his polio diagnosis, getting drafted into the Vietnam War, and his year on death row. Kambon was arrested in connection with the killing of a police officer and was later acquitted from that high-profile Oak Park Four case. Join Flanders and Kambon as they discuss how art keeps spirits alive, and catch Flanders’ commentary on today’s fight to control our nation’s stories.
“Art educates the masses of people. Not Black or white or Asian, this educates the masses of young people to our struggle, to how long they're struggling and how it's connected.” - Akinsanya Kambon
“I thought of myself as an artist even when I was a child, because art was therapy for me . . . I used to always seem like I would always take the side of the underdog.” - Akinsanya Kambon
Guest: Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor
Special thanks: Cynthia Wornham, Annie Philbin, Marc Selwyn Fine Art
Additional Credits:
Additional Crew: Marco Amador, Producciones Cimarrón
Clips from the documentary short- "Akinsanya Kambon The Hero Avenges," Produced by The Hammer Museum; Directed by Gabriel Noguez and Sean Rowry.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 10th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
• Genesis Be & Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis: Building Collective Freedom with a Poet & Preacher, Watch / Listen: Episode Cut
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity? Watch / Listen: Episode Cut - Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Akinsanya Kambon exhibit for ‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ the Hammer Museum’s biennial exhibition highlighting the practices of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area
• Akinsanya Kambon Receives $100,000 John Award, Made in L.A. Biennial’s Top Prize Honors Artistic Excellence, by Victoria L. Walntine, December 12, 2023, Culture Type
• Akinsanya Kambon’s exhibition April 17-May31, 2025 at Marc Selwyn Fine Art
•. 10 Shows to see in Los Angeles May 2025, by Matt Stromberg, May 1, 2025 Hyperallergic
• Upcoming Akinsanya Kambon Exhibitions: He will be featured in a solo exhibition represented by Ortuza Projects in collaboration with Marc Selwyn Fine Art during Frieze New York in May 2026, and concurrent with a solo exhibition at the New York Sculpture Center. Art Media Agency
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of Disaster Recovery Workers: Discover the true stories of immigrant workers rebuilding America after hurricanes, floods, fires, and other disasters, and learn about initiatives like Resilience Force working towards a million-strong, skilled workforce with fair labor practices.
Description [Rewind Full Uncut Conversation Originally released February 2023]: “THE GREAT ESCAPE: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America” tells the story of one of the largest human trafficking schemes in modern American history and how the traffickers were finally held to account. Saket Soni was the co-founder of The New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice in the post-Katrina years. Today he’s the founder and director of Resilience Force, a project that comes directly out of his experience working with the men in this book. The U.S. is experiencing a labor shortage, and climate catastrophe will increase the need for disaster recovery workers. How can we build the resilient workforce we need, with the rights and equity workers deserve? Join Laura and Saket for this urgent conversation on the future of labor.
Guest: Saket Soni: Author, THE GREAT ESCAPE: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America; Founder & Director, Resilience Force
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
RESOURCES:
The Show is listener and viewer supported. That's thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
*Recommended book:
“The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America” by Saket Soni, Get the Book Here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Shows:
- • Unforget, Dream, Build Watch / Download Podcast
- • Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future? Watch / Download Podcast
- • Labor Looks Up After Amazon Union Vote Watch / Download Podcast
- • Saket Soni: Fighting For a Better Future After Sandy Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Populations around the world are declining. Migration is the solution, says economist, by Kai McNamee, Matt Ozug & Ari Shaprio for All Things Considered, NPR
Listen / Read
• Supply Chain Disruptions, Trade Costs, and Labor Markets, by Andrés Rodriquez-Clare, Mauricio Ulate, and Jose P. Vasquez; Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Read Here
• $20million settlement agreement reached in labor trafficking cases coordinated by SPLC on behalf of exploited Indian guest workers, by Southern Poverty Law Center, Read Here
• Close to Slavery: Guestowrker Programs in the United State, Report by Southern Poverty Law Center, Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Zelenskyy’s childhood and career. Join us for this historic conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
“This was never about Ukraine for me. This was always about American values and democracy and what it is, where it comes from and what it means. I don't think those values and those principles are on display anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine.” - Liev Schreiber“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
Guest: Liev Schreiber: Award-Winning Actor, Director & Writer; Co-Founder, BlueCheck Ukraine
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Watch the special report released on YouTube; PBS World Channel August 29th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-RESOURCES-
Related extended commentary from Laura is available to podcast subscribers
Full Uncut Conversation Released to Podcast Subscribers: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Winning War, Building Peace: Activists from Ukraine, Russia & The US Debate: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Pledge Ukraine, Starenki is a charitable organization devoted to issues of elderly people in Ukraine.
• In maps: The war-ravaged Ukrainian territories at the heart of the Trump-Putin summit, by Paul Adams, August 16, 2025, BBC
• Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy entices Trump with $90bn arms buy in return for security, by Warren Murray with Guardian writers and agencies, August 18, 2025, The Guardian
• Trump Won’t Deliver Peace to Ukraine - or Anywhere Else, by Feet Here, August 18, 2025, The Nation
• Will Russia-Ukraine War End with Diplomacy or on Battlefield? John Mearsheimer vs. Denys Pilash, August 19, 2025, Democracy Now
• Is Peace Possible? Nation Publisher Katrina vandal Hovel on Trump Summits with Putin, Zelenskyy, Democracy Now
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: From childhood memories to the frontlines of war, Liev Schreiber's film "Meeting Zelenskyy" presents a nuanced portrait of Ukraine's embattled leader, with Schreiber drawing parallels between Ukrainian resilience and American values of democracy and freedom.
Description: Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Zelenskyy’s childhood and career. Join us for this historic conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
Guest: Liev Schreiber: Award-Winning Actor, Director & Writer; Co-Founder, BlueCheck Ukraine
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel August 29th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Winning War, Building Peace: Activists from Ukraine, Russia & The US Debate: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• In maps: The war-ravaged Ukrainian territories at the heart of the Trump-Putin summit, by Paul Adams, August 16, 2025, BBC
• Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy entices Trump with $90bn arms buy in return for security, by Warren Murray with Guardian writers and agencies, August 18, 2025, The Guardian
• Trump Won’t Deliver Peace to Ukraine - or Anywhere Else, by Feet Here, August 18, 2025, The Nation
• Will Russia-Ukraine War End with Diplomacy or on Battlefield? John Mearsheimer vs. Denys Pilash, August 19, 2025, Democracy Now
• Is Peace Possible? Nation Publisher Katrina vandal Hovel on Trump Summits with Putin, Zelenskyy, August 19, 2025, Democracy Now
• Pledge Ukraine, Starenki is a charitable organization devoted to issues of elderly people in Ukraine.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis- A Call to Action: Veterans, Citizens, and Leaders Unite: Hear from veterans like Terrance Deuel, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and UAW President Shawn Fain on why they're fighting for democracy and what you can do to get involved in your local community.
Description: Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. Along the tour, Flanders spoke with veterans, retirees and many concerned citizens. She also caught speeches from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and sat in on a town hall meeting with Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus. Will 2025 turn out to be the year that Americans remake democracy?
“I did 28 years in the army. I maintained an apolitical front at all times . . . I think we're sliding into tyranny, and I took an oath to support and defend the constitution and I'm going to do that whether in or out of uniform.” - Terrance Deuel
“We are at a point where the wealthiest people in the world, like Elon Musk and all the Republicans enabling him, are turning to loot what is left of Medicaid, Medicare, and social security to bankroll even deeper tax cuts and sweetheart contracts for themselves, their fellow billionaires and their corporations. And our political system right now is ill prepared for this abuse of power.” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
“I think the message of the moment is to understand that the vast majority of the American people do not think that we give tax breaks to the rich and cut social security or veterans programs. They don't. And our job is to work as hard as we can. Part of what this tour is about is to get them involved in their own local communities.” - Bernie Sanders
Guests:
• Jacqueline Davania-Williamson: Resident, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Terrence Deuel: Veteran, U.S. Army
• Thomas Dyer & Pam West: Retirees
• Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Health Director, Wayne County, Michigan
• Shawn Fain: President, United Auto Workers (UAW)
• Danielle & Jordan Lovik: Residents, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Sandra & Raymond Martinez: Applicant & Social Security Recipient
• Donavan McKinney: U.S. Representative (MI-11)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: U.S. Representative (NY-14)
• Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour
• Dina Titus: U.S. Representative (NV-1)
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music Credit: “Live For You" by Thee Sacred Souls from their album Got a Story to Tell courtesy of Daptone Records.. "Steppin", "All The Ways" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders, *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• Barbara Lee & Lateefah Simon: The Trailblazing Congresswomen of CA’s 12th District: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. As Thousands Attend His ‘Stop Oligarchy Tour’ Rallies, Bernie Sanders Becomes a Face of the anti-Trump Resistance, by Steve Peoples, Associated Press
•. Bernie Sanders Has Been Warning About Oligarchy for Years. People Are Finally Listening. By Tim Murphy, March 25, 2025, Mother Jones
•. Bernie Sanders rallies in Kenosha, calls for action against billionaire influence, by Heather Asiyanbi, March 8th, 2025, Racine County Eye
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Illinois' cash bail reform: The state ended cash bail in 2023 with the Pretrial Fairness Act, a move that aims to address the disproportionately negative impact on Black and Brown communities and favoritism towards the wealthy.
Explore the history and impact of Illinois' decision to end cash bail statewide in 2023, featuring insights from key advocates and policymakers involved in this monumental change.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What happened when Illinois ended cash bail? As Laura’s guests explain, this deeply discriminatory and unjust system puts “a ransom on people’s heads,” disproportionately impacts Black and Brown people, and favors the wealthy who can buy their freedom while leaving the poor to languish in jail. Bail reform has faced tremendous pushback over the years, but Illinois implemented the first-of-its-kind Pretrial Fairness Act, ending cash bail statewide in 2023. The historic win didn’t happen overnight. In this episode some of those most involved explain what it took and describe the surprising results. Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., the Cook County Chief Public Defender was the lead policy expert for the Coalition to End Money Bond. Mitchell also heads the state’s largest public defender office. State Senator Robert Peters represents Illinois’ 13th District and was one of the main sponsors of the Pretrial Fairness Act. He chairs the Senate Labor Committee. Bryce Covert followed this important and under-covered story for The Nation magazine. What has Illinois to teach the nation? All that plus Laura’s commentary: Illinois has moved out of the Middle Ages. What’s holding the rest of the nation back?
Guests:
• Bryce Covert: Contributor, The Nation
• Sharone R. Mitchell Jr.: Chief Public Defender Cook County, Illinois
• Robert Peters: Illinois State Senator, 13th District
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• The Bail Project Responds to Trump’s Executive Order to End Cashless Bail, by Devon McMahon, August 25, 2025, The Bail Project
• Illinois Has Put an End to the Injustice of Cash Bail, by Bryce Covert, December 2, 2024, The Nation
• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report: The Civil Rights Implications of Cash Bail, by U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, January 20, 2022, USCCR.org
• Trump Targets Bail Reform, Wants to Let Rich “Buy Their Way Out of Jail”, August 26, 2025, Democracy Now!
• Trump signs executive order to eliminate cashless bail in Washington, by Kira Lerner, August 25, 2025, The Guardian
• Cash bail changes - 2023 - SAFE-T Act, July 2023, Illinois Legal Aid
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
On the Road with Laura Flanders: Join Us as We Dive into Sanders' Vision for America's Political Future and Meet the Citizens Sparking Change at Rallies Coast to Coast.
Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. In the broadcast edition (released on YouTube April 4th 5pm ET; PBS stations April 6th, and community radio & podcast April 9th) hear interviews from the road and speeches from Senator Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and more.
GUEST: Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders, *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• Barbara Lee & Lateefah Simon: The Trailblazing Congresswomen of CA’s 12th District: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Is Authoritarianism Here?: Gessen and Stanley discuss the shift in America's self-understanding, from democratic ideals to a self-identity based on loving the US for its past greatness, and warn that this is not a democratic project, but rather a fascist one, similar to what Putin is doing in Russia.
Stay informed and engaged! Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.
Description: What will it take to reject fascism, before it’s too late? Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley are two leading experts on autocracy, and they’re sounding the alarm. They and their families have escaped totalitarian regimes and oppressive governments; today Gessen and Stanley are pulling back the curtain on the attacks against DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, higher education and more. Is authoritarianism here? Masha Gessen is an acclaimed Russian-American journalist, a Polk Award winning opinion writer for the New York Times and the author of "Surviving Autocracy" and “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia.” Forced to leave Russia twice, in 2024, a Moscow court convicted them, in absentia to eight years in prison for their reporting on the war in Ukraine. Jason Stanley is a best-selling author and professor whose books include “Erasing History” and "How Fascism Works". He recently left his teaching position at Yale University to relocate to Canada with his family; noting that he is a child of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. In this historic conversation — the first interview between Gessen and Stanley — the two explore how to be bold in our movements and envision a multi-ethnic democracy. Plus, a commentary from Laura.
“Trump has proposed a revived empire, a return to an imaginary past. The Democrats have proposed the way things are now, which are deeply unsatisfying and horribly anxiety provoking for a very large number of people. So we need a vision of a future that is more appealing than the imaginary past.” - Masha Gessen
“What I see now is this regime shifting the self understanding of America, from having these democratic ideals . . . God knows they've been imperfect, to a self identity as loving the United States because we've had these great men in our past, and we've conquered the West, and we can punch you in the nose. And that's not a democratic project. That's like what Putin is doing in Russia.” - Jason Stanley
• Masha Gessen: Opinion Columnist, The New York Times; Author, Surviving Autocracy; Distinguished Professor, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
• Jason Stanley: Author, Erasing History & How Fascism Works; Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Music Credit: “America” by Sylvan Paul, courtesy of Wolf+Lamb Records. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
Watch the special report released on YouTube; PBS World Channel August 17th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. The full uncut conversation is available as a podcast in this podcast feed.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Special Report- Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation with Kimberlé Crenshaw, AAPF and Clifford Albright, Black Voters Matter
•. Journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• This Is What a Digital Coup Looks Like, by Carole Callwalladr, Ted Talk, April 9, 2025 WATCH
• The Fascism Expert at Yale Who’s Fleeing America, by Keziah Weir, March 31, 2025, Vanity Fair
• The Shape of Power in American Art, a new exhibition explores how the history of race in the United States is entwined with the history of American sculpture, November 8, 2024, Exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Riverside Church in the City of New York, Various , Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
• American journalist Masha Gessen convicted in absentia by Russia for criticizing its military, by Anna Chernova, Lauren Kent and Rob Picket, July 16, 2024, CNN
•. Tyrants Use Racism and Patriarchy to Split Civil Society Apart and Dismantle Democracy, Excerpt of speech by Jason Stanley, Jacob Urowsky professor of philosophy at Yale University, recorded & produced by Melinda Tuhus, April 16, 2025, Between the Lines
• The Hidden Motive Behind Trump’s Attacks on Trans People, by M. Gessen, March 17, 2025, The New York Times
• The 10 tactics of fascism by Jason Stanley, 2022, Big Think - Watch
• Welcome to Trump’s Mafia State: “Nice university you got there. Shame if something happened to it.” By M. Gessen, Produce by Vishakha Darbha, April 21, 2025, The New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Sound the Alarm on Rising Fascism: Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley, leading experts on authoritarianism, warn of attacks on DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, and higher education, and discuss the need for a bold vision of a multi-ethnic democracy.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Description: What will it take to reject fascism, before it’s too late? Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley are two leading experts on autocracy, and they’re sounding the alarm. They and their families have escaped totalitarian regimes and oppressive governments; today Gessen and Stanley are pulling back the curtain on the attacks against DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, higher education and more. Is authoritarianism here? Masha Gessen is an acclaimed Russian-American journalist, a Polk Award winning opinion writer for the New York Times and the author of "Surviving Autocracy" and “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia.” Forced to leave Russia twice, in 2024, a Moscow court convicted them, in absentia to eight years in prison for their reporting on the war in Ukraine. Jason Stanley is a best-selling author and professor whose books include “Erasing History” and "How Fascism Works". He recently left his teaching position at Yale University to relocate to Canada with his family; noting that he is a child of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. In this historic conversation — the first interview between Gessen and Stanley — the two explore how to be bold in our movements and envision a multi-ethnic democracy. Plus, a commentary from Laura.
“What I see now is this regime shifting the self understanding of America, from having these democratic ideals . . . God knows they've been imperfect, to a self identity as loving the United States because we've had these great men in our past, and we've conquered the West, and we can punch you in the nose. And that's not a democratic project. That's like what Putin is doing in Russia.” - Jason Stanley
Guests:
• Masha Gessen: Opinion Columnist, The New York Times; Author, Surviving Autocracy; Distinguished Professor, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
• Jason Stanley: Author, Erasing History & How Fascism Works; Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Watch the special report released on YouTube; PBS World Channel August 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Special Report- Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation with Kimberlé Crenshaw, AAPF and Clifford Albright, Black Voters Matter
•. Journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• This Is What a Digital Coup Looks Like, by Carole Callwalladr, Ted Talk, April 9, 2025 WATCH
• The Fascism Expert at Yale Who’s Fleeing America, by Keziah Weir, March 31, 2025, Vanity Fair
• The Shape of Power in American Art, a new exhibition explores how the history of race in the United States is entwined with the history of American sculpture, November 8, 2024, Exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Riverside Church in the City of New York, Various , Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
• American journalist Masha Gessen convicted in absentia by Russia for criticizing its military, by Anna Chernova, Lauren Kent and Rob Picket, July 16, 2024, CNN
•. Tyrants Use Racism and Patriarchy to Split Civil Society Apart and Dismantle Democracy, Excerpt of speech by Jason Stanley, Jacob Urowsky professor of philosophy at Yale University, recorded & produced by Melinda Tuhus, April 16, 2025, Between the Lines
• The Hidden Motive Behind Trump’s Attacks on Trans People, by M. Gessen, March 17, 2025, The New York Times
• The 10 tactics of fascism by Jason Stanley, 2022, Big Think - Watch
• Welcome to Trump’s Mafia State: “Nice university you got there. Shame if something happened to it.” By M. Gessen, Produce by Vishakha Darbha, April 21, 2025, The New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
From "Bloody Sunday" to Modern Activism: Civil Rights Leaders Reflect on Legacy
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: 60 years ago in Selma, Alabama, state troopers beat peaceful protesters bloody on the Edmund Pettus Bridge as they marched for civil rights. The horror of “Bloody Sunday” and the resilience of the Civil Rights Movement ultimately led to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and many of the landmark achievements that are now directly under attack. As civil rights activists look to history to understand — and prepare for — the present, Laura walks the Bridge and talks with, among others, Sheyann Webb Christburg, who marched at the age of eight, Black Voters Matter co-founders LaTosha Brown and Clifford Albright; law professor and author Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw and Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. What does people power look like today? Plus, a commentary from Laura on name calling then and now.
“We're not going to phone bank our way out of this. We're not going to text our way out of this. And in truth, we're not even going to vote our way out of this . . . It's going to take revisiting some of the same strategies that we saw here in Selma, in terms of nonviolent civil disobedience and direct action.” - Clifford Albright
“When we see and hear and think about fascism, we think about anti-democratic movements in Europe. We think about the Holocaust . . . But for Black people, as Langston Hughes said, you don't have to explain to us what fascism is. We experienced it. That is what we were fighting, for the 60, 70 years after Reconstruction was overthrown.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
Guests:
• Clifford Albright: Co-Founder & Executive Director, Black Voters Matter
• Willard and Kiba Armstead: Veteran & Spouse
• Trayvon Bossa: Sigma Chapter Member, Miles College Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
• LaTosha Brown: Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter
• Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw: Co-Founder & Executive Director, African American Policy Forum; Host of the Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
• Noelle Damico: Director of Social Justice, The Workers Circle
• Melinda Hicks: Military Family
• Jaribu Hill: Executive Director & Founder, Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights
• Myla Person: Jack and Jill Club, Columbus, Georgia
• Ann Toback: CEO, The Workers Circle
• Sheyann Webb-Christburg: Youngest Participant,1965 Bloody Sunday March
• Maya Wiley: President & CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music Credit: "Tremole" "Jagged" "Thrum of Soil" & "Dawn Summit" by Blue Dot Sessions from the album Empty Outpost. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Podcast Endorsement: Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Rep. John Lewis on Making Justice from Selma to the Present, Watch
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory, Watch / Listen / Download Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
• Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina, Watch / Download Podcast
• The Georgia Way: Strategies that Work for Winning Elections, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ Marks Continued Fight for Voting Rights, by Temi Adeoye, March 24, 2025, ACLU
• U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Learn More
• United State of Amnesia, The Real History of Critical Race Theory, Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Podcast Mini Series
• Documentary Trailer: “Love, Joy, and Power: Tools for Liberation” follows Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown as they reshape American democracy. As founders of Black Voters Matter Fund, they didn't just flip Georgia in 2020 - they sparked a movement that's still growing. April 8, 2025, Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“When we see and hear and think about fascism, we think about anti-democratic movements in Europe. We think about the Holocaust . . . But for Black people, as Langston Hughes said, you don't have to explain to us what fascism is. We experienced it. That is what we were fighting, for the 60, 70 years after Reconstruction was overthrown.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description [Rewind]: The following podcast features full uncut conversations with Law Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and leading scholar of critical race theory. She’s the Co-Founder of African American Policy Forum and the host of the podcast Intersectionality Matters! that includes the series “United States of Amnesia, the real history of critical race theory. Also, you’ll hear the uncut conversation with Clifford Albright, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, one of the most significant organizations working for voters rights in the U.S.. Clips from both interviews are featured in our special report from Selma, Alabama where Americans marked the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches amidst a hail of executive orders by Trump reversing many of the gains of the Civil Rights movement and banning anti-discrimination measures and even the teaching of Civil Rights history. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. (originally released spring 2025)
Guests:
• Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw: Co-Founder & Executive Director, African American Policy Forum; Host of the "Intersectionality Matters!" Podcast.
• Clifford Albright: Co-Founder & Executive Director, Black Voters Matter
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Rep. John Lewis on Making Justice from Selma to the Present, Watch
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory, Watch / Listen / Download Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
• Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina, Watch / Download Podcast
• The Georgia Way: Strategies that Work for Winning Elections, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ Marks Continued Fight for Voting Rights, by Temi Adeoye, March 24, 2025, ACLU
• U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Two decades after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana, the state is now facing a new kind of storm: the rapid expansion of liquified natural gas facilities that are displacing residents and polluting minority communities.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the United States, killing 1,833 people, displacing hundreds of thousands more and causing more than $100 billion in damage. Louisianans wanted change and climate action, but 20 years on, a state ravaged by climate disasters is now ground zero for a whole new kind of storm: liquified natural gas facilities. The Trump administration okayed several new LNG plants on the Gulf this year, but residents are still picking up the pieces after the first LNG plants entered their neighborhood under Democratic administrations. In this episode, Laura speaks to Louisianans whose lives have been turned upside down by the expansion of LNG exports, and an expert who says minority communities benefit little from the jobs in the petrochemical facilities that surround them, yet suffer disproportionate pollution effects. Their message? Climate refugees exist in the U.S., and there will be more: “Wake up, open your eyes!”
“[I’m a] climate refugee, more than once . . . I'm no scientist, but I'm more of an expert than the experts. Living it’s a whole different ball game.” - Travis Dardar
“[Companies] demand big tax incentives to come here . . . We are last in transportation, last in healthcare, last in education . . . We’re almost last in every measurable area because we give tax breaks to the big oil companies and petrochemical companies.” - General Russel L. Honoré
“Donald Trump doesn't live next to an oil refinery and he never will.” - Kimberly Terrell
Guests:
• Travis Dardar: Commercial Fisherman; Founder, Fishermen Interested In Saving our Heritage (FISH)
• General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
• Kimberly Terrell: Visiting Scientist, Center for Applied Environmental Science (CAES); Former Research Scientist & Director, Community Engagement, Tulane Environmental Law Clinic
Additional Crew: for this special report includes Dan T. Peters of Dan T. Peters Media and Calvin Blue Jr.. Special Thanks: Gina Kim and Anne Rolfes
Music credits: Jagged and Thrum of Soil by Blue Dot Sessions and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
Watch the episode released on YouTube August 1st, 5pm ET; PBS World Channel August 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast August 6th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation with General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center
• The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision. The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming. September 22, 2023, By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker
• Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
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Description: Explore the top headlines of the month — and stories you won’t find in mainstream media — in this timely episode of Meet the BIPOC Press. From New York City, Documented’s Labor Reporter Amir Khafagy returns to fill us in on mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s win in the primary election, and how mainstream media overlooked the immigrant vote. Was this a “political upset” to journalists from those very communities? And reporting from the U.S. South, Capital B Rural Issues Reporter Aallyah Wright discusses new legislation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will have devastating impacts on Black farmers. Also in this episode: employers allegedly threatening immigrant workers with ICE and deportation for speaking up about wage theft, the independent media model and holding journalists accountable. As you’ll hear, these reporters are not just covering their communities — they're helping to build the infrastructure for more inclusive, accurate storytelling about race, place, and power.
“In the mainstream media there was this conversation happening around, maybe the gentrifier class and the hipsters were the ones coming out and voting for [Zohran Mamdani]. And that may have been true to some extent, but immigrant communities, especially Asian immigrant communities, were really excited for him . . . Some of the districts in Queens that even went Trump voted for Zohran. - Amir Khafagy
“I've been seeing a lot of news coverage about the USDA, when we talk about office closures or folks being laid off, or these grants that are being cut . . . But they're not always focused on the realities of what that looks like for Black farmers, given the history of the fraught relationship between Black farmers and the USDA and the historic discrimination.” - Aallyah Wright
Guests:
• Amir Khafagy: Senior Labor Reporter, Documented NY
• Aallyah Wright: Rural Issues Reporter, Capital B
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube July 25th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 27th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 30th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition” by Silky Shah, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Los Angeles Wildfires: BIPOC Media Are Telling Stories Other Media Aren’t: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
•. In the Mississippi Delta, Black Farmers Are Rebuilding the Legacy of Land Ownership, by Aallyah Wright, July 9, 2025, Capital B
• Black Farmers Brace for Trump’s Tariffs While Navigating USDA Office Closures, by Aallyah Wright, April 4, 2025, Capital B
• Advocates Say Leaked Farm Bureau Memo Promotes Racist Science, by Amir Khafagy, July 9, 2025, Documented
• On Election Day, Immigrant Communities Split on Mamdani and Cuomo, by Clarissa Leon, Meghnad Bose, Amir Khafagy, April XU, Rommel H. Owed, and Paz Radovic, June 24, 2025, Documented
• The Marines Did Not Sigh U to Police LA: A veteran and military law expert on “Being used against your neighbor” as a soldier. By Peter Berger, June 24, 2025, Mother Jones
• Farmworkers Call for Worker-Led Strikes and Boycotts Amid Recent Raids Targeting Farms at Press Conference Monday, by Eli Young, July 16, 2025, Los Angeles Magazine
• USDA’s end of diversity efforts in farm programs will mean ‘less food for the community’ by Héctor Alejandro Arzate, July 14, 2025, Harvest Public Media-KCUR, NR Kansas City
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In an unflinching interview from the upcoming “Louisiana Survived Katrina. Will it Survive the Petrochemical Industry?” podcast special, veteran Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré confronts corporate corruption and calls out systemic failures threatening public health in his home state.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: While our weekly Laura Flanders & Friends shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is an extended interview from our upcoming podcast special “Louisiana Survived Katrina. Will it Survive the Petrochemical Industry? — that takes a deeper dive into the stories of the frontline communities fighting back.
We speak with General Russel Honoré, the retired Lieutenant General who led the federal response to Katrina and now heads the GreenArmy, a grassroots environmental alliance.
Since the Trump administration returned to office in 2025, a surge of federally approved LNG export plants has swept across Louisiana’s coast. Honoré warns these developments are accelerating land loss, worsening hurricane impacts, and deepening the crisis for communities already facing climate displacement. Many have been forced to move multiple times as storms intensify, floodwaters rise, and petrochemical pollution endangers public health—especially in Black, Indigenous, and working-class areas.
In this urgent and unfiltered interview, General Honoré speaks out about government capture, corporate corruption, and the growing disconnect between environmental policy and public survival. For him, real resilience means challenging the industries and institutions that continue to put profit ahead of people.
GUEST: General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY
Watch the episode released on YouTube August 1st, 5pm ET; PBS World Channel August 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast August 6th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen: Episode, Full Conversation
• Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center
• The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision. The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming. September 22, 2023, By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker
• Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Snyopsis: A pair of investigative reporters shine light on underreported stories affecting marginalized groups, including employer intimidation tactics against undocumented workers speaking out about labor exploitation and biased media coverage distorting community narratives.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: Explore the top headlines of the month — and stories you won’t find in mainstream media — in this timely episode of Meet the BIPOC Press. From New York City, Documented’s Labor Reporter Amir Khafagy returns to fill us in on mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s win in the primary election, and how mainstream media overlooked the immigrant vote. Was this a “political upset” to journalists from those very communities? And reporting from the U.S. South, Capital B Rural Issues Reporter Aallyah Wright discusses new legislation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will have devastating impacts on Black farmers. Also in this episode: employers allegedly threatening immigrant workers with ICE and deportation for speaking up about wage theft, the independent media model and holding journalists accountable. As you’ll hear, these reporters are not just covering their communities — they're helping to build the infrastructure for more inclusive, accurate storytelling about race, place, and power.
“In the mainstream media there was this conversation happening around, maybe the gentrifier class and the hipsters were the ones coming out and voting for [Zohran Mamdani]. And that may have been true to some extent, but immigrant communities, especially Asian immigrant communities, were really excited for him . . . Some of the districts in Queens that even went Trump voted for Zohran. - Amir Khafagy
“I've been seeing a lot of news coverage about the USDA, when we talk about office closures or folks being laid off, or these grants that are being cut . . . But they're not always focused on the realities of what that looks like for Black farmers, given the history of the fraught relationship between Black farmers and the USDA and the historic discrimination.” - Aallyah Wright
Guests:
• Amir Khafagy: Senior Labor Reporter, Documented NY
• Aallyah Wright: Rural Issues Reporter, Capital B
Watch the episode released on YouTube July 25th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 27th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 30th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:“Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition” by Silky Shah, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Los Angeles Wildfires: BIPOC Media Are Telling Stories Other Media Aren’t: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:•. In the Mississippi Delta, Black Farmers Are Rebuilding the Legacy of Land Ownership, by Aallyah Wright, July 9, 2025, Capital B
• Black Farmers Brace for Trump’s Tariffs While Navigating USDA Office Closures, by Aallyah Wright, April 4, 2025, Capital B
• Advocates Say Leaked Farm Bureau Memo Promotes Racist Science, by Amir Khafagy, July 9, 2025, Documented
• On Election Day, Immigrant Communities Split on Mamdani and Cuomo, by Clarissa Leon, Meghnad Bose, Amir Khafagy, April XU, Rommel H. Owed, and Paz Radovic, June 24, 2025, Documented
• The Marines Did Not Sigh U to Police LA: A veteran and military law expert on “Being used against your neighbor” as a soldier. By Peter Berger, June 24, 2025, Mother Jones
• Farmworkers Call for Worker-Led Strikes and Boycotts Amid Recent Raids Targeting Farms at Press Conference Monday, by Eli Young, July 16, 2025, Los Angeles Magazine
• USDA’s end of diversity efforts in farm programs will mean ‘less food for the community’ by Héctor Alejandro Arzate, July 14, 2025, Harvest Public Media-KCUR, NR Kansas City
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: In a call to action, Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, urges workers to move beyond defense and set the agenda for change, declaring "our world is burning" but asserting that collective power can be used to create a better future.
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Description: Sara Nelson knows how to leverage worker power — and so do the 55,000 flight attendants she represents. A union member since 1996, she’s been the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO since 2014. You may remember her integral role in threatening a strike, which helped pressure the Trump administration to end the 2019 government shutdown. But under the second Trump term, the administration plans to gut many government agencies and has canceled one million contracts for federal workers so far. “We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next,” she tells Laura Flanders in this exclusive interview. “So we have to rush to each other's sides.” In this episode, Nelson and Flanders explore labor movement tactics and strategies, wins and losses, and why general strikes and cross-industry worker solidarity are critical in this moment. What is her message and her mission for 2025? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on floods and profits.
“We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next. So we have to rush to each other's sides. But we can also turn this around and not just be on defense. . . We are in a crisis. Yeah. Our world is burning. We can actually set the agenda and make things better.”
Guest: Sara Nelson: International President of the Association of Flight Attendants- (AFA-CWA) (representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines)
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube July 18th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 20th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 23rd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:“The Work of Living: Working People Talk about Their Lives and the Year the World Broke” by Maximillian Alvarez, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Labor Safety, Project 2025, & the Far Right’s Plot Against Workers: What You Need to Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack: Watch / Listen: Episode
• UAW President Shawn Fain: "Workers are still up against the same billionaires": Watch
• Special Report- Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power Watch / Listen: Special Report, Uncut Interview- Bernie Sanders
• Watch: Episode, Bernie Sanders’ Speech at the Fight Oligarchy rally, Kenosha, WI
• Special Report- Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack. Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• Is America Pissed Off Enough at Trump and Musk for a General Strike? By Susan Miligan, April 24, 2025, The New Republic
• In Chicago, a Coalition of Unions, Community Organizers, and Riders Have Forced Uber to Come to the Table, by Will Tanzman and Lori Simmons, July 16, 2025, The Nation
• US aviation agency reinstating fired employees after court order, union says, by David Shepardson, March 17, 2025, Reuters
• Unions sue to stop Trump from ending collective bargaining rights for many federal employees, by Tami Luhby, April 4, 2025, CNN
• The Sleeping Giant That could Stop Trump’s Agenda in Its Tracks, by Mary Harris, April 25, 2025, SLATE
• The Call Is Out for Mass, Simultaneous Strikes in 4 Years, by Sarah Lazare, October 14, 2024, The Nation
• How Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson became America’s most powerful voice for labor, by Morgan Clendaniel, September 9, 2024, Fast Company Magazine
• Sara Nelson: Let’s Show Bosses They’re Lucky to Have Our Work, by Sara Nelson, February 13, 2024, Jacobin Magazine
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: US Labour Leader Sounds Alarm on Government Attacks. Sara Nelson's urgent call to action for cross-industry worker solidarity and general strikes as a powerful countermeasure against the Trump administration's plans to gut government agencies ending federal contracts is both timely and crucial. The uncut conversation includes the entire rich and inspiring discussion ringing in at 50minutes.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: Sara Nelson knows how to leverage worker power — and so do the 55,000 flight attendants she represents. A union member since 1996, she’s been the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO since 2014. You may remember her integral role in threatening a strike, which helped pressure the Trump administration to end the 2019 government shutdown. But under the second Trump term, the administration plans to gut many government agencies and has canceled one million contracts for federal workers so far. “We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next,” she tells Laura Flanders in this exclusive interview. “So we have to rush to each other's sides.” In this episode, Nelson and Flanders explore labor movement tactics and strategies, wins and losses, and why general strikes and cross-industry worker solidarity are critical in this moment. What is her message and her mission for 2025? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on floods and profits.
“We have to understand that if one group is under attack, we're next. So we have to rush to each other's sides. But we can also turn this around and not just be on defense. . . We are in a crisis. Yeah. Our world is burning. We can actually set the agenda and make things better.”
Guest: Sara Nelson: International President of the Association of Flight Attendants- (AFA-CWA) (representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines)
Watch the episodereleased on YouTube July 18th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 20th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 23rd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
CHAPTERS:
2:44 thoughts on today, forward on your mind: 911, lay-offs, bankruptcy & crisis capitalism, fighting back, immigration issues facing colleagues
5:29 How safe is flying today? Safety: air traffic controllers, pilots, flight attendants. Attacks on the industry. Dismantling of departments that help aviation including national weather service, USAID intersecting with rising pandemics.
8:27 What is coming in this moment and the cuts to agencies and a move to privatize the national weather service or air traffic controllers. An opportunity for the labor movement in this moment.
11:22 Sara’s origin story and the importance of unions and putting a check on unchecked capitalism.
14:00 Union fights for flight attendants including no smoking, weight restrictions, sexism, high heels. Fighting for ‘rest rules (10 hours of rest)’, health care, pay and pensions. Cross-Union solidarity. Win for the labor movement, FAA Reauthorization bill.
19:06 When we fight we win. Power mapping then and now in the industry. Labor movement strategy.
21:40. The plight of Air Traffic Controllers in the Reagan years then informing the labor movement now.
23:14 The New Deal and union power to the decline of unions. Imbalance of power. The power of organizing on many levels. Call to action, ‘what you can do’. Building labor solidarity.
29:40 Union’s in the Trump era. Now is the moment to lean in, organize and pushing back.
Your not going to win if you don’t fight. Mother Jones and the Colorado miners fight.
33:56 Communities rising to the occasion. Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani’s run for Mayor of New York City. Working class agenda and the spirit of solidarity.
37:30 General strikes. History lessons including Iceland’s Women’s day off. The need for more women and young people to participate in union organizing.
41:29 Are there potential allies perhaps like some ICE workers who are expressing moral concerns? Systems are the problem, not the majority of workers.
44:45 What do you think the future will tell of this moment?
49:00 Bonus
RESOURCES:
Recommended book:“The Work of Living: Working People Talk about Their Lives and the Year the World Broke” by Maximillian Alvarez, Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Labor Safety, Project 2025, & the Far Right’s Plot Against Workers: What You Need to Know: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack: Watch / Listen: Episode
• UAW President Shawn Fain: "Workers are still up against the same billionaires": Watch
• Special Report- Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power Watch / Listen: Special Report, Uncut Interview- Bernie Sanders
• Watch: Episode, Bernie Sanders’ Speech at the Fight Oligarchy rally, Kenosha, WI
• Special Report- Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack. Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• Is America Pissed Off Enough at Trump and Musk for a General Strike? By Susan Miligan, April 24, 2025, The New Republic
• In Chicago, a Coalition of Unions, Community Organizers, and Riders Have Forced Uber to Come to the Table, by Will Tanzman and Lori Simmons, July 16, 2025, The Nation
• US aviation agency reinstating fired employees after court order, union says, by David Shepardson, March 17, 2025, Reuters
• Unions sue to stop Trump from ending collective bargaining rights for many federal employees, by Tami Luhby, April 4, 2025, CNN
• The Sleeping Giant That could Stop Trump’s Agenda in Its Tracks, by Mary Harris, April 25, 2025, SLATE
• The Call Is Out for Mass, Simultaneous Strikes in 4 Years, by Sarah Lazare, October 14, 2024, The Nation
• How Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson became America’s most powerful voice for labor, by Morgan Clendaniel, September 9, 2024, Fast Company Magazine
• Sara Nelson: Let’s Show Bosses They’re Lucky to Have Our Work, by Sara Nelson, February 13, 2024, Jacobin Magazine
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Fifty years ago, factory floor workers at Lucas Aerospace challenged their company's focus on war machines with an innovative plan for socially useful production - and it could be just as relevant today.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: Military budgets are skyrocketing across the globe, while funding for social needs—housing, healthcare, education—is being slashed. Politicians often justify this skewed spending by claiming it creates jobs. But what if the people doing those jobs had a say in how public money was used?
Fifty years ago, workers at Lucas Aerospace, a U.K. military contractor, designed a visionary proposal known as the Lucas Plan: a worker-led alternative focused on socially useful production rather than weapons of war.
In our special report, The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine, Laura spoke with Hilary Wainwright, Co-Author of The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making? And Co-Editor of Red Pepper magazine. Hilary is one of the voices behind that groundbreaking effort.
What follows is the full, uncut conversation with Hilary—rich with lessons for today’s movements for climate justice, peace, and economic democracy.
Guest: Hilary Wainwright: Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RESOURCES:
-
Watch the episode released on YouTube July 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 16th.
-
Additional Uncut Conversation featuring Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward from Season 6, Episode 215 - The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: As military spending soars, how does the Lucas Plan present an alternative model?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: With the passage of the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” and NATO allies pledging to more than double their spending on defense as a portion of all economic output, military spending around the world is soaring, while spending on meeting social needs and the climate crisis is on the chopping block. Governments often justify spending public money this way by saying it will create good jobs, but what if the workers themselves had a say? Fifty years ago, employees at Lucas Aerospace, a huge military contractor in the United Kingdom came up with an alternative plan. Their approach, known as the Lucas Plan, used the workers’ same expertise, but directed production away from bombs, towards goods that actually help society. In this special episode, Laura heads to the UK to interview some of the original workers involved in the Lucas Plan and investigates what one senior government minister at the time called "one of the most remarkable exercises in all of British industrial history.” As she says, it’s as relevant now as the day it was conceived.
“What we're talking about is a poor economic choice that's being made to posture . . . and look like a big military power in a world that's growing increasingly unstable.” - Khem Rogaly
“One of the things that the Lucas Plan has done is actually made it fairly clear to people that there are choices. You're given the impression that you have to make weapons. No, you don't. You're given the choice . . . The issue here is who controls technology and who should control technology, and should it be used to free people or should it be used to enslave people?” - Philip Asquith
Guests:
• Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
• Philip Asquith: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
• Hilary Wainwright: Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
• Khem Rogaly: Senior Research Fellow, Commonwealth; Author, A Lucas Plan for the Twenty First Century: From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
MUSIC CREDITS: Thrum of Soil by Blue Dot Sessions and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 16th.
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation featuring Brian Salsibury, Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
-Related Podcast: Uncut Conversation featuring Hilary Wainwright, Co-Author, The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?; Co-Editor Red Pepper magazine
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
• From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Fifty years ago, factory floor workers at Lucas Aerospace challenged their company's focus on war machines with an innovative plan for socially useful production - and it could be just as relevant today.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: Military budgets are skyrocketing across the globe, while funding for social needs—housing, healthcare, education—is being slashed. Politicians often justify this skewed spending by claiming it creates jobs. But what if the people doing those jobs had a say in how public money was used?
Fifty years ago, workers at Lucas Aerospace, a U.K. military contractor, designed a visionary proposal known as the Lucas Plan: a worker-led alternative focused on socially useful production rather than weapons of war.
In our special report, The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine, Laura spoke with Brian Salisbury, a former Lucas Aerospace shop steward and one of the voices behind that groundbreaking effort. He comes from a proud family of Lucas workers: his father worked there for over 40 years. He himself worked for the company for 22 years at the Birmingham plant. At 90 years old today He says: “At a time when there’s a lack of a political alternative narrative to neoliberalism the opportunity to put forward a response from the “bottom up” is essential given the direction of travel by those in power on either side of the Atlantic.”
What follows is the full, uncut conversation with Brian—rich with lessons for today’s movements for climate justice, peace, and economic democracy.
Guest: Brian Salisbury: Former Lucas Aerospace Shop Steward
SPECIAL THANKS: Karen Bell, Joe Guinan, Steve Schofield
ADDITIONAL CREW: Stanley Arlidge - Episode Producer, Clementine Malpas, Tiger Nest Films
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT - Virtual Member Event via Zoom: Join Laura Flanders in conversation with FAIR Program Director and CounterSpin Host Janine Jackson about the future of public media, Bill Moyers' legacy and more. Plus, you'll get the chance to ask questions and learn more about upcoming episodes of Laura Flanders & Friends! Check your email inbox for your invite, or make a contribution at lauraflanders.org/donate or make it monthly at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends to receive a registration link.
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel July 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 16th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Recommended book:
• “The Lucas Plan: A New Trade Unionism in the Making?” by Hilary Wainwright and Dave Elliott, Learn More
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment?: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen: Uncut Conversation - Episode
Dollars and Democracy: Participatory Budgeting: Watch / Listen: Episode
• From Cleveland, OH to Preston, UK. Community Wealth Building, Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• A Lucas Plan For the Twenty First Century From Asset Manager Arsenal to Green Industrial Strategy, by Khern Rogsly, October 2024 - Common Welath
• The Lucas Plan the Way to an Alternative Security Strategy, by Khem Royally, December 11, 2024, Rethinking Security
• UK to cut green levies on businesses in bid to reduce energy costs and boost manufacturing, by Jessica Elgot and Rob Davies, June 22, 2025, The Guardian
•. Decarbonising and diversifying defense in the US and the UK: A workers’ enquiry for a Just Transition, Decarbonising-Defence.co.uk
• Wortley Hall, the Worker’s Stately home, a member of the co-operative union
•. US Defense Secretary Called Europe ‘Pathetic.” Two BU Experts on Whether the Alliance Is Damaged, by Rich Barlow, March 27, 2025, Boston University Today
• ‘I will not protect you’: Trump Threatens to Abandon Nato Allies, Kaitlan Collins, October 11, 2024, CNN
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.
- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 4th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 6th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 9th.
Description: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?
“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han
“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís Ramos
Guests:
Alex Han: Executive Director, In These Times
Tarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT - Virtual Member Event via Zoom: Join Laura Flanders in conversation with FAIR Program Director and CounterSpin Host Janine Jackson about the future of public media, Bill Moyers' legacy and more. Plus, you'll get the chance to ask questions and learn more about upcoming episodes of Laura Flanders & Friends! Check your email inbox for your invite, or make a contribution at lauraflanders.org/donate or make it monthly at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends to receive a registration link.
RESOURCES:
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]Watch / Listen: Episode
• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode
• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation
• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
In These Times magazine
Political Research Associates
Future Currents
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
DESCRIPTION: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?
“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han
“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís Ramos
Guests:
Alex Han: Executive Director, In These Times
Tarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT - Virtual Member Event via Zoom: Join Laura Flanders in conversation with FAIR Program Director and CounterSpin Host Janine Jackson about the future of public media, Bill Moyers' legacy and more. Plus, you'll get the chance to ask questions and learn more about upcoming episodes of Laura Flanders & Friends! Check your email inbox for your invite, or make a contribution at lauraflanders.org/donate or make it monthly at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends to receive a registration link.
RESOURCES:
- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 4th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 6th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 9th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]Watch / Listen: Episode
• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode
• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation
• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
In These Times magazine
Political Research Associates
Future Currents
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Reframing Media Narratives for Queer and Trans Liberation with Marsha P Johnson's Story. How Artists and Activists Are Reframing Media Narratives for Queer Liberation.
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT: Laura hosts an online conversation just for our donors. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear what’s coming up behind the scenes. Make a one off donation or become a sustaining member by making it monthly go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Episode Description: Activist and artist Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key founders of the gay liberation movement after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, but it’s taken years for her to receive recognition. On this special Pride Month edition of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we’re celebrating Marsha’s life and legacy with two activists carrying her story forward. A new biography from Penguin House, “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by our guest, Tourmaline traces Marsha’s working-class beginnings to her work with sex workers and street activists, to her death in 1992. Qween Jean is a self-described “spiritual daughter” of Marsha and the founder of Black Trans Liberation. Explore how mainstream media coverage once excluded Marsha, and what’s changed since then. We also unpack the media’s coverage of transphobia and the recent ruling from Tennessee that restricts gender-affirming care for minors. In the face of extreme backlash and repression, how are artists and activists reframing media narratives for queer and trans liberation?
“A lot of trans and queer people, especially here in New York City, that are asylum seekers that have had to leave other countries from persecution now find themselves in a place of purgatory . . . They can't even go to get a hormone shot because they're afraid. What if ICE is literally outside waiting for us?” - Qween Jean
“Marsha knew that these conditions didn't get to determine how she felt about herself. No court, no Supreme Court, no police officer, no governor, no president . . . She was creating the conditions to remind herself and each other that we too get to feel beautiful and know our value firmly.” - Tourmaline
Guests:
• Qween Jean: Founder, Black Trans Liberation; Human Rights Activist & Costume Designer
• Tourmaline: Artist; Author, MARSHA: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson
Watch the episode released on YouTube June 27th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 29th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 2nd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended books:
• “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by Tourmaline: Get the Book*
• “Revolution is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation”: Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Full Uncut Conversation: Marsha P. Johnson’s Queer Legacy Lives On: Tourmaline & Qween Jean on Trans Liberation LISTEN
• Special Report- Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists. Watch / Listen-Download
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Beyond Disability Rights; Disability Justice: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As an unapologetic advocate for trans and queer empowerment, Qween Jean carries forward Marsha P. Johnson’s spirit by confronting systemic barriers that continue to threaten vulnerable communities today.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT: Laura hosts an online conversation just for our donors. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear what’s coming up behind the scenes. Make a one off donation or become a sustaining member by making it monthly go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: Activist and artist Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key founders of the gay liberation movement after the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, but it’s taken years for her to receive recognition. On this special Pride Month edition of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we’re celebrating Marsha’s life and legacy with two activists carrying her story forward. A new biography from Penguin House, “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by our guest, Tourmaline traces Marsha’s working-class beginnings to her work with sex workers and street activists, to her death in 1992. Qween Jean is a self-described “spiritual daughter” of Marsha and the founder of Black Trans Liberation. Explore how mainstream media coverage once excluded Marsha, and what’s changed since then. We also unpack the media’s coverage of transphobia and the recent ruling from Tennessee that restricts gender-affirming care for minors. In the face of extreme backlash and repression, how are artists and activists reframing media narratives for queer and trans liberation?
“A lot of trans and queer people, especially here in New York City, that are asylum seekers that have had to leave other countries from persecution now find themselves in a place of purgatory . . . They can't even go to get a hormone shot because they're afraid. What if ICE is literally outside waiting for us?” - Qween Jean
“Marsha knew that these conditions didn't get to determine how she felt about herself. No court, no Supreme Court, no police officer, no governor, no president . . . She was creating the conditions to remind herself and each other that we too get to feel beautiful and know our value firmly.” - Tourmaline
Guests:
• Qween Jean: Founder, Black Trans Liberation; Human Rights Activist & Costume Designer
• Tourmaline: Artist; Author, MARSHA: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson
Watch the episode released on YouTube June 27th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 29th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 2nd.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended books:
• “Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson” by Tourmaline: Get the Book*
• “Revolution is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation”: Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Special Report- Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists. Watch / Listen-Download
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Holly Hughes & Esther Newton: How Queer Kinship Ties Help Us Survive: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Beyond Disability Rights; Disability Justice: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Trans power is my sword and my shield: Qween Jean at trans rights conference in Chennai, by Video Sigamany, November 10, 2024, The News Minute
• Thanks to Tourmaline, the Long-Awaited Biography of Marsha P. Johnson Is Here, by Journey Streams, May 20, 2025, Interview Magazine
• Stonewall 1979: The Drag of Politics, by Steve Watson, Originally published: June 15, 1979, The Village Voice
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
REWIND EPISODE FROM THE LF&F ARCHIVES (Synopsis)- From sabotaged performances in rural North Carolina to besieged Drag Story Hour events in diverse urban neighborhoods, the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is being fought on multiple fronts, with activists, artists, and journalists joining forces to resist a surge in anti-queer hostility and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.
[The following episode was released June 2023 - [Full Episode Notes on Patreon]
Description: As Pride Month continues, we explore the activism of drag queens and trans individuals who bore the brunt of the violence during the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and are still targets of violence and vitriol today. State legislators, so far this year, have proposed and in some cases passed, hundreds of bills that seek to restrict drag culture and queer self-expression. Proud Boys have harassed and threatened Drag Story Hour events across the country, even in the diverse borough of Queens, NY. In this episode of The Laura Flanders Show's monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura and co-host Mitra Kalita (co-founder of URL Media) are joined from North Carolina by Naomi Dix, an influential drag artist whose show in rural Moore County was disrupted by a sabotage attack on an energy substation — an attack that left 45,000 households and businesses in the dark for five days in December 2022. We're also joined by reporter Sam Zachar, the producer of a two-part podcast series for Epicenter-NYC on NYC's Drag Story Hours — what they are, and what they're up against.
“We never thought in a million years, especially drag artists of my generation, that we would have to be facing the same things and issues that our parents were telling us that they were having to face in the 50s and the 60s and the 70s and the 80s.” - Naomi Dix
“What we're seeing is an overlapping of the identities that our communities represent, and the approach to how we combat these forces. It's really powerful when we can say the counter protestors outnumber those who don't want us here.” - Mitra Kalita
“I think that Drag Story Hour as a whole gives us a great look and a microcosm of drag trans and queer worlds, because it represents how they're being attacked in terms of losing rights to exist safely, and the Proud Boys, specifically digging their heels into inflammatory, destructive and untruthful accusations against these communities.” - Sam Zachar
Guests:
• Naomi Dix, Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC www.naomidix.com
• Sam Zachar, Reporter, Podcast Producer, Epicenter-NYC
• S. Mitra Kalita Co-Founder, URL Media; Co-Founder, Epicenter-NYC
Special Report- Power Grids Under Attack: The Threat is Domestic Terrorism – Not Drag Artists. Watch / Listen-Download -
December 2022, an attack on two electrical substations in Moore County, North Carolina left 45,000 households and businesses without power for up to five days. It was the biggest domestic terrorist attack on the electricity grid in the U.S. Did the sabotage attack have anything to do with LGBTQ harassment or the drag performance scheduled that night?
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT: Laura hosts an online conversation just for our donors. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear what’s coming up behind the scenes. Make a one off donation or become a sustaining member by making it monthly go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Mother Camp: Female Impersonators in America” by Esther Newton, About the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Laverne Cox, Sam Feder: Trans Lives Depend on Owning Our Stories Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• North Carolina: Courageous Conversations in a Climate of Fear Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• F-Word, Laura Flanders’ Commentary: Take Pride in Desire Listen-Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• Why NYC Kids need storytellers in drag, by Samantha Zachar, Epicenter-NYC, Read Here and Listen to the 2 part Podcast series
• How New York City fights the Proud Boys: by being prouder, by Samantha Zachar, Epicenter-NYC, Read Here and Listen- 2 part Podcast series
• Not Even the Moore County Power Outages Could Stop Drag Queen Naomi Dix, by Kyle Ingram, Indyweek.com, Read Here
• Drag Story Hour NYC Learn More Here
• A Brief History of Drag Queen Story Hour by Sara Boboltz, Huffington Post, Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In a powerful interview, author Sarah Schulman reflects on decades of activism, from fighting AIDS to advocating for Palestinian liberation, revealing key lessons learned along the way.
SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT: Laura hosts an online conversation just for our donors. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear what’s coming up behind the scenes. Make a one off donation or become a sustaining member by making it monthly go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!
Description: What is “solidarity” and what does it require? Giving up on perfection, for one thing, says Sarah Schulman, author of “Conflict is Not Abuse,” and so much more. Award-winning writer, teacher, playwright and activist, Schulman’s latest book is “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity”, in which she reflects on years of experiments and learning, from the 1980s to today. In this episode, find out what role GRITtv, an earlier iteration of Flanders’ show, played in the movement for Palestinian liberation, and hear a discussion of the Harlem artist Alice Neel. Schulman sits on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her non-fiction books include “Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair” and “Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993”. Also in this episode, a commentary from Laura on the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, a strategic progressive who practiced solidarity.
“When I confronted the Israeli occupation of Palestine, something resonated for me emotionally between that and the AIDS experience. What I felt was similar was that people who were endangered were being falsely depicted as dangerous.” - Sarah Schulman
“Right now we're in the middle of a cataclysm of fascism and there's no quick fix. And we have to understand that the idea that you can go in and just fix it is a supremacy concept.” - Sarah Schulman
Guests: Sarah Schulman, Writer & AIDS Historian; Author, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 20th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 22nd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 25th.
Full Uncut Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• GRITtv: Sarah Schulman: Emerging Palestinian Queer Movement: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘They’re Coming After All of Us.’ You Might as Well Tell the Truth. The longtime activist and writer Sarah Schulman on why now is the time to stand up to people you oppose. By Lydia Polgreen, Produced by Vishakha Darbha, April 10, 2025, The Opinion - New York Times
• The Vault: ACT UP protesters tue up traffic in lower Manhattan in 1988, NY Eyewitness News ABC 7
• Jewish peace activists hold sit-in protest at Grand Central to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, October 27, 2023, PIX11 News-NY
• Alice Neel Documentary on the life and work of Alice Need (1900—1984), American portrait painter. November 18, 2009, Official Trailer
• Jim Hubbard and Sarah Schulman Present, United In Anger, A History of ACT-UP, a film by Jim Hubbard. Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As fascist threats escalate globally, activist and playwright Sarah Schulman argues that achieving real change requires embracing imperfection and rejecting "supremacy concepts" – listen as she explains what this means for social justice movements today.
Description: What is “solidarity” and what does it require? Giving up on perfection, for one thing, says Sarah Schulman, author of “Conflict is Not Abuse,” and so much more. Award-winning writer, teacher, playwright and activist, Schulman’s latest book is “The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity”, in which she reflects on years of experiments and learning, from the 1980s to today. In this episode, find out what role GRITtv, an earlier iteration of Flanders’ show, played in the movement for Palestinian liberation, and hear a discussion of the Harlem artist Alice Neel. Schulman sits on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her non-fiction books include “Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair” and “Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993”. Also in this episode, a commentary from Laura on the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, a strategic progressive who practiced solidarity.
“When I confronted the Israeli occupation of Palestine, something resonated for me emotionally between that and the AIDS experience. What I felt was similar was that people who were endangered were being falsely depicted as dangerous.” - Sarah Schulman
“Right now we're in the middle of a cataclysm of fascism and there's no quick fix. And we have to understand that the idea that you can go in and just fix it is a supremacy concept.” - Sarah Schulman
Guests: Sarah Schulman, Writer & AIDS Historian; Author, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 20th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 22nd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 25th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”: Watch, Listen: Full Conversation, Episode
• GRITtv: Sarah Schulman: Emerging Palestinian Queer Movement: Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘They’re Coming After All of Us.’ You Might as Well Tell the Truth. The longtime activist and writer Sarah Schulman on why now is the time to stand up to people you oppose. By Lydia Polgreen, Produced by Vishakha Darbha, April 10, 2025, The Opinion - New York Times
• The Vault: ACT UP protesters tue up traffic in lower Manhattan in 1988, NY Eyewitness News ABC 7
• Jewish peace activists hold sit-in protest at Grand Central to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict, October 27, 2023, PIX11 News-NY
• Alice Neel Documentary on the life and work of Alice Need (1900—1984), American portrait painter. November 18, 2009, Official Trailer
• Jim Hubbard and Sarah Schulman Present, United In Anger, A History of ACT-UP, a film by Jim Hubbard. Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
AUDIO EXCLUSIVE [this interview took place June 13, 2025]
Back in 2024, the Los Angeles City Council passed a “sanctuary city” ordinance and said the city would not collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. “They are lying,” says Hamid Khan, an expert on the surveillance state and organizer with the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition. In this timely interview, Khan unpacks “fusion centers” where agencies like DHS, the FBI and local law enforcement work together to gather and share data on citizens — regardless of their criminal record. Long before Trump’s crackdown on immigration rights and the protests in Los Angeles, LAPD would have ICE in their headquarters, he shares. Join Khan and Flanders as they discuss shocking truths about police spying and surveillance, and why we must become aware and take action.
Guest: Hamid Khan: Organizer, Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Community Action Network (LA CAN)
RESOURCES:
Related Episodes:
• Hamid Khan: The Surveillance-Industrial Complex WATCH
• What’s A Sanctuary with Jails? - Hamid Khan and Jennicet Gutiérrez (Community Organizer Familia Trans Queer Liberation Movement) WATCH
Related Articles:
• ‘This isn’t an isolated incident’: Trump’s show of military force in LA was years in the making, by Rachel Leingang and Lauren Gambino, June 11, 2025, The Guardian
• Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’ by Andrew Gumbel, June 12, 2025, The Guardian
• Trump can keep California National Guard deployed for now, appeals court says, by Caroline O’Donovan, Karin Brulliard, Mark German and Kelsey Ables, June 14, 2025, The Washington Post
• Appeals court questions judges’ ability to review Trump’s Los Angeles group deployment, by Dietrich Knauth and Daniel Wiessner, June 17, 2025, Reuters
• Immigration raids in Los Angeles hit small business owners: ‘It’s worse than COVID’, by Tim Reid and Kristina Cooke, June 17, 2025, Reuters
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Laura's Extended Commentary aka The F-Word: Melissa Hortman’s murder was more than a tragedy—it was a political assassination aimed at a movement. This commentary honors her legacy as a coalition-builder behind Minnesota’s progressive gains and calls for courage, organizing, and solidarity in her wake.
- The related episode featuring Sarah Schulman premieres on our YouTube channel June 20th 5pm ET where you are invited to join us to Watch the episode live and chat with Laura in real time. It premieres on PBS World Channel June 22nd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode), and airing on community radio & available in the podcast feed June 25th. The full uncut conversation is available June 20th 5pm in the podcast feed... please hit the subscribe button wherever you get your podcasts.
For more articles by Laura subscribe to Substack
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Zelenskyy’s childhood and career. Join us for this historic conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
“This was never about Ukraine for me. This was always about American values and democracy and what it is, where it comes from and what it means. I don't think those values and those principles are on display anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine.” - Liev Schreiber“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
Guest: Liev Schreiber: Award-Winning Actor, Director & Writer; Co-Founder, BlueCheck Ukraine
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 13th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 18th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
-RESOURCES-
Related extended commentary from Laura is available to podcast subscribers [June 13, 2025]
Full Uncut Conversation Released to Podcast Subscribers[June 13, 2025]: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Winning War, Building Peace: Activists from Ukraine, Russia & The US Debate: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. ‘Kind of a Trojan hors’: Ex-NATO commander reacts to drone attack deep inside Russia, June 2 2025, CNN report and Zelinskyy speaks in Vilnius
• Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says troops contesting Russian advance in Sumy, by Warren Murray and agencies, June 12, 2025, The Guardian
• Pledge Ukraine, Starenki is a charitable organization devoted to issues of elderly people in Ukraine.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“This was never about Ukraine for me. This was always about American values and democracy and what it is, where it comes from and what it means. I don't think those values and those principles are on display anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine.” - Liev Schreiber
Description: Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Zelenskyy’s childhood and career. Join us for this historic conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev Schreiber
Guest: Liev Schreiber: Award-Winning Actor, Director & Writer; Co-Founder, BlueCheck Ukraine
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 13th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 18th.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES-
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Winning War, Building Peace: Activists from Ukraine, Russia & The US Debate: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity?: Watch / Listen: Episode and/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. ‘Kind of a Trojan hors’: Ex-NATO commander reacts to drone attack deep inside Russia, June 2 2025, CNN report and Zelinskyy speaks in Vilnius
• Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says troops contesting Russian advance in Sumy, by Warren Murray and agencies, June 12, 2025, The Guardian
• Pledge Ukraine, Starenki is a charitable organization devoted to issues of elderly people in Ukraine.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Laura's Extended Commentary: With seventeen veterans taking their lives daily in the US, a haunting question arises: can America redefine its values and reclaim its democratic principles before it's too late, or will it continue down a path of militarized politics and shattered ideals?
Watch the episode released on YouTube June 13th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 18th. And listen to the bonus full uncut conversation available June 13th in this podcast feed... hit subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
For more articles by Laura subscribe to Substack: substack.com/home/post/p-165868460
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“We have advertised to the rest of the world that we've discovered the best thing since sliced bread. That we should be the envy of the entire world because we have this democracy, and our constitution defends that . . . To renege on that promise makes us a different place than what we taught our kids.” - Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ and NJ Gubernatorial Candidate
Description: “They targeted me because I'm the mayor of the city,” says Newark, New Jersey mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka. In this tell-all interview with Laura Flanders, the mayor of the state’s largest city discusses his arrest at Delaney Hall, a new private immigration detention facility in Newark, and why he is a staunch opponent of the Republican immigration agenda and Trump’s assertion of federal power. In his tenure as mayor, Baraka has championed progressive programs like guaranteed income, reduced crime and boosted affordable housing. But new challenges lie ahead, as politicians like himself and cities like Newark face retaliation from the Trump administration. Baraka’s charges have been dropped, but the legal battles are far from over. He recently announced a lawsuit against the acting New Jersey District Attorney Alina Habba and DHS Agent Ricky Patel, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation. If elected, he would be the first Black governor in New Jersey and only the fourth Black governor elected in the States. If he's not elected, he is still a politician to watch as he insists on advancing forward thinking policy, especially in these tough times. Join us for that conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guest: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ; NJ Gubernatorial Candidate
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 6th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 8th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 11th.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Full Conversation Release From This Episode: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
• Stimulus Checks Every Month?: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Public Safety in Public Hands: Watch / Listen: Episode
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Ras Baraka performing a poem celebrating Sonia Sanchez’s 90th Birthday at the Schomburg Center, September 9, 2024: Watch
• $12K For Free: Newark’s Guaranteed Income Experiment Wrapping Up, by Eric Kiefer, October 17, 2023, Patch.com
•. Newark mayor signs sweeping sanctuary city executive order, June 19, 2017, by Avalon Zoppo, NJ.com
• “Completely Unwarranted”: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues Trump Officials over His Arrest at ICE Jail, June 6, 2025 Democracy Now
• Newark Names One of Nation’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, January 28, 2025, City of Newark
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
REWIND EPISODE FROM THE LF&F ARCHIVES (Synopsis)- Under the view of the iconic Hollywood Sign, a struggle is being waged over the future of policing and incarceration. Los Angeles is ground zero for fights over the job of District Attorney, Police Chief, and the size of prisons and jails. Corporations that have profited from prison communications are now profiting on electronic monitoring. Can today's Los Angeles change the script?
Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.
[The following Special Report from Los Angeles was originally released July 2024]
Description: Over the past weekend, Los Angeles was rocked by reports of intensified ICE raids across Southern California, heightening fear and anxiety in immigrant communities. Families were detained in early morning operations, and community advocates quickly mobilized to provide legal support and rapid response. These raids are a stark reminder that, in California—a so-called sanctuary state—immigration enforcement continues to be deeply entangled with local policing and incarceration systems.
This episode of Laura Flanders & Friends takes on renewed relevance as it explores LA’s central role in shaping and challenging carceral policy. Under the shadow of the Hollywood Sign, Laura speaks with activists and officials confronting the legacy and present reality of policing in a state where SWAT teams were born, Reagan and Nixon launched punitive platforms, and the prison construction boom took root.
At a moment when ICE raids reveal the persistent overlap between federal enforcement and local law, and corporate interests profit from alternatives like electronic monitoring, the episode asks: Can Los Angeles write a new story—one rooted in decarceration and community power? With criminal justice reform at the heart of election-year debates (2024), this conversation spotlights the people resisting criminalization from inside and outside the system.
“When we talk about closing Men's Central Jail, yes, we're trying to close that particular building, but what it requires is every jail in our county to reduce its population . . . We're trying to decarcerate globally across the jail system, that will then allow us to close this monument of essentially torture in our communities.” - Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson
“What if something went off and said that I wasn't where I was supposed to be, and all these cops showed up? . . . At [the age of] 15 thinking the cops are going to show up . . . that is one thing that I will always say that shamed me in my life. I felt unworthy. I felt like I was a bad person.” - Sheila Natt
“. . . 94% of the people that are terminated from the electronic monitoring program pre-trial are terminated on technical violations . . . If the point is to use this electronic monitoring to help people stay out of jail and come to court, why are the technical violations leading you right back into jail?” - Anthony Robles
Guests:
•. Melina Abdullah: Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles
• Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson: Co-Executive Director, Dignity & Power Now
•. Eunisses Hernandez: Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 1
•. Sheila Natt: Former Teen Ankle Monitor User
•. Anthony Robles: Youth & Community Organizer, Dignity & Power Now
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Music Credits: Music spotlight, “Ain’t Nothing” by Brooklyn Funk Essentials from their album Stay Good. "Alone" by Emmet Fenn, "San Takao" by Isaac Joel, Soundstripe Production, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice” by Mariame Kaba: *Learn More
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Police Reform After 2020: Andrea J. Ritchie's Deep Dive into Emergent Strategies, Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Rikers Island: The Bad, The Inhumane, & Why Is It So Hard to Close a Jail? Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• 5 People Describe the Emotional and Financial Tolls of House Arrest by Reina Sultan, VICE, Read Here
• New York Dedicates $75 Million to Police, Expanding Surveillance of University Protesters, by Tatiana Cozzarelli and Olivia Wood, Left Voice, Read Here
• New Report Says Electronic Monitoring For Youth Sets Kids Up For Failure, by Celeste Fremon, Witness L.A., Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“The Department of Justice is suing Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Patterson because of their sanctuary city status, erroneously suggesting that we are standing in a way of the ability to do their job, which is completely false . . . We understand the importance of immigrants in our communities, and we want to uphold that.” - Ras Baraka
Description: “They targeted me because I'm the mayor of the city,” says Newark, New Jersey mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka. In this tell-all interview with Laura Flanders, the mayor of the state’s largest city discusses his arrest at Delaney Hall, a new private immigration detention facility in Newark, and why he is a staunch opponent of the Republican immigration agenda and Trump’s assertion of federal power. In his tenure as mayor, Baraka has championed progressive programs like guaranteed income, reduced crime and boosted affordable housing. But new challenges lie ahead, as politicians like himself and cities like Newark face retaliation from the Trump administration. Baraka’s charges have been dropped, but the legal battles are far from over. He recently announced a lawsuit against the acting New Jersey District Attorney Alina Habba and DHS Agent Ricky Patel, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation. If elected, he would be the first Black governor in New Jersey and only the fourth Black governor elected in the States. If he's not elected, he is still a politician to watch as he insists on advancing forward thinking policy, especially in these tough times. Join us for that conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.
“We have advertised to the rest of the world that we've discovered the best thing since sliced bread. That we should be the envy of the entire world because we have this democracy, and our constitution defends that . . . To renege on that promise makes us a different place than what we taught our kids.” - Ras Baraka
Guest: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ; NJ Gubernatorial Candidate
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube June 6th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 8th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 11th.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Stimulus Checks Every Month?: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Public Safety in Public Hands: Watch / Listen: Episode
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Ras Baraka performing a poem celebrating Sonia Sanchez’s 90th Birthday at the Schomburg Center, September 9, 2024: Watch
• $12K For Free: Newark’s Guaranteed Income Experiment Wrapping Up, by Eric Kiefer, October 17, 2023, Patch.com
•. Newark mayor signs sweeping sanctuary city executive order, June 19, 2017, by Avalon Zoppo, NJ.com
• “Completely Unwarranted”: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues Trump Officials over His Arrest at ICE Jail, June 6, 2025 Democracy Now
• Newark Names One of Nation’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, January 28, 2025, City of Newark
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Authoritarianism on the rise: Educators and unionists share strategies for resistance and victory, citing historical examples of successful labor movements, at a conference hosted by CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies and Cornell Worker Institute in New York City this past May.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Labor organizing is critical to any anti-fascist movement, but labor unions and worker education are feeling the impact of brutal Republican attacks and cuts. How are workers and educators responding? In this special report, from a conference held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York City, Laura spoke with Rebecca “Becky” Pringle, president of the National Education Association, the largest union in the country, about labor solidarity in the deep-red state of Utah; history professor Robert Cassannello, a plaintiff in a successful suit against Florida Gov. DeSantis’s Stop Woke Act; and Rev. Ryan Brown, an Amazon worker/organizer from North Carolina, about how workers and educators are fighting back, and even winning in these times, although the obstacles are immense. The conference, “Labor and the Crisis of Democracy; Working Class Politics in a Time of Authoritarianism” was convened by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies with the Cornell Worker Institute.
“It's not the first time that our species have lived in perilous times, with pharaohs who are giving people work without any brick, without any straw. They have always figured out a way to organize, to mobilize and to agitate . . . Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, they were just regular, everyday human beings. No education. But they knew that fundamentally something was wrong about the world.” - Rev. Ryan Brown
“You can study any authoritarian reign, any oligarch throughout history. The people who have the most success in fighting against them are educators and they are unionists . . . We understand these are multi-pronged attacks on every front. So we have to actually have a multi-pronged approach for educators.” - Becky Pringle
GUESTS:
• Reverend Ryan Brown: President, Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity & Empowerment (CAUSE)
• Robert Cassannello: History Professor, University of Central Florida; Incoming President, United Faculty of Florida (UFF)
• Bhairavi Desai: Executive Director, NY Taxi Worker Alliance
• Annabelle Heckler: Artist; Social Practice Fellow, CUNY
• Sherman Henry: Director, Labor Institute for Advancing Black Strategies, Clark Atlanta University
• Dr. Mudiwa Pettus: Assistant Professor, English Department, Medgar Evers College; Social Practice Fellow, CUNY
• Rebecca “Becky” Pringle: President, National Education Association
Check out the Bonus Interview in this podcast feed: In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.
Music Credit: “Jagged” by Blue Dot Sessions. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 30th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 1st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 4th.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Africana & Puerto Rican Studies: A Student-Led Victory for Multicultural Education: Watch / Listen-Podcast
• Journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode and/or Full Conversation
• Labor Safety, Project 2025, & the Far Right’s Plot Against Workers: What You Need to Know: Watch / Listen-Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• AFGE president says downsizing after Trump’s order threatens the union’s survival, by Ryan Foley, May 5, 2025, Associated Press
• Judge blocks Trump push to cut public school funding over diversity programs, by Holly Ramer, AP and Collin Binkley, AP, April 24, 2025, PBS
• PFFU, Utah labor unions return 320K signatures for referendum challenging anti-collective bargaining law, April 17, 2025, International Association of Fire Fighters
• UCF professor may proceed in lawsuit against Stop ‘WOKE’ Act (FL), September 25, 2022, The Charge, Nicholson Student Media
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.
Description: America is moving towards authoritarianism faster than ever before, signaling a “turning point” in our history. But what will it actually take to reverse course? What could improve the chances of a winning multiracial democracy? The answer is worker organizers, and joining Laura to discuss grassroots resistance are Tarso Ramos and Alex Han. Han is a legacy union organizer and the Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based magazine dedicated to social movements and economic justice. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. In this exclusive interview, recorded at a conference held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York City, the trio discuss the challenges before us, and the potential opportunities to mobilize working people. In the wake of Trump’s mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a union member who was wrongfully exported to El Savador, can enough workers and their allies band together for bold, coordinated action?
Watch our full report on the conference, convened by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies with the Cornell Worker Institute. Check this podcast feed for the special report to be released June 4th, 2025.
GUESTS:
• Alex Han is the Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based magazine dedicated to social movements and economic justice. A legacy union organizer and former union officer, Alex has spent decades at the forefront of the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights and building power from the ground up.
• Tarso Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing, with nearly 30 years of experience researching and confronting its impact on democracy. As the former Executive Director of Political Research Associates (PRA), he spearheaded major initiatives addressing antisemitism, misogyny, authoritarianism, white nationalism, and other anti-democratic forces. Tarso now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RELATED LINKS:
In These Times magazine
Political Research Associates
Future Currents
RELATED EPISODES:
• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode
• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation
• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In The Age of Insecurity, Astra Taylor traces the historical roots of capitalism’s reliance on fear and debt, arguing that insecurity is not a flaw but a feature of the system. Drawing on history, myth, and activism, she reveals how confronting our vulnerabilities can become a collective source of power.
Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.
[Original Release Date: December 18, 2023]
Description: Can we turn our insecurity into power? Consumer debt stands at $17.29 trillion and many Americans are drowning in debt, with the average household owning over $100 thousand. The climate crisis, threats to democracy, and global wars add more worry to our already stressful lives. In her new book out from House of Anansi Press, “The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart”, writer, filmmaker, organizer, and the 2023 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Massey Lecturer, Astra Taylor uses mythology. psychology and the history of capitalism to break down the different kinds of insecurities we face, and explore how our insecurities help capitalism flourish. Without it, the system would cease to function, she says. In her years of work as Co-Founder of the Debt Collective, which emerged from Occupy Wall Street, Taylor has used debt as a tool for bringing people together and organizing. She is the author of The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart, Democracy May Not Exist But We'll Miss It When It is Gone, and The People's Platform (winner of the American Book Award), and the director of What Is Democracy?, among other books and films. In this wide-ranging discussion, Astra Taylor and Laura Flanders discuss the history of capitalism, the rights of debtors, and what we can do to lessen insecurity and expand security both as individuals and as a society. All that, plus a commentary from Laura about language and disruption..
“There is a debate here about motivation and what motivates us, and we are constantly being told that if people are too secure, that society's going to collapse and that we can't afford to invest in other folks. And I really want to challenge that idea.” - Astra Taylor
“. . . When you start talking about [debt] with others, you realize you're actually in the same boat and you start coming together to demand change, to demand debt cancellation, to demand the provision of these public goods. Debt actually can become a source of power.” - Astra Taylor
Guest: Astra Taylor, Co-Founder of the Debt Collective & Author, The Age of Insecurity*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Watch this episode
•. Listen to the full uncut conversation or search in this podcast feed 'Astra Taylor, Age of Insecurity'
• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? Episode and/or Full Uncut
• Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons, REWIND
•. Catastrophic Capitalism: Marjorie Kelly & Edgar Villanueva on “Wealth Supremacy” Watch / Download Podcast Download Full Conversation
• Stimulus Checks Every Month? Watch / Download Podcast
Research Articles:
• “Your Debt is Someone Else’s Asset” with Astra Taylor illustrated by Molly Crabapple, The Intercept, Watch Here
• “Freedom Dreams: black Women and the Student Debt Crisis by The Intercept with support by the, Economic Hardship Reporting Project, Watch Here
Full Episode Notes are available HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
snyopsis- Challenging the narrative on Palestine in this edition of our monthly Meet the BIPOC Press series : "The Encampments" documentary, and its creators aim to push back against the dominant narrative on Palestine, highlighting the difference between the corporate media coverage and those who have no allegiance to money or corporations, and sparking a wider conversation about the world's first live streamed genocide.
“The Encampments” co-produced by Macklemore, brings viewers into the anti-Gaza war protests at Columbia University and gets up close and personal with leaders including Mahmoud Khalil, the student negotiator currently detained by ICE in violation of a court’s order. In this special episode in our series Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura sits down with Sueda Polat and Grant Miner, two of Khalil’s colleagues in the encampments, who were suspended and expelled, respectively, as well as the film’s co-director, journalist Kei Pritsker of BreakThrough News to discuss how the film came to be, and where the situation stands today as well as what’s missing and who is misrepresented in commercial news. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Columbia University’s move to suspend four college journalists “being too close to the action.”
“I don't really participate as a Jewish person, I participate as an activist and a person of conscience that is Jewish . . . There's a very insidious narrative that was basically, ‘If you're not Jewish and you're not Palestinian, then talking about this is strange. Having an opinion on this conflict is strange and you should just stop talking about it because you're probably only motivated by antisemitism.’ I want to push back and say that anybody can have an opinion on this. It's the world's first livestreamed genocide.” - Grant Miner
Guests:
• Grant Miner: Columbia University Student Activist, The Encampments; President, SWC-UAW 2710
• Sueda Polat: Columbia University Student Activist, The Encampments; Graduate Student Human Rights
• Kei Pritsker: Co-Director, The Encampments, Journalist, BreakThrough News
Music Credit: “What Have We Done?” by Us3 from their upcoming album “Soundtrack”. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 23rd 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 25th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 28th.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode
• Israel, Hamas & Universal Human Rights: Former UN Official Craig Mokhiber Describes Path Forward: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘The Encampments’ Documentary, Watch the Trailer
• Columbia Just Suspended Four Student Journalists: The university continues to violate its students’ freedom of speech. By Edith Olmsted, May 9, 2025, The New Republic
• Columbia University suspends more than 65 students over library occupation, by Kanishka Singh, May 9, 2025, Reuters
• Deaths from Israel’s attacks on Gaza close to 62,000 as missing added, February 3, 2025, Aljazeera
*Recommended book:
Bookshop: “A Land with a People: Palestinians and Jews Confront Zionism” edited by Rosalind Pollack Petchesky, Esther Farmer and Sarah Sills, Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
snyopsis- Challenging the narrative on Palestine in this edition of our monthly Meet the BIPOC Press series : "The Encampments" documentary, and its creators aim to push back against the dominant narrative on Palestine, highlighting the difference between the corporate media coverage and those who have no allegiance to money or corporations, and sparking a wider conversation about the world's first live streamed genocide.
Description: “The Encampments” co-produced by Macklemore, brings viewers into the anti-Gaza war protests at Columbia University and gets up close and personal with leaders including Mahmoud Khalil, the student negotiator currently detained by ICE in violation of a court’s order. In this special episode in our series Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura sits down with Sueda Polat and Grant Miner, two of Khalil’s colleagues in the encampments, who were suspended and expelled, respectively, as well as the film’s co-director, journalist Kei Pritsker of BreakThrough News to discuss how the film came to be, and where the situation stands today as well as what’s missing and who is misrepresented in commercial news. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Columbia University’s move to suspend four college journalists “being too close to the action.”
Guests:
• Grant Miner: Columbia University Student Activist, The Encampments; President, SWC-UAW 2710
• Sueda Polat: Columbia University Student Activist, The Encampments; Graduate Student Human Rights
• Kei Pritsker: Co-Director, The Encampments, Journalist, BreakThrough News
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 23rd 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 25th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 28th.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode
• Israel, Hamas & Universal Human Rights: Former UN Official Craig Mokhiber Describes Path Forward: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• ‘The Encampments’ Documentary, Watch the Trailer
• Columbia Just Suspended Four Student Journalists: The university continues to violate its students’ freedom of speech. By Edith Olmsted, May 9, 2025, The New Republic
• Columbia University suspends more than 65 students over library occupation, by Kanishka Singh, May 9, 2025, Reuters
• Deaths from Israel’s attacks on Gaza close to 62,000 as missing added, February 3, 2025, Aljazeera
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
The fight for multicultural education and antiracist curricula is not new, as evidenced by the courageous actions of Brooklyn College students and faculty in the 1960s and 1970s, who paved the way for today's struggles against book banning and right-wing pushback.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.
Description [Rewind origin date: September 10, 2023] :: Join us for this discussion on multicultural education as a fundamental human right. In these times it is crucial to reflect on the state of education. From right-wing attacks on higher education, pushback against critical thinking and comprehensive history to challenges in class size, teacher compensation, book bannings and the very foundation of quality public education — our conversation aims to shed light on the progress we've made toward multicultural education and the paths we've taken to get here including student demonstrations that led to incarceration of students and teachers exercising their first amendment rights back then in the late 1960’s to 1970’s.
📚 The Birth of Puerto Rican and Black Studies Programs: In this episode, you’ll learn about the efforts to establish Africana Studies and Puerto Rican Studies Departments at The City University of New York, or CUNY's Brooklyn College. Black, Latino, and working-class white students united to reshape a campus, an educational system, and college curricula — setting the stage for today’s multicultural education and overall educational landscape.
🎥 Featured Documentary: Making the Impossible Possible Directed by Tami Kashia Gold and Pam Sporn, and distributed by @ThirdWorldNewsreel, this documentary tells the story of this transformative movement for multicultural education. Streaming on TWN On Demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/mtipfilm Educational Screenings: twn.org/film.aspx?rec=1531
🌟Meet the Guests:
-
Askia Davis: A former Black Panther and one of the "BC 19," Askia was arrested in 1969 for demanding Open Admissions and the establishment of Africana and Puerto Rican Studies at Brooklyn College. He served as Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Harlem and the Bronx.
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Antonio Nieves: Also a member of the "BC 19," Antonio was a founder of the Puerto Rican Institute & the Afro American Institute, Brooklyn College and has been a pharmacist for 30 years. He currently serves as the Director of Pharmacy for Caribbean Health Outreach.
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Sonia Nieto: A former Brooklyn College faculty and one of the "BC 44," Sonia was arrested in 1974 during a student takeover. She is the Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy & Culture at the College of Education at UMass, Amherst. Her 1992 book, "Affirming Diversity," is considered a defining work in 20th-century education.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE**
WATCH the EPISODE HERE AND MORE
Music In the Middle: “Rumba Tobacco y Ron” by Nickodemus featuring Haydee Soul & The Candela Allstars, from his album Soul and Science released on Wonderwheel Recordings.. And original sound design by Jeannie Hopper.
Clips featured in the podcast from the documentary "Making the Impossible Possible" include the trailer and an additional clip featuring former student activists Dr. Orlando Pile, Askia Davis, and Antonio Nieves recounting the reactions by the police
LF&F on Public TV, Community Radio and Online:
Laura Flanders and Friends airs weekly on public TV, YouTube, community radio, and available as an audio podcast. In addition to the episode podcast, subscribers receive uncut conversations and other bonus content.
Is your favorite community radio station airing the program? Search our radio listings for your local station, and see what day and time the show airs. If they are not, please let them know to add the show. More details are at LauraFlanders.org.
RESOURCES:
*Recommended book:
“Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education” by Patty Bode and Sonia Nieto Check out the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Maria Hinojosa and Chanjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removal, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech Watch / Listen
• The Message From Selma: Reset, Resist and Reimagine Watch / Listen
• How Critical Race Theory Changed an Election & What Dems Could Do About It Watch / Listen
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory Watch / Listen
• Asian Americans & Anti-Blackness: Truth vs. Fiction on Affirmative Action Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• “Documentary: Making the Impossible Possible” directed by Tami Kashia Gold and Pam Sporn and distributed by Third World Newsreel. Read More
• Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Relevance for Today’s Racial Justice Battlegrounds, by Genevieve Bonadies Torres, AmericanBar.org Read Here
• Revolution and CUNY: Remembering the 1969 Fight for Open Admissions, by Zammataro, The Advocate Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In 'Meanwhile', Jacqueline Woodson and Catherine Gund weave together the words of literary legends to explore the intersection of art, grief, and social justice.
Description: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Muhammad Ali and Nina Simone are some of the artists featured in the moving new film “Meanwhile”, from National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson and Emmy-nominated producer & director Catherine Gund. Their meditations on grief, art, breath and more are beautifully woven together as the film poses the question, how do you keep breathing amidst the chaos? Catalyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the police killing of George Floyd, Gund and Woodson tap into our shared existence. The artists featured in the docu-poem, with a haunting soundtrack by Meshell Ndegeocello, work through questions of race, political violence, resistance and identity — so much of what shapes our lives and relationships. “This is not a love letter to this country but to us inside this country,” says Woodson in the film. “We see us. We love us. We make eye contact and nod to us”. In this conversation with Laura Flanders, the trio of longtime friends discuss the film from Aubin Pictures, the losses they experienced in the 80s, and how the arts and poetry can compel us to enact change. Can we reclaim the “meanwhile”? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on hers.
Guests:
• Catherine Gund: Producer & Director, Meanwhile; Filmmaker & Founder, Aubin Pictures
• Jacqueline Woodson: Writer & Performer, Meanwhile; Author, Brown Girl Dreaming; Founder, Baldwin for the Arts; The Elders Project, Columbia
Music Credit: “Brighter the Days” the title track of Omar’s new album courtesy of BBE Records. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 16th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 18th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 21st.
Full Conversation Release May 16th, 2025: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Ask Angola Prison: What Difference Can a Play Make? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• V (formerly Eve Ensler): Reckoning with Our Past, Transforming the Future: Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• Jacqueline Woodson: Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence (2022-2024)
• Catherine Gund’s Meanwhile: A gorgeous, quietly energetic, and moving meditation on Black resilience and world-making in the face of interminable violence. by Brittany Turner, March 2025, The Brooklyn Rail
• Ivy Young, D.C. journalist, poet, and activist dies at 75: A life of service dedicated to community building. By Staff reports, June 6, 2023, Washington Blade
• Gai Gherardi, legendary co-founder of L.A. Eyeworks, Garrett Leight
*Recommended book:
“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson. Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In 'Meanwhile', Jacqueline Woodson and Catherine Gund weave together the words of literary legends to explore the intersection of art, grief, and social justice.
Description: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Muhammad Ali and Nina Simone are some of the artists featured in the moving new film “Meanwhile”, from National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson and Emmy-nominated producer & director Catherine Gund. Their meditations on grief, art, breath and more are beautifully woven together as the film poses the question, how do you keep breathing amidst the chaos? Catalyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the police killing of George Floyd, Gund and Woodson tap into our shared existence. The artists featured in the docu-poem, with a haunting soundtrack by Meshell Ndegeocello, work through questions of race, political violence, resistance and identity — so much of what shapes our lives and relationships. “This is not a love letter to this country but to us inside this country,” says Woodson in the film. “We see us. We love us. We make eye contact and nod to us”. In this conversation with Laura Flanders, the trio of longtime friends discuss the film from Aubin Pictures, the losses they experienced in the 80s, and how the arts and poetry can compel us to enact change. Can we reclaim the “meanwhile”? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on hers.
“. . . Having lost people so early and in such quick succession and under such an awful oppressive situation [of AIDS in the 80s], . . . each one of those hit so hard. We wrote and we made movies, and we had these elaborate memorials, and we did things to process and grieve. I am really holding on to that approach to death and dying as we get older, because I don't wanna ever not care.” - Catherine Gund
Guests:
• Catherine Gund: Producer & Director, Meanwhile; Filmmaker & Founder, Aubin Pictures
• Jacqueline Woodson: Writer & Performer, Meanwhile; Author, Brown Girl Dreaming; Founder, Baldwin for the Arts; The Elders Project, Columbia
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 16th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 18th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 21st.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Ask Angola Prison: What Difference Can a Play Make? Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs: Watch / Listen: Episode and Full Conversation
• V (formerly Eve Ensler): Reckoning with Our Past, Transforming the Future: Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• Jacqueline Woodson: Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence (2022-2024)
• Catherine Gund’s Meanwhile: A gorgeous, quietly energetic, and moving meditation on Black resilience and world-making in the face of interminable violence. by Brittany Turner, March 2025, The Brooklyn Rail
• Ivy Young, D.C. journalist, poet, and activist dies at 75: A life of service dedicated to community building. By Staff reports, June 6, 2023, Washington Blade
• Gai Gherardi, legendary co-founder of L.A. Eyeworks, Garrett Leight
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In a chilling conversation with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, the co-authors unpack their Guardian essay on "End Times Fascism," exposing how today’s billionaires and right-wing leaders aren’t just profiting from global crises—they’re actively accelerating them. As they delve into the apocalyptic ambitions behind Trump 2.0’s economic agenda, the discussion asks: can we counter this death-drive with a bold, life-affirming vision for the future?
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
FULL DESCRIPTION: Today's billionaires know our planet can't sustain their business models or lifestyles, but they don't care. Find out why, in this chilling conversation with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, co-authors of a revelatory essay on "End Times Fascism" in the Guardian. “Today’s rightwing leaders and their rich allies are not just taking advantage of catastrophes, shock-doctrine and disaster-capitalism style,” write Klein and Taylor, “but simultaneously provoking, planning and seeking to profit off apocalypse.” These are deeply dangerous times, Taylor and Klein argue: “Trump 2.0's economic project is a Frankenstein's monster of the industries driving all of these threats—fossil fuels, weapons, and resource-ravenous cryptocurrency and AI.” As the Right prepares for the end of life as we know it, can we build a movement to counter their apocalyptic, fascist ideology? What about a vision of love and compassion for people and the planet? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Elon Musk's recently privately-incorporated Tesla town in Brownsville, TX.
“These people are preparing for the end of the world. They are abandoning this place. They are traitors. And so we respond to them in part by committing to where we are and by being committed to other people. And it sounds very simple, but I think there's something really fundamental and profound about that when you realize the scale to which these folks have decided to embrace this politics of contempt and abandonment.” - Astra Taylor
“Under colonialism, the creation of nation states is pretty arbitrary. Guy with book decides to form country. That's what they see in Israel . . . The idea that you can have a kind of an apartheid state, wealthy, high-tech fortress as a way to weather the storms that you yourself are unleashing. Israel's become a kind of a beacon for both the tech bros and the Theo Bros.” - Naomi Klein
Guests:
• Naomi Klein: Columnist, The Guardian; UBC Professor of Climate Justice; Co-Author, The Rise of End Times Fascism; Journalist & Best-Selling Author, Doppelganger, The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, This Changes Everything & On Fire
• Astra Taylor: Author & Organizer; Co-Author, The Rise of End Times Fascism; Co-Founder, Debt Collective & Author, The Age of Insecurity, Co-author, Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea
Music Credit: “Power” by Don Glori from his forthcoming album Paper Can’t Wrap Fire released on Mr. Bongo Records. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 9th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 11th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 14th.
- While our weekly episodes are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, and here as a podcast, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the Full Uncut Conversation also available in this podcast feed.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Naomi Klein: Naomi Klein: Tackling the “Doppelganger”, Disinformation & Lies: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
•. Debt, Democracy & Disarray: Astra Taylor on “The Age of Insecurity”: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
•. Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Google’s former CEO : AI advances more important than climate conservation, by Chase DiBenedetto, October 7, 2024, Mashable
• Behold the Strange Spectacle of Christians Against Empathy, Opinion by David French, February 13, 2025, New York Times
•. Prospera Promotional Video
•. We Went to The Town Elon Musk Took Hostage, by More Perfect Union, February 19, 2025, Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
DESCRIPTION: Today's billionaires know our planet can't sustain their business models or lifestyles, but they don't care. Find out why, in this chilling conversation with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, co-authors of a revelatory essay on "End Times Fascism" in the Guardian. “Today’s rightwing leaders and their rich allies are not just taking advantage of catastrophes, shock-doctrine and disaster-capitalism style,” write Klein and Taylor, “but simultaneously provoking, planning and seeking to profit off apocalypse.” These are deeply dangerous times, Taylor and Klein argue: “Trump 2.0's economic project is a Frankenstein's monster of the industries driving all of these threats—fossil fuels, weapons, and resource-ravenous cryptocurrency and AI.” As the Right prepares for the end of life as we know it, can we build a movement to counter their apocalyptic, fascist ideology? What about a vision of love and compassion for people and the planet? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Elon Musk's recently privately-incorporated Tesla town in Brownsville, TX.
“These people are preparing for the end of the world. They are abandoning this place. They are traitors. And so we respond to them in part by committing to where we are and by being committed to other people. And it sounds very simple, but I think there's something really fundamental and profound about that when you realize the scale to which these folks have decided to embrace this politics of contempt and abandonment.” - Astra Taylor
“Under colonialism, the creation of nation states is pretty arbitrary. Guy with book decides to form country. That's what they see in Israel . . . The idea that you can have a kind of an apartheid state, wealthy, high-tech fortress as a way to weather the storms that you yourself are unleashing. Israel's become a kind of a beacon for both the tech bros and the Theo Bros.” - Naomi Klein
Guests:
• Naomi Klein: Columnist, The Guardian; UBC Professor of Climate Justice; Co-Author, The Rise of End Times Fascism; Journalist & Best-Selling Author, Doppelganger, The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, This Changes Everything & On Fire
• Astra Taylor: Author & Organizer; Co-Author, The Rise of End Times Fascism; Co-Founder, Debt Collective & Author, The Age of Insecurity, Co-author, Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 9th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 11th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 14th.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Naomi Klein: Naomi Klein: Tackling the “Doppelganger”, Disinformation & Lies: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
•. Debt, Democracy & Disarray: Astra Taylor on “The Age of Insecurity”: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
•. Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch, Listen: Episode, and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Google’s former CEO : AI advances more important than climate conservation, by Chase DiBenedetto, October 7, 2024, Mashable
• Behold the Strange Spectacle of Christians Against Empathy, Opinion by David French, February 13, 2025, New York Times
•. Prospera Promotional Video
•. We Went to The Town Elon Musk Took Hostage, by More Perfect Union, February 19, 2025, Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
The following timely commentary by Laura Flanders aired on GritTV in the summer of 2014. At the same time as the Iraq Sinjar crisis, Gaza was experiencing the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge), a 50-day conflict between Israel and Hamas that began in July 2014. The war involved intense Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in response to Hamas rocket attacks, resulting in over 2,000 Palestinian deaths (mostly civilians) and significant destruction in Gaza. Israeli casualties included 67 soldiers and six civilians. The US response in Gaza was primarily diplomatic.
URGENT REQUEST TO OUR FOLLOWERS: Support independent media in the fight against authoritarianism. Make a contribution to our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month at https://Patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ! Or make a one-time donation at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
note: The following closing commentary or "F-Word" from July 2024 Laura dedicated to the late great poet June Jordan. Find out more about her at JuneJordan.net The episode from 2014 featured an interview with long time civil rights activist Dorothy Zellner about her work for peace and justice in the Middle East. Learn more about Dorothy Zellner's formative years in the civil rights movement at the SNCC Digital Gateway website.
RELATED EPISODES FROM OUR ARCHIVES:
• Resistance and Revolutionary Poetry with Aja Monet: Watch / Listen
• Full Conversation: Angela Davis- A Revolutionary Roadmap for Building a Better Future LISTEN
• Not Wanted at Harvard: BIPOC Media on Claudine Gay, Anti-Zionism & Diversity in Education Watch / Listen
TRANSCRIPT- CLOSING COMMENTARY, JULY 2014:
Hi, I’m Laura Flanders of GRITtv
“I will not compare slaughter to slaughter. I will not compare death to death. I will not compare I will not compare… “
Welcome to my morning mantra.
It’s been a long hot news summer and it’s important to remember the rules. Under prevailing US media law, you may not compare a killing to a killing. You may not say the word Palestinian for example and then in the same sentence, say Yazidi.
You may not compare. You may not compare… The rules are very clear, especially when it comes to the Middle East.
I, for example, may not compare destruction to destruction. It is best, in fact, if I do not even contemplate or wonder about men and women and children trapped without food and medicine and drinking water under siege on a mountain top, and at the same time, contemplate or wonder about men and women and children trapped without food and medicine and drinking water under siege on a place near a beach.
A mountain under siege is not to be compared to a beach besieged. That’s simple enough. After all, a mountain is very different from a beach.
I will not compare. I will not compare… In particular I will not compare a destroyed mosque in Mosul with a destroyed mosque in Khuzaa. And I absolutely will not compare the motivations of the uniformed soldiers whom I hear laugh and cheer on a videotape out of Gaza as they explode that mosque in Khuzaa, with the motivations of any men anywhere committing war crimes.- Even if I can’t get that laughter and cheering out of my head.
I may not compare, I may not compare. Why? Because comparisons are odious, of course, and politics is complicated.
You heard the president, the U.S. "cannot and should not intervene every time there’s a crisis in the world.”
Some require the U.S. to act to help the people besieged. Some require the US to act to help the people doing the besieging.
To compare is to risk blurring the differences and the differences are all important.
To recap the rules: it is wrong to compare.
You can not say: a life is a life.
You can not say words like oil and money and markets.
You can not ask what’s the difference between a mountain and a beach.
I’m Laura Flanders. Today’s commentary is dedicated to the late great poet June Jordan. Find out more about her at JuneJordan.net
Laura Flanders and Friends airs weekly on public TV, YouTube, community radio, and available as an audio podcast. In addition to the episode podcast, subscribers receive uncut conversations and other bonus content.
Is your favorite community radio station airing the program? Search our radio listings for your local station, and see what day and time the show airs. If they are not, please let them know to add the show. More details are at LauraFlanders.org.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Is Authoritarianism Here?: Gessen and Stanley discuss the shift in America's self-understanding, from democratic ideals to a self-identity based on loving the US for its past greatness, and warn that this is not a democratic project, but rather a fascist one, similar to what Putin is doing in Russia.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Description: What will it take to reject fascism, before it’s too late? Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley are two leading experts on autocracy, and they’re sounding the alarm. They and their families have escaped totalitarian regimes and oppressive governments; today Gessen and Stanley are pulling back the curtain on the attacks against DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, higher education and more. Is authoritarianism here? Masha Gessen is an acclaimed Russian-American journalist, a Polk Award winning opinion writer for the New York Times and the author of "Surviving Autocracy" and “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia.” Forced to leave Russia twice, in 2024, a Moscow court convicted them, in absentia to eight years in prison for their reporting on the war in Ukraine. Jason Stanley is a best-selling author and professor whose books include “Erasing History” and "How Fascism Works". He recently left his teaching position at Yale University to relocate to Canada with his family; noting that he is a child of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. In this historic conversation — the first interview between Gessen and Stanley — the two explore how to be bold in our movements and envision a multi-ethnic democracy. Plus, a commentary from Laura.
“Trump has proposed a revived empire, a return to an imaginary past. The Democrats have proposed the way things are now, which are deeply unsatisfying and horribly anxiety provoking for a very large number of people. So we need a vision of a future that is more appealing than the imaginary past.” - Masha Gessen
“What I see now is this regime shifting the self understanding of America, from having these democratic ideals . . . God knows they've been imperfect, to a self identity as loving the United States because we've had these great men in our past, and we've conquered the West, and we can punch you in the nose. And that's not a democratic project. That's like what Putin is doing in Russia.” - Jason Stanley
• Masha Gessen: Opinion Columnist, The New York Times; Author, Surviving Autocracy; Distinguished Professor, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
• Jason Stanley: Author, Erasing History & How Fascism Works; Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Music Credit: “America” by Sylvan Paul, courtesy of Wolf+Lamb Records. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 2nd 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 4th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 7th. The full uncut conversation releases May 2nd in this podcast feed.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Special Report- Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation with Kimberlé Crenshaw, AAPF and Clifford Albright, Black Voters Matter
•. Journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• This Is What a Digital Coup Looks Like, by Carole Callwalladr, Ted Talk, April 9, 2025 WATCH
• The Fascism Expert at Yale Who’s Fleeing America, by Keziah Weir, March 31, 2025, Vanity Fair
• The Shape of Power in American Art, a new exhibition explores how the history of race in the United States is entwined with the history of American sculpture, November 8, 2024, Exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Riverside Church in the City of New York, Various , Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
• American journalist Masha Gessen convicted in absentia by Russia for criticizing its military, by Anna Chernova, Lauren Kent and Rob Picket, July 16, 2024, CNN
•. Tyrants Use Racism and Patriarchy to Split Civil Society Apart and Dismantle Democracy, Excerpt of speech by Jason Stanley, Jacob Urowsky professor of philosophy at Yale University, recorded & produced by Melinda Tuhus, April 16, 2025, Between the Lines
• The Hidden Motive Behind Trump’s Attacks on Trans People, by M. Gessen, March 17, 2025, The New York Times
• The 10 tactics of fascism by Jason Stanley, 2022, Big Think - Watch
• Welcome to Trump’s Mafia State: “Nice university you got there. Shame if something happened to it.” By M. Gessen, Produce by Vishakha Darbha, April 21, 2025, The New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Sound the Alarm on Rising Fascism: Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley, leading experts on authoritarianism, warn of attacks on DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, and higher education, and discuss the need for a bold vision of a multi-ethnic democracy.
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Description: What will it take to reject fascism, before it’s too late? Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley are two leading experts on autocracy, and they’re sounding the alarm. They and their families have escaped totalitarian regimes and oppressive governments; today Gessen and Stanley are pulling back the curtain on the attacks against DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, higher education and more. Is authoritarianism here? Masha Gessen is an acclaimed Russian-American journalist, a Polk Award winning opinion writer for the New York Times and the author of "Surviving Autocracy" and “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia.” Forced to leave Russia twice, in 2024, a Moscow court convicted them, in absentia to eight years in prison for their reporting on the war in Ukraine. Jason Stanley is a best-selling author and professor whose books include “Erasing History” and "How Fascism Works". He recently left his teaching position at Yale University to relocate to Canada with his family; noting that he is a child of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. In this historic conversation — the first interview between Gessen and Stanley — the two explore how to be bold in our movements and envision a multi-ethnic democracy. Plus, a commentary from Laura.
“What I see now is this regime shifting the self understanding of America, from having these democratic ideals . . . God knows they've been imperfect, to a self identity as loving the United States because we've had these great men in our past, and we've conquered the West, and we can punch you in the nose. And that's not a democratic project. That's like what Putin is doing in Russia.” - Jason Stanley
Guests:
• Masha Gessen: Opinion Columnist, The New York Times; Author, Surviving Autocracy; Distinguished Professor, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
• Jason Stanley: Author, Erasing History & How Fascism Works; Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Watch the special report released on YouTube May 2nd 5pm ET; PBS World Channel May 4th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast May 7th.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Special Report- Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation with Kimberlé Crenshaw, AAPF and Clifford Albright, Black Voters Matter
•. Journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch, Audio Podcast: Episode, and Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• This Is What a Digital Coup Looks Like, by Carole Callwalladr, Ted Talk, April 9, 2025 WATCH
• The Fascism Expert at Yale Who’s Fleeing America, by Keziah Weir, March 31, 2025, Vanity Fair
• The Shape of Power in American Art, a new exhibition explores how the history of race in the United States is entwined with the history of American sculpture, November 8, 2024, Exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Riverside Church in the City of New York, Various , Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
• American journalist Masha Gessen convicted in absentia by Russia for criticizing its military, by Anna Chernova, Lauren Kent and Rob Picket, July 16, 2024, CNN
•. Tyrants Use Racism and Patriarchy to Split Civil Society Apart and Dismantle Democracy, Excerpt of speech by Jason Stanley, Jacob Urowsky professor of philosophy at Yale University, recorded & produced by Melinda Tuhus, April 16, 2025, Between the Lines
• The Hidden Motive Behind Trump’s Attacks on Trans People, by M. Gessen, March 17, 2025, The New York Times
• The 10 tactics of fascism by Jason Stanley, 2022, Big Think - Watch
• Welcome to Trump’s Mafia State: “Nice university you got there. Shame if something happened to it.” By M. Gessen, Produce by Vishakha Darbha, April 21, 2025, The New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Learn the history behind May Day, or International Workers' Day. The holiday commemorates the 1886 Chicago workers’ strike known as the Haymarket Affair, where laborers demanded an eight-hour workday. The protest turned deadly and several activists were martyred—marking the day as a symbol of the ongoing fight for workers' rights.
Description (Rewind- Origin Date May 2016): Laura and Peter Linebaugh discuss the origins of May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, the subject of his book, "The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day." Linebaugh is professor emeritus at the University of Toledo, and the author of many books, including the Magna Carta Manifesto; Stop Thief, The Commons, Enclosures and Resistance. Laura also shares her F-Word commentary on the intersectional feminism of 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons.
"The changes can happen very quickly, very quickly. Thinking of James Connolly, and the Easter Rebellion, very quickly, audacity, audacity . . . that's the rule of social change."
Guest: Peter Linebaugh, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toledo, Author
ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND!
Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Watch : The legacy GRITTV episode: The Incomplete and Wonderful History of May Day: Peter Linebaugh & Avi Lewis
Related Episode From the Archives: May Day Special Report: 100+ Movements Go Beyond The Moment. Watch or Listen
Books by the Guest:
The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day, by Peter Linebaugh. - Get the Book*
The Magna Carta Manifesto, by Peter Linebaugh - Get the Book*
Stop Thief. The Commons, Enclosures, and Resistance, by Peter Linebaugh - Get the Book*
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Laura Flanders and Friends airs weekly on public TV, YouTube, community radio, and available as an audio podcast. In addition to the episode podcast, subscribers receive uncut conversations and other bonus content.
Is your favorite community radio station airing the program? Search our radio listings for your local station, and see what day and time the show airs. If they are not, please let them know to add the show. More details are at LauraFlanders.org.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: Stephanie Flanders, a leading economics expert, joins her sister Laura to examine the state of social democracy and the impact of business on our lives, asking whether the current system is broken and what alternatives might offer a more equitable future.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Is the West’s experiment with social democracy over? Is survival of the richest our fate? In this episode, sisters Laura and Stephanie Flanders hold their annual check-in, this time from St. James Park in London, to delve into the details of the many politico-economic issues dominating and driving the news. Stephanie Flanders, an economics expert of renown, is the Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg and the host of “Trumponomics”, the weekly Stephanomics podcast that looks at the president's economic policies and plans. Join Laura and Stephanie as they discuss how business impacts every aspect of our lives. Are we going backwards, or are there models like community wealth building that we can look to for economic transformation?
Guests: Stephanie Flanders, Head Economics & Government, Bloomberg
Music Credit: “Politics Don Expose Them” by Femi Kuti from their latest album Journey Through Life released on Partisan Records.. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Laura & Stephanie Flanders Unpack Inflation, Silicon Valley Bank Crash and Democracy: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Solving Economic Inequality: An Occupy Movement for this Moment?: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Antitrust Action with Stacy Mitchell & Matt Stoller: A Bipartisan Battle Against Monopoly Power: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Trumponomics Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg
• Reaganomics and its supply-side ideology are still failing us, Opinion by Michael Miles, April 25,2025, Cleveland
• Now is the time for a bold new UK-EU relationship, commentary by Hugo Dixon, April 7, 2025, Reuters
Watch the episode released on our YouTube channel April 25th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel April 27th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings) and airing on community radio & available as a podcast April 30th, and the podcast of the full uncut conversation released April 25th.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis- Was the social democracy model of the 20th century just a blip? This week, Laura invites her sister Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, back to the program to discuss today’s politico-economic issues and where American democracy stands.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Is the West’s experiment with social democracy over? Is survival of the richest our fate? In this episode, sisters Laura and Stephanie Flanders hold their annual check-in, this time from St. James Park in London, to delve into the details of the many politico-economic issues dominating and driving the news. Stephanie Flanders, an economics expert of renown, is the Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg and the host of “Trumponomics”, the weekly Stephanomics podcast that looks at the president's economic policies and plans. Join Laura and Stephanie as they discuss how business impacts every aspect of our lives. Are we going backwards, or are there models like community wealth building that we can look to for economic transformation?
Guests: Stephanie Flanders, Head Economics & Government, Bloomberg
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Laura & Stephanie Flanders Unpack Inflation, Silicon Valley Bank Crash and Democracy: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Solving Economic Inequality: An Occupy Movement for this Moment?: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Antitrust Action with Stacy Mitchell & Matt Stoller: A Bipartisan Battle Against Monopoly Power: Watch / Listen-Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Trumponomics Podcast, hosted by Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg
• Reaganomics and its supply-side ideology are still failing us, Opinion by Michael Miles, April 25,2025, Cleveland
• Now is the time for a bold new UK-EU relationship, commentary by Hugo Dixon, April 7, 2025, Reuters
Watch the episode released on our YouTube channel April 25th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel April 27th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings) and airing on community radio & available as a podcast April 30th.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a sustaining member or make it monthly. All the details are at: https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: On this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press,” award-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika lay out the constitutional crisis before us and ask what the media’s role is in this moment.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In the US today, immigrants, students, visitors and even U.S. residents — are facing exclusion, militarization, detention, rendition, and elimination of basic due process rights. Are our media doing enough to sound the alarm? In recent weeks, the government has detained students like Mahmoud Khalil, Rümeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi, apparently over their support for Palestine. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully exported to El Salvador, is being held at the notorious CECOT mega prison. We’ve also seen widespread ICE operations, random visas revoked and ideologically-driven attacks on the funding and functioning of our institutions of higher education. Our guests on this month’s Meet the BIPOC Press live and work at the intersection of these issues: Maria Hinojosa is the co-anchor and Executive Producer of Latino USA, and producer of the Pulitzer-prize winning podcast, Suave — which is just out with a second season. She is a Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence at Barnard College. Chenjerai Kumanyika is a Peabody Award-winner, creator and co-host of Uncivil, and creator and host of the podcast series Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD. He is also an Assistant Professor of Journalism at New York University. As the Republican regime moves towards authoritarianism, will the media stand for democracy before it’s too late?
“What's being taken advantage of in this moment is the painting of a picture of people who are, to use that 1990s term, ‘super predators,’ therefore, they deserve nothing, no due process. It's not true. But if you only consume media that is coming from the Trump administration, you are convinced that all of these people who are being taken out of the country are terrifying.” - Maria Hinojosa
Guests:
• Maria Hinojosa: Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist & Founder, Futuro Media; Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence, Barnard College.
• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Peabody-Prize Winning Audio Journalist, Uncivil & Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD; Assistant Professor Journalism, NYU
Music Credit: “Present Past” by Mark De Clive Lowe from his album Past Present (tones poems across time) released on BBE Records.. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Once I Was You” by Maria Hinojosa *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble: Watch / Podcasts-Listen: Episode
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Not Wanted at Harvard? BIPOC Media on Claudine Gay, Anti-Zionism & Diversity in Education: Watch / Podcast-Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Universities are scared of Trump. Princeton spoke out - and others should join us. By the Daily Princetonian Editorial Board, March 19, 2025, Daily Princetonian
• Ice director wants to run deportations like ‘Amazon Prime for human beings’, by Marina Dunbar, April 9, 2025, The Guardian
• AP wins access to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists, by David Bauder, Associated Press, PBS News
• The Conservative Activist Pushing Trump to Attack U.S. Colleges, by The Daily podcast of the New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: On this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press,” award-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika lay out the constitutional crisis before us and ask what the media’s role is in this moment.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In the US today, immigrants, students, visitors and even U.S. residents — are facing exclusion, militarization, detention, rendition, and elimination of basic due process rights. Are our media doing enough to sound the alarm? In recent weeks, the government has detained students like Mahmoud Khalil, Rümeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi, apparently over their support for Palestine. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully exported to El Salvador, is being held at the notorious CECOT mega prison. We’ve also seen widespread ICE operations, random visas revoked and ideologically-driven attacks on the funding and functioning of our institutions of higher education. Our guests on this month’s Meet the BIPOC Press live and work at the intersection of these issues: Maria Hinojosa is the co-anchor and Executive Producer of Latino USA, and producer of the Pulitzer-prize winning podcast, Suave — which is just out with a second season. She is a Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence at Barnard College. Chenjerai Kumanyika is a Peabody Award-winner, creator and co-host of Uncivil, and creator and host of the podcast series Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD. He is also an Assistant Professor of Journalism at New York University. As the Republican regime moves towards authoritarianism, will the media stand for democracy before it’s too late?
Guests:
• Maria Hinojosa: Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist & Founder, Futuro Media; Distinguished Journalist-in-Residence, Barnard College.
• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Peabody-Prize Winning Audio Journalist, Uncivil & Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD; Assistant Professor Journalism, NYU
Watch the special report released on YouTube April 18th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel April 20th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast April 23rd.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“Once I Was You” by Maria Hinojosa *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble: Watch / Podcasts-Listen: Episode
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Episode
• Not Wanted at Harvard? BIPOC Media on Claudine Gay, Anti-Zionism & Diversity in Education: Watch / Podcast-Listen: Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• Universities are scared of Trump. Princeton spoke out - and others should join us. By the Daily Princetonian Editorial Board, March 19, 2025, Daily Princetonian
• Ice director wants to run deportations like ‘Amazon Prime for human beings’, by Marina Dunbar, April 9, 2025, The Guardian
• AP wins access to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists, by David Bauder, Associated Press, PBS News
• The Conservative Activist Pushing Trump to Attack U.S. Colleges, by The Daily podcast of the New York Times
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Out of the soil of rural Louisiana, a new model for food, farming, and restorative economics.
A commentary by Laura Flanders related to the LFShow 2023 Special Report: The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project spotlighting pioneering regenerative farming practices in the U.S. as a means to address systemic racism. Watch or listen to The Laura Flanders Show special report and, meet the Black farmers and community members at the heart of this story. (original release date: July 23, 2023)
Watch :: the Special Report: The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project, Tackling Racism with Rice
Listen :: audio podcast edition of the Special Report: The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project, Tackling Racism with Rice
Read :: "The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project" by Laura Flanders, The Nation
The Laura Flanders Show is made possible by our listeners and viewers. Please become a sustaining member or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends airs weekly on public TV, YouTube, community radio, and available as an audio podcast. In addition to the episode podcast, subscribers receive uncut conversations and other bonus content.
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Additional Resources:
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“Courage to Hope: How I Stood Up to the Politics of Fear” by Shirley Sherrod with Catherine Whitney, * available on Bookshop.org
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“Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land” by Leah Penniman, * available on Bookshop.org
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Additional links and resources are posted and available for free on Patreon
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
From "Bloody Sunday" to Modern Activism: Civil Rights Leaders Reflect on Legacy
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: 60 years ago in Selma, Alabama, state troopers beat peaceful protesters bloody on the Edmund Pettus Bridge as they marched for civil rights. The horror of “Bloody Sunday” and the resilience of the Civil Rights Movement ultimately led to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and many of the landmark achievements that are now directly under attack. As civil rights activists look to history to understand — and prepare for — the present, Laura walks the Bridge and talks with, among others, Sheyann Webb Christburg, who marched at the age of eight, Black Voters Matter co-founders LaTosha Brown and Clifford Albright; law professor and author Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw and Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. What does people power look like today? Plus, a commentary from Laura on name calling then and now.
“We're not going to phone bank our way out of this. We're not going to text our way out of this. And in truth, we're not even going to vote our way out of this . . . It's going to take revisiting some of the same strategies that we saw here in Selma, in terms of nonviolent civil disobedience and direct action.” - Clifford Albright
“When we see and hear and think about fascism, we think about anti-democratic movements in Europe. We think about the Holocaust . . . But for Black people, as Langston Hughes said, you don't have to explain to us what fascism is. We experienced it. That is what we were fighting, for the 60, 70 years after Reconstruction was overthrown.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
Guests:
• Clifford Albright: Co-Founder & Executive Director, Black Voters Matter
• Willard and Kiba Armstead: Veteran & Spouse
• Trayvon Bossa: Sigma Chapter Member, Miles College Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
• LaTosha Brown: Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter
• Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw: Co-Founder & Executive Director, African American Policy Forum; Host of the Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
• Noelle Damico: Director of Social Justice, The Workers Circle
• Melinda Hicks: Military Family
• Jaribu Hill: Executive Director & Founder, Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights
• Myla Person: Jack and Jill Club, Columbus, Georgia
• Ann Toback: CEO, The Workers Circle
• Sheyann Webb-Christburg: Youngest Participant,1965 Bloody Sunday March
• Maya Wiley: President & CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music Credit: "Tremole" "Jagged" "Thrum of Soil" & "Dawn Summit" by Blue Dot Sessions from the album Empty Outpost. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Podcast Endorsement: Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Rep. John Lewis on Making Justice from Selma to the Present, Watch
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory, Watch / Listen / Download Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
• Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina, Watch / Download Podcast
• The Georgia Way: Strategies that Work for Winning Elections, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ Marks Continued Fight for Voting Rights, by Temi Adeoye, March 24, 2025, ACLU
• U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Learn More
• United State of Amnesia, The Real History of Critical Race Theory, Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw Podcast Mini Series
• Documentary Trailer: “Love, Joy, and Power: Tools for Liberation” follows Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown as they reshape American democracy. As founders of Black Voters Matter Fund, they didn't just flip Georgia in 2020 - they sparked a movement that's still growing. April 8, 2025, Watch
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
“When we see and hear and think about fascism, we think about anti-democratic movements in Europe. We think about the Holocaust . . . But for Black people, as Langston Hughes said, you don't have to explain to us what fascism is. We experienced it. That is what we were fighting, for the 60, 70 years after Reconstruction was overthrown.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: The following podcast features full uncut conversations with Law Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and leading scholar of critical race theory. She’s the Co-Founder of African American Policy Forum and the host of the podcast Intersectionality Matters! that includes the series “United States of Amnesia, the real history of critical race theory. Also, you’ll hear the uncut conversation with Clifford Albright, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, one of the most significant organizations working for voters rights in the U.S.. Clips from both interviews are featured in our special report from Selma, Alabama where Americans marked the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches amidst a hail of executive orders by Trump reversing many of the gains of the Civil Rights movement and banning anti-discrimination measures and even the teaching of Civil Rights history. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Guests:
• Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw: Co-Founder & Executive Director, African American Policy Forum; Host of the "Intersectionality Matters!" Podcast.
• Clifford Albright: Co-Founder & Executive Director, Black Voters Matter
Watch the special report released on YouTube April 11th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel April 13th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings) and airing on community radio & available as a podcast April 16th.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Rep. John Lewis on Making Justice from Selma to the Present, Watch
• Kimberlé Crenshaw & Soledad O’Brien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory, Watch / Listen / Download Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
• Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina, Watch / Download Podcast
• The Georgia Way: Strategies that Work for Winning Elections, Watch / Listen/Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation and Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ Marks Continued Fight for Voting Rights, by Temi Adeoye, March 24, 2025, ACLU
• U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Bernie Sanders Calls for a Democratic Revolution: Explore Insights from His Exclusive Vegas Interview with Laura Flanders on his Fighting Oligarchy tour—Why This Message Resonates with Activists Across America.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. Along the tour, Flanders spoke with veterans, retirees and many concerned citizens. She also caught speeches from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and sat in on a town hall meeting with Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus. Will 2025 turn out to be the year that Americans remake democracy?
Guests:
• Jacqueline Davania-Williamson: Resident, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Terrence Deuel: Veteran, U.S. Army
• Thomas Dyer & Pam West: Retirees
• Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Health Director, Wayne County, Michigan
• Shawn Fain: President, United Auto Workers (UAW)
• Danielle & Jordan Lovik: Residents, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Sandra & Raymond Martinez: Applicant & Social Security Recipient
• Donavan McKinney: U.S. Representative (MI-11)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: U.S. Representative (NY-14)
• Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour
• Dina Titus: U.S. Representative (NV-1)
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music Credit: “Live For You" by Thee Sacred Souls from their album Got a Story to Tell courtesy of Daptone Records.. "Steppin", "All The Ways" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
*Recommended book:
“It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders, *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• Barbara Lee & Lateefah Simon: The Trailblazing Congresswomen of CA’s 12th District: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. As Thousands Attend His ‘Stop Oligarchy Tour’ Rallies, Bernie Sanders Becomes a Face of the anti-Trump Resistance, by Steve Peoples, Associated Press
•. Bernie Sanders Has Been Warning About Oligarchy for Years. People Are Finally Listening. By Tim Murphy, March 25, 2025, Mother Jones
•. Bernie Sanders rallies in Kenosha, calls for action against billionaire influence, by Heather Asiyanbi, March 8th, 2025, Racine County Eye
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
On the Road with Laura Flanders: Join Us as We Dive into Sanders' Vision for America's Political Future and Meet the Citizens Sparking Change at Rallies Coast to Coast.
Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. In the broadcast edition (released on YouTube April 4th 5pm ET; PBS stations April 6th, and community radio & podcast April 9th) hear interviews from the road and speeches from Senator Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and more.
GUEST: Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
*Recommended book:
“It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders, *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
• Barbara Lee & Lateefah Simon: The Trailblazing Congresswomen of CA’s 12th District: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. As Thousands Attend His ‘Stop Oligarchy Tour’ Rallies, Bernie Sanders Becomes a Face of the anti-Trump Resistance, by Steve Peoples, Associated Press
•. Bernie Sanders Has Been Warning About Oligarchy for Years. People Are Finally Listening. By Tim Murphy, March 25, 2025, Mother Jones
•. Bernie Sanders rallies in Kenosha, calls for action against billionaire influence, by Heather Asiyanbi, March 8th, 2025, Racine County Eye
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Join Lateefah Simon and Barbara Lee as they explore the significance of African American women in politics and their shared commitment to social justice and representation.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Republicans will control the House and Senate, the White House, and dominate the Supreme Court, but Simon says she’s fired up to “fight for what we’ve fought for” in the areas of reproductive rights, low and middle-income housing, public safety, immigration and more. And that’s no wonder. Simon’s following Lee — whose historic 26-year career in the legislature included often being in the minority, and once standing alone against granting the president unlimited war powers after 9/11. Like Lee, Simon began her activism as a single mother at Mills College, and that’s not all they have in common. Lee says Simon’s already made her proud. This episode will delight everyone interested in the role of African American women in politics, or how legacies are built and power is passed on. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how not to stay tired.
Guests:
• Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District
• Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music Credit: “Be Love” by the Alexis P. Super Band. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
*Recommended book:
• “Shirley Chisholm: The Last Interview: And Other Conversations” with an Introduction by Barbara Lee, Learn More Here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Transportation is a Human Right. Watch / Download Podcast
• To Save The Progressives: U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Barbara Lee, Yvette Clark. Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Lateefah Simon, on Track to Be a New house Dem: “I’ve Never Shied Away From Any Fight”, by Samantha Michaels, November 6, 2024, Mother Jones
• Shirley Chisolm’s Legacy Still Looms Large, Time Magazine
• ‘The point is to be there for the fight’: incoming congresswoman arrives in D.C., Erika Ryan, Ari Shapiro, Patrick Jarenwattananon, November 25, 2024, NPR
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Meet the New Leaders of California's 12th District: Newly elected Democrat Lateefah Simon joins veteran Congresswoman Barbara Lee in a powerful conversation about minority representation and the fight for reproductive rights, housing, and immigration reform—how will they inspire change in a Republican-controlled Congress?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Republicans will control the House and Senate, the White House, and dominate the Supreme Court, but Simon says she’s fired up to “fight for what we’ve fought for” in the areas of reproductive rights, low and middle-income housing, public safety, immigration and more. And that’s no wonder. Simon’s following Lee — whose historic 26-year career in the legislature included often being in the minority, and once standing alone against granting the president unlimited war powers after 9/11. Like Lee, Simon began her activism as a single mother at Mills College, and that’s not all they have in common. Lee says Simon’s already made her proud. This episode will delight everyone interested in the role of African American women in politics, or how legacies are built and power is passed on. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how not to stay tired.
Guests:
• Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District
• Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Transportation is a Human Right. Watch / Download Podcast
• To Save The Progressives: U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Barbara Lee, Yvette Clark. Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Lateefah Simon, on Track to Be a New house Dem: “I’ve Never Shied Away From Any Fight”, by Samantha Michaels, November 6, 2024, Mother Jones
• Shirley Chisolm’s Legacy Still Looms Large, Time Magazine
• ‘The point is to be there for the fight’: incoming congresswoman arrives in D.C., Erika Ryan, Ari Shapiro, Patrick Jarenwattananon, November 25, 2024, NPR
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
From massive storms to green future vision: Laura and Elizabeth Streb explore South Australia's rapid shift from fossil fuels and the inspiring actions of local festivals and government leaders.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
South Australia has become a global leader in green energy transition, getting off fossil fuels faster, and to a greater extent than almost any other country. How did they do it, and what can we learn from them? In this special report, Laura goes Down Under with her partner, Elizabeth Streb, and her extreme dance company, and discovers how the region’s culture and its many world-class festivals have helped pave the way for transformation. Helping to unpack it all is a range of impressive guests, including Susan Close, deputy premier of South Australia; Anoté Tong, the former President of the Micronesian island, the Republic of Kiribati; Ruth Mackenzie, former Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, now Program Director of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy within the South Australia state government; Rob Brookman, the co-founder of WOMADelaide, the capital’s premier outdoor festival; MacArthur “Genius” Award winner, Elizabeth Streb and the action heroes of her company STREB — and a WHALE. As you’ll hear, it’s taken politics, policy, science and culture to shift public practice in this extreme-weather-vulnerable area. Over the last decade, South Australia has faced massive storms, brush fires, and extreme heat that have put people, wildlife, and even the festival at risk. Now South Australia is leading the way and using art to help people envision a green future, but they can’t solve the climate crisis alone. In this Climate Week special, we ask, how can the rest of the world follow suit?
“I'd say that WOMADelaide is creating a tiny version of the planet as you would like it to be . . . If you've listened to music from Iraq or if you've listened to music from Vietnam, or if you've listened to music from Palestine and Israel, it's more difficult to say those people, we don't understand them, so we can't deal with who they are.” - Rob Brookman, Director, WOMADelaide Foundation
“We don't get exempted from climate change because we've got a green electricity grid . . . It is globally caused and has to be globally solved. So part of what we do is not to boast about what we've done, but to hope that our leadership will show others that you too can do this. Come and learn from us.” - Susan Close, Deputy Premier, South Australia
“We've got the arguments, we can tell you the facts, but people don't feel it . . . [Artists] reach into your head, into your heart, they dig in and then they motivate you to action. And of course if you can also motivate the artist in every single child in South Australia, then we really have a force to change the world.” - Ruth Mackenzie, Program Director Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, South Australia Government
“For the [Adelaide] festival to go to young people and be like, ‘Hey, we want to hear from you. We want you to be a part of this. What works do you want to see? What works do you want to make and what do you want them to be about?’, is something that doesn't happen very often . . . Hopefully it'll mean we can get more people involved.” - Caitlin Moore, Artist, Activist
“The science doesn't seem to be making an impact no matter how precise. Maybe the hard facts of science do not ring a bell as much as the emotional language of the arts . . . Maybe the arts can put it in a way that it touches the hearts of your political leadership.” - President Anoté Tong, Former President, Republic of Kiribati
Guests:
• Rob Brookman: Co-Founder, WOMADelaide; Director, WOMADelaide Foundation
• Susan Close: Deputy Premier, South Australia
• Cassandre Joseph: STREB Co-Artistic Director & Action Hero
• Ruth Mackenzie: Former Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival; Program Director Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, South Australia Government
• Caitlin Moore: Director of Create4Adelaide, Adelaide Festival
• Elizabeth Streb: STREB Founder, Co-Artistic Director & Choreographer
• Anoté Tong: Former President, Republic of Kiribati
• Bart Van Peel: Chief Navigating Officer, Captain Boomer Collective
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Music Credit: "Steppin" & "Curious Jungle" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.
Recommended book:
Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, *Get the Book Here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice. Watch / Listen
•. Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Watch / Listen
The Future of Energy is Indigenous (and it won’t involve pipelines!), Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• South Australia’s stunning renewable energy transition, and what comes next, by Giles Parkinson, RenewEconomy.com. Read Here
• Urban Ecology and Christie Walk setting the pace for low carbon urban precincts, by Carbon Neutral Adelaide
• Extreme weather is wreaking havoc on Australian music festivals. Can they survive? By Nell Geraets, The Sidney Morning Herald, Read Here
• Playlist of Adelaide's sustainability efforts on Youtube, Watch Here
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover effective survival strategies under authoritarianism in "Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation," featuring insights from global contributors and activists.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
How do people survive authoritarianism? With harsher policing, market chaos, mass layoffs and healthcare cuts, Americans are fearing the worst under Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and many are seeking effective survival tools. Arriving just on time, “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” was published last year by OR Books. It’s packed with collective wisdom for surviving, and in so doing, creating a more just, equitable society. With over 70 contributions from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Indigenous peoples around the world, change is everywhere, it can start anywhere, and as “Beautiful Solutions” reminds us, “our problems are global and interconnected, and our solutions must be too.” To expand on some of the models in the book, Laura Flanders is joined by one of the co-editors Eli Feghali, former director of the New Economy Coalition, and contributor Nikki Marín Baena, co-founder and co-director at Siembra NC, a Latino base building and political organization in North Carolina. Lauren Hudson co-hosts. Hudson is a cooperative and Solidarity Economy organizer and researcher and teaches at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.
“. . . How do we dream our big dreams about not just what we're fighting against, but what we're fighting for, and really hold onto those and also understand that the little projects and the little connections that we make with each other, those are the only things that can become those big dreams.” - Nikki Marín Baena
“The only thing that I feel some fear about in this moment is that maybe some of us will give up ground that we don't need to give up out of anticipatory fear of what might happen . . . That's not to say that the risks aren't real, that's not to say that the plans that are being telegraphed and the news aren't real, but it's to say that we should not let go of what we fought for until we absolutely have to . . . We just have to trust each other and trust ourselves.” - Eli Feghali
“I have to think as an educator . . . how do we teach this moment? . . . I think what [my students] will say is this was a rupture, and it was a rupture that forced many of us back into some corners, but it was also an invitation to participate in the world in a different way.” - Lauren Hudson
Guests:
•. Eli Feghali, Co-Editor, Beautiful Solutions; Former Co-Director, New Economy Coalition
•. Nikki Marín Baena, Co-Director, Siembra NC
•. Lauren Hudson, Organizer & Researcher, Cooperative and Solidarity Economy
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
*Recommended book:
“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” by Elandria Williams, Rachel Plattus, Eli Feghali and Nathan Schneider, *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Cooperation vs Authoritarianism in Spain, Watch / Listen
• Taking Power vs Making Power: A Special Report from Greece, Watch / Listen
• Armed with Art: Taking Down the Wall of Whiteness, Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:
• Beautiful Trouble, Sister Project to Beautiful Solutions Learn More
• Pandas And The Informal Economy of Mexico, by Medium
• Prepare to Oppose Trump’s Immigrant Purge, by Nikki Marín Baena, November 22, 2024, Progressive
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore the timely insights from activist Dean Spade on how reshaping our personal connections can bolster our fight for justice, as featured in his latest book, "Love in a Fcked Up World."*
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*ed Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest: Dean Spade: Author, Love In A F*ed-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together & Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “We are Rising” by activist, singer and songwriter, Taína Asili. She created the song for One Billion Rising’s 2020 global campaign.. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore the timely insights from activist Dean Spade on how reshaping our personal connections can bolster our fight for justice, as featured in his latest book, "Love in a Fcked Up World."*
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest:
Dean Spade, Author, “Love In A F*cked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together”, “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)” and more.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:
• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover how Claude Cockburn's guerrilla journalism foresaw the rise of fascism in the 1930s and challenged mainstream media narratives.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch
/ Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Note- Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency." These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch
/ Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin outlines his strategy to hold the executive branch accountable and shares his concerns about Trump and Musk's actions in a candid conversation.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Amidst a hail of executive orders, lay-offs, and threats, Americans are witnessing both early compliance by some of the most powerful institutions in the country, and early resistance, in the courts, in workplaces and in the streets. So where is Congress? In this extended one-on-one interview with Maryland Congressman, Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House judiciary committee, lays out his plans for exerting oversight of the executive branch, and describes the Constitutional limits Trump and Musk are running up against. Raskin served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol back in 2021 and managed the second impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. Drawing on history, and even the work of his father, political activist Marcus Raskin, Jamie Raskin says he’s “. . . ready to lead Democrats in our front-line defense of democracy and freedom." Plus, a commentary from Laura on art and courage.
Guest: Jamie Raskin, Congressman Maryland’s 8th Congressional District; Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Oversight of the Executive Branch
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Oh Lord” produced by Groove Junkies and Apex Prey, featuring Indeya & Reverend Murrell Garr courtesy of More House Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode
•. Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
•. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode
Related Articles and Resources:•. A Top Democrat Speaks Out on How the Party Will Fight Trump, by Eugene Daniels, February 15, 2025, Politico
• Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Jamie Raskin's Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Trump's Lawless, Pro-Corruption Agenda for the Justice Department. February 25, 2025, Democrat House Committee on the Judiciary
• Raskin: ‘I’m with Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer’ and others saying ‘Watch Elon Musk’ by Ashleigh Fields, February 4, 2025, The Hill
•. Techno-Fascism Comes to America: The historic parallels that help explain Elon Musk’s rampage on the federal government, by Kyle Chayka, Infinite Scroll Columnist, February 26, 2025, The New Yorker
• Congressional Democrats denied entry to USAID building, by Andrew Solender, February 3, 2025, Axios
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As Trump and Musk push the limits of power, Rep. Jamie Raskin explains how Congress plans to exert oversight and defend democracy in an exclusive interview.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Episode Description: Amidst a hail of executive orders, lay-offs, and threats, Americans are witnessing both early compliance by some of the most powerful institutions in the country, and early resistance, in the courts, in workplaces and in the streets. So where is Congress? In this extended one-on-one interview with Maryland Congressman, Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House judiciary committee, lays out his plans for exerting oversight of the executive branch, and describes the Constitutional limits Trump and Musk are running up against. Raskin served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol back in 2021 and managed the second impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. Drawing on history, and even the work of his father, political activist Marcus Raskin, Jamie Raskin says he’s “. . . ready to lead Democrats in our front-line defense of democracy and freedom."
Guest: Jamie Raskin, Congressman Maryland’s 8th Congressional District; Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Oversight of the Executive Branch
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode
•. Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode and Full Uncut Conversation
•. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
•. A Top Democrat Speaks Out on How the Party Will Fight Trump, by Eugene Daniels, February 15, 2025, Politico
• Raskin: ‘I’m with Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer’ and others saying ‘Watch Elon Musk’ by Ashleigh Fields, February 4, 2025, The Hill
•. Techno-Fascism Comes to America: The historic parallels that help explain Elon Musk’s rampage on the federal government, by Kyle Chayka, Infinite Scroll Columnist, February 26, 2025, The New Yorker
• Congressional Democrats denied entry to USAID building, by Andrew Solender, February 3, 2025, Axios
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
La Raza Database Research Project is bringing awareness to police violence against Latinos.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: You wouldn’t know it from the data, but Latinos are the second most likely demographic to be killed by law enforcement in the U.S, relative to their population. We only have these statistics now thanks to the work of La Raza Database Research Project, a group of volunteers in Southern California who are bringing awareness to systematic police violence against the Latino population. They estimate that almost 6,500 Latinos have been killed by police between 2000 and 2022 – but the data has been missing until this moment. In this unusual installment of our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” series, Laura and Senior Producer Jeremiah Cothren sit down with LF&F Social Justice Reporting Fellow, Roberto Camacho, who interviewed members of the Research Project to figure out why Latinos are so frequently misrepresented. Camacho also spoke with the mother and sister of César Antonio Rodriguez, a young man tragically killed by the Long Beach Police Dept in 2017 and misidentified in police records. Camacho is a Chicano multimedia journalist focusing on criminal justice reform, immigration and Chicano/Latino issues. He originally reported on this story for Palabra.
Guests:
• Ivette Xochiyotl Boyzo: Research Project Manager, La Raza Database
• Roberto Camacho: Journalist; Social Justice Reporting Fellow, Laura Flanders & Friends
• Jeremiah Cothren (Co-host): Senior Producer, Laura Flanders & Friends
• Jesus M. Garcia: Research Project Statistician & Demographer, La Raza Database
• Rosa Moreno: Mother of César Rodriguez
• Priscilla Rodriguez: Sister of César Rodriguez
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Rhythm of Your Dream” by Nation Beat from their album Archaic Humans released on Rope a Dope Records, Listen & Learn more. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles, Watch / Listen
• Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen
•. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen
Related Articles and Resources:• Project Looks to Unfold True Count of Nations Killed by Police, by Keith Mizuguchi, July 2, 2024, KQED
• La Raza Database Project Seeks a True Count of Latinos Killed by Police but Determingin identity Complicates Accurate Reporting, by Roberto Camacho, May 1, 2024, Palabra
• San Diego community demands more from law enforcement than non-binding policies to increase police accountability, by Roberto Camacho, June 9, 2022, Prism Reports
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
The forest industry is booming in the American South, but communities like those in the Carolinas are raising concerns about the environmental and social costs. Discover their innovative solutions and what it means for sustainability.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Episode Description: The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.
“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra
“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry
“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith
Guests:
• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance
• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance
• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast: Episode & Related Commentary by Laura
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer. Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News
• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out
• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance
• Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Synopsis: A new environmental justice training center is transforming a former South Carolina plantation into a hub of climate resilience and equity. Learn how local leaders are pioneering change in the US South's logging narrative.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Conversation: The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.
“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra
“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry
“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith
Guests:
• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance
• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance
• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast: Episode & Related Commentary by Laura
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast: Episode
Related Articles and Resources:• Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer. Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News
• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out
• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance
• Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Episode Synopsis: What is the fate of Craigsville, Virginia after a prison closed in the small, rural town? We’re envisioning the future of Craigsville and investigating how decarcerating the economy can become a win for all.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What happens to a small town when a prison shuts down? The Augusta Correctional Center employed many residents and brought business to Craigsville, Virginia, a two square-mile, 900-person town located in the Shenandoah Valley. But when the prison closed in the summer of 2024 with minimal warning and no time for planning, Craigsville residents and the town’s economy were hit hard. In this special report, Laura Flanders & Friends correspondents Chelsea Higgs Wise and Lewis Raven Wallace head to Craigsville to learn about how the town is struggling, possible solutions from locals, and the larger questions around our country’s prison industrial complex. How can small, rural communities be supported in a sustainable transition away from a carceral economy? Join us as we envision the future of Craigsville and investigate how decarcerating the economy can become a win for all. Chelsea Higgs Wise is a community organizer based in Richmond, Virginia whose work focuses on empowering Black communities economically and educationally. She is co-founder and director of Marijuana Justice, a Black-led organization established to repair the harms of the drug war. Durham, North Carolina-based Lewis Raven Wallace is an independent journalist, author, and the Abolition Journalism Fellow at Interrupting Criminalization. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what could happen to the Augusta Correctional Center under the Trump administration.
“At one point there were 43 institutions in the Virginia Departments of Corrections . . . That number has dramatically decreased as a result of measures put in place, such as incentive credits, the juvenile parole bill, and other pieces of legislation that helped sentencing.” - Sincere Allah
“What I would say is that building these prisons has not changed communities. It hasn't helped people inside. It hasn't helped create all these amazing jobs . . . Instead of investing $1.5 billion in our prisons, parole, probation, what if that was invested in communities?” - Margaret Breslau
“Augusta Correctional opened in 1985. Probably at least half of the population here was working over there at that time. And it boosted the community greatly . . , boosted the town operational costs also. Kind of devastating for them to leave.” - Richard L. Fox
“There's a gorgeous gym in [the prison] that is just full of equipment that these young people could very much get something out of. There's a beautiful library in there. There's two ball fields there. There's plenty of office space. It could be turned into a lot of things.” - Tracy Martin
Correspondents:
• Lewis Raven Wallace: Journalist & Activist, Durham, North Carolina
• Chelsea Higgs Wise: Journalist & Policy Advocate, Richmond, Virginia
Guests:• Sincere Allah: State Organizer, REFORM Alliance
• Margaret Breslau: Co-Founder, Virginia Prison Justice Network
• Pam L. Carter: Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Craigsville, Virginia
• Richard L. Fox: Mayor, Craigville, Virginia
• Tracy Martin: Fire Chief, Volunteer Fire Department, Craigsville Virginia
• Sandy Oscar Sprouse: Owner, Grandma’s Busy Bee
• Fred Sprouse: Superintendent of Maintenance, Craigsville, Virginia
• David Swink: Cattle & Hay Farmer, Craigsville, Virginia
• Catherine Moyers-Youell: Retired Teacher, Craigsville, Virginia
• Bill Youell: Retired Chemical Engineer, Craigsville, Virginia
• Claudette Wilcher: Pastor Bells Valley Worship Center, Craigsville, Virginia
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: "Steppin" , "Mont Blanc" "Hearts a Flutter" & "Tender & Curious" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Big Pharma vs The People: The Fight To Save America’s Largest Generic Drug Manufacturer, Watch / Podcast Episode
• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality, Watch / Podcast Episode
• Ask Angola Prison: What Difference Can a Play Make?, Watch / Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm, Watch / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:• Criminal Legal Reform: Rehabilitation Over Incarceration, ACLU Virginia
• Prison closes but hometown is open for business, by Sandy Hausman, June 13, 2024, Radio IQ, WVTF, Virginia’s Public Radio
•. Where people in prison come from: The geography of mass incarceration in Virginia, by Emily Widra & Kenneth Gilliam, July 2022, Prison Policy Initiative
• Mass Incarceration Trends, May 21, 2024, Sentencing Project
•. Virginia Senate Passes REFORM Bill SB 936 in unanimous vote 40-0, February 4, 2025, Reform Alliance
• Marijuana Justice Organization
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Beyond the flames, L.A. communities face long-term challenges from gentrification and loss. Join our "Meet the BIPOC Press" panel as local journalists explore the environmental and social impacts of recent fires.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Episode Description: In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? At the time of this recording, the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires are still burning, with toxic air and water putting thousands at risk. On top of the immediate dangers, the loss of community and the threat of developers and gentrification will impact residents for years to come. How are the media reporting on communities dealing with this immeasurable loss and what is the path to recovery for the city? Kadia Tubman, Scripps News Disinformation Correspondent, returns to host our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” panel. Joining us from Los Angeles are two journalists to talk about the stories they’re covering on the ground. Cerise Castle reports on civil rights, criminal justice and climate. She wrote a groundbreaking exposé of deputy gangs inside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department which we featured last year. She is exploring the environmental impact the fires have had in communities such as Altadena. Jacqueline García is a Senior Reporter at CALÓ News, focused on immigration, politics and issues affecting the Latino population. She is covering inspiring organizing among day laborers and immigrants. We’ll also see an excerpt from Castle’s most recent report for Capital & Main. Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires.
“. . . I am glad to see that there has been a course correction by both local and national media to bring these stories to the forefront, not just talking about high-income earners in the Palisades that have lost million-dollar homes, but talking about the babysitters, the grocery shopkeepers, the renters that were living in apartments that lost everything in the Eaton fire.” - Cerise Castle
“. . . [Immigrants are] using this phrase of “el pueblo salva al pueblo,” which is people helping people . . . They said that this is what they're showing, that immigrants are also coming to work and they're showing their efforts and their passion for the community, and they want it to go back to as normal as possible.” - Jacqueline García
Guests:
• Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main
• Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News
• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Babylon Flamenco” by Gaudi from his album Bass, Dub, Sweat & Tears courtesy of Six Degrees Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Audio Podcast
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Day Laborers and Volunteers Clean After the Eaton Fire, by Jacqueline Garcia, January 10, 2025, CALÓ News
•. Black Altadena Rebuilds after the Eaton Fire with Guidance from Octavia Butler, by Cerise Castle, January 24, 2025, Capital & Main
• Governor Newsom announces commitments from major lenders to provide firestorm survivors with mortgage relief, January 18, 2025 Gov.CA.Gov
• ‘It all ended in a second’: Thousands of low-income and immigrant workers lost jobs in LA fires, by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeannie Kuang, January 17, 2025, CAL MATTERS
• Wildfire Mutual Aid Spreadsheet
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Residents returning to Los Angeles face critical questions on health, safety, and recovery following devastating fires – hear from frontline BIPOC journalists on the ground.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Conversation: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our supporting members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. Laura passes the mic to Kadia Tubman of Scripps News to host this month’s meet the BIPOC press. In this episode we hear what BIPOC Media are telling about the Los Angeles Wildfires that the other media are not. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Episode Description: In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? At the time of this recording, the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires are still burning, with toxic air and water putting thousands at risk. On top of the immediate dangers, the loss of community and the threat of developers and gentrification will impact residents for years to come. How are the media reporting on communities dealing with this immeasurable loss and what is the path to recovery for the city? Kadia Tubman, Scripps News Disinformation Correspondent, returns to host our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” panel. Joining us from Los Angeles are two journalists to talk about the stories they’re covering on the ground. Cerise Castle reports on civil rights, criminal justice and climate. She wrote a groundbreaking exposé of deputy gangs inside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department which we featured last year. She is exploring the environmental impact the fires have had in communities such as Altadena. Jacqueline García is a Senior Reporter at CALÓ News, focused on immigration, politics and issues affecting the Latino population. She is covering inspiring organizing among day laborers and immigrants. We’ll also see an excerpt from Castle’s most recent report for Capital & Main. Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires.
“. . . I am glad to see that there has been a course correction by both local and national media to bring these stories to the forefront, not just talking about high-income earners in the Palisades that have lost million-dollar homes, but talking about the babysitters, the grocery shopkeepers, the renters that were living in apartments that lost everything in the Eaton fire.” - Cerise Castle
“. . . [Immigrants are] using this phrase of “el pueblo salva al pueblo,” which is people helping people . . . They said that this is what they're showing, that immigrants are also coming to work and they're showing their efforts and their passion for the community, and they want it to go back to as normal as possible.” - Jacqueline García
Guests:
• Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main
• Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News
• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Audio Podcast
• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation
• BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Day Laborers and Volunteers Clean After the Eaton Fire, by Jacqueline Garcia, January 10, 2025, CALÓ News
•. Black Altadena Rebuilds after the Eaton Fire with Guidance from Octavia Butler, by Cerise Castle, January 24, 2025, Capital & Main
• Governor Newsom announces commitments from major lenders to provide firestorm survivors with mortgage relief, January 18, 2025 Gov.CA.Gov
• ‘It all ended in a second’: Thousands of low-income and immigrant workers lost jobs in LA fires, by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeannie Kuang, January 17, 2025, CAL MATTERS
• Wildfire Mutual Aid Spreadsheet
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Join us for a timely conversation with filmmaker Michael Premo on the escalation of potential for violence and the path forward following Trump's pardons of Jan. 6 Capitol rioters.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Episode Description: Just hours after he took office, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. One of those pardoned was one of the subjects of a gripping documentary: Homegrown, from Storyline Media. Alongside two other members of the extremist group, the Proud Boys, filmmaker Michael Premo followed convicted felon, Christopher Quaglin, at home, on the road, and up the steps of the Capitol that day. In this conversation with Flanders, recorded just prior to Trump’s inauguration, Premo describes how the film came to be and what he found, including the surprising diversity within the Right-wing groups he followed. How do political ideas turn to political violence? What is the path forward? Join us for a timely conversation and, as always, Laura’s commentary.
“I think what we're going to see is an escalation of the potential for violence . . . Project 2025 is a great example of the sort of broader consensus among the conservative movement around what to do once they regained power . . . People feel increasingly emboldened in a way that I think is somewhat similar to 2016, but there's a different sense of urgency.” - Michael Premo
Guests: Michael Premo, Journalist & Filmmaker; Director & Producer, Homegrown
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: ‘Call Sender remix’ of “Lost In the Woods” by Project Gemini from their forthcoming Colours & Light courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records and thanks to Nurture Music. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
*Note: This interview took place on January 15th, 2025 prior to the inauguration. Since the taping of this interview, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol storming shortly after taking office. Christopher Quaglin, a prominently featured subject in the documentary "Homegrown," was pardoned alongside other members of the extremist group, the Proud Boys.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution & Democracy Hanging by a Thread: Watch / Audio Podcast
• Faith & Fascism: Rob Reiner & Dan Partland Tackle Christian Nationalism with “God & Country”: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
• Another January 6 Insurrection? ‘War Game’ Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
• Countering the Coup From the Grassroots Up: Watch / Download Podcast
• Political Violence & MAGA Militancy: Strategies to Protect Democracy: Watch / Download Podcast
• Idaho’s United Vision Project: Confronting Extremism in America’s Heartland: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Police Must Do Better Against Far-Right Violence, byMike German & Beth Zasloff, January 8, 2025, Brennan Center
• FBI seizes largest stockpile of explosives in its history from Virginia home, by WDBJ7 Staff, January 1, 2025, Isle of Wight, VA, WDBJ7
• Four years after the Capitol riot, its meaning and legacy are still debated, by Odette Yousef, January 6, 2025, WAMU - NPR News
• Donald Trump Throws the Doors to the Patriot Wing Open, by Antonia Hitchens, January 25, 2025, The New Yorker
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover filmmaker Michael Premo's insights on political violence in his documentary about right-wing groups and their diversity, featuring pardoned Proud Boy Christopher Quaglin.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
About the LF&F Full Uncut Conversations: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our supporting members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode “Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?” with guest Michael Promo, a journalist and filmmaker who produced and directed the gripping documentary “Homegrown.” The film follows three members of the Proud Boys in the lead up to the January 6th insurrection. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
*Full Episode Description: Just hours after he took office, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. One of those pardoned was one of the subjects of a gripping documentary: Homegrown, from Storyline Media. Alongside two other members of the extremist group, the Proud Boys, filmmaker Michael Premo followed convicted felon, Christopher Quaglin, at home, on the road, and up the steps of the Capitol that day. In this conversation with Flanders, recorded just prior to Trump’s inauguration, Premo describes how the film came to be and what he found, including the surprising diversity within the Right-wing groups he followed. How do political ideas turn to political violence? What is the path forward? Join us for a timely conversation and, as always, Laura’s commentary.
“I think what we're going to see is an escalation of the potential for violence . . . Project 2025 is a great example of the sort of broader consensus among the conservative movement around what to do once they regained power . . . People feel increasingly emboldened in a way that I think is somewhat similar to 2016, but there's a different sense of urgency.” - Michael Premo
Guest: Michael Premo: Journalist & Filmmaker; Director & Producer, Homegrown
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
*Note: This interview took place on January 15th, 2025 prior to the inauguration. Since the taping of this interview, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol storming shortly after taking office. Christopher Quaglin, a prominently featured subject in the documentary "Homegrown," was pardoned alongside other members of the extremist group, the Proud Boys.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution & Democracy Hanging by a Thread: Watch / Audio Podcast
• Faith & Fascism: Rob Reiner & Dan Partland Tackle Christian Nationalism with “God & Country”: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
• Another January 6 Insurrection? ‘War Game’ Film Asks if We’re Ready: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
• Countering the Coup From the Grassroots Up: Watch / Download Podcast
• Political Violence & MAGA Militancy: Strategies to Protect Democracy: Watch / Download Podcast
• Idaho’s United Vision Project: Confronting Extremism in America’s Heartland: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Police Must Do Better Against Far-Right Violence, byMike German & Beth Zasloff, January 8, 2025, Brennan Center
• FBI seizes largest stockpile of explosives in its history from Virginia home, by WDBJ7 Staff, January 1, 2025, Isle of Wight, VA, WDBJ7
• Four years after the Capitol riot, its meaning and legacy are still debated, by Odette Yousef, January 6, 2025, WAMU - NPR News
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore the timely insights from activist Dean Spade on how reshaping our personal connections can bolster our fight for justice, as featured in his latest book, "Love in a Fcked Up World."*
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*ed Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest: Dean Spade: Author, Love In A F*ed-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together & Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “We are Rising” by activist, singer and songwriter, Taína Asili. She created the song for One Billion Rising’s 2020 global campaign.. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In "Love in a Fcked Up World," Dean Spade shares insights on fostering relationships and activism in the face of global crises—find out more about his approach to solidarity now!*
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! That’s why lifelong activist Dean Spade has written “Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together”. Which tools can help people and social justice movements face conflict and emerge stronger (rather than weaker)? Which stories do we tell ourselves that aren’t helping us think — or act — in our best interest? In this timely conversation, Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Spade is a lawyer, educator, and author of “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)”, and “Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of the Law”. He’s the director of “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!”, and in 2002 he founded the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New York City, a law collective that provides free legal services to trans and gender non-conforming people who are low income and/or people of color. He has useful things to say about romance too, which are worth bearing in mind, as the Valentine’s marketing crush hits, as Laura reflects in her commentary.
“. . . Most of us are taking in all the bad news by ourselves through a screen . . . One of the best things we can do to support our own wellbeing through the overwhelm is be with others, joining any kind of project in our communities, a creative project, a mutual aid project . . .” - Dean Spade
“The typical self-help genre is very focused on the individual. It doesn't contextualize the kinds of suffering that everyone's going through in a broader feminist analysis, anti-capitalist analysis, anti-racist analysis . . . If we understand that our individual suffering is a bunch of bigger scripts, . . . it can be a little bit freeing.” - Dean Spade
Guest:
Dean Spade, Author, “Love In A F*cked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together”, “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)” and more.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• The New Transgender Movement: Race, Poverty, Gender, Policing, and Pinkwashing, Watch
• Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Download Podcast
• Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm: Watch / Download Podcast: Episode & Full Uncut Conversation
• adrienne maree brown: Pleasure Activism and Black Women’s Legacy of Joy, Watch (06:58) / Download Podcast: Full Uncut Conversation (37:20)
Related Articles and Resources:
• Our Best Option for Defending Ourselves From Trump’s Second Term Is Each Other, by Dean Spade, November 12, 2024, TruthOut
• Checking in with Dean Spade (ep181), December 9, 2024, Gender Reveal Podcast
•. “The Mask Is Off:” Dean Spade and Susan Stryker on Trans Resistance in Trump’s America, by Them, December 18, 2024, Them.us
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Join us as we delve into the complex remembrance of Jimmy Carter, from his pivotal energy policies to international diplomacy, at his funeral reflections with diverse voices.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What is being left out of the conversation when it comes to Jimmy Carter, and why are many of his significant achievements under attack today? He created a national energy policy that married conservation with developing alternatives and getting off oil, passed the Superfund Act, created the Federal Department of Education and negotiated the Panama Canal treaty — a deal that Trump slammed earlier this week as he threatened to regain control of Panama. In this episode, Laura is on the ground in Georgia for Carter’s funeral events, and speaks with people who came from all around the country to pay their respects. How are Americans remembering the 39th president? Many obituaries have excluded the October Surprise by which the release of US hostages held in Iran was delayed until Ronald Reagan’s election day, and Carter’s critiques of Israeli violations of international law and his warning that cutting off non-violent options for Palestinians under Israel’s occupation would inevitably explode, making both Israel and the Palestinians less secure. What should we make of the notion that he “failed” during his presidency? Join us as we explore why Carter’s legacy is so relevant today. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“Carter had established the US-China relationship and this year is the 45th anniversary of US-China relationship normalization. Over the past 40 years, he had the great policy to help the Chinese people, help China to develop, and that changed millions of people's life.” - Richard Li
“[Jimmy Carter] was accused of being antisemitic. Imagine the president who removed Israel's largest enemy from the battlefield, Egypt, could be considered antisemitic is so beyond the pale. He was so committed to Israel's security, which he knew could only happen when the Palestinian people would have their state.” - Karin Ryan
“There's different philosophies on how private sector and public sector labor unions are viewed, and each one of them is unique in how they work for their contracts. But overall, collective bargaining is an important thing. And I think the general consensus of everybody historically is that President Carter supported collective bargaining, and collective bargaining is what this country was founded on.” - Greg Waddle
People Featured in This Episode:
• Karin Ryan, the Senior Policy Advisor on Human Rights and Special Representative on Women and Girls at The Carter Center
• Richard Li, Vice President, Chinese American Business Association of Atlanta
• Greg Waddle, President, IATSE Local 479
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: flashback to the Jimmy Carter Campaign Song “Why Not the Best” from 1976. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Angela Davis: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Building a Better Future, Watch / Listen-Podcast- Episode, Full Conversation
• Israel, Hamas & Universal Human Rights: Former UN Official Craig Mokhiber Describes Path Forward, Watch / Listen-Podcast- Episode, Full Conversation
• How to Fortify Democracy in 2024, Watch / Listen-Podcast- Episode
Related Articles and Resources:• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library video archives
• Carterland, a documentary by Jim & Will Pattiz released in 2021, Learn More
• Jimmy Carter Tribute website, Learn More
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Historic Change in Illinois: Cash Bail Eliminated Statewide Explore the implications of the groundbreaking Pretrial Fairness Act as experts discuss its impact on racial equity and justice reform.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What happened when Illinois ended cash bail? As Laura’s guests explain, this deeply discriminatory and unjust system puts “a ransom on people’s heads,” disproportionately impacts Black and Brown people, and favors the wealthy who can buy their freedom while leaving the poor to languish in jail. Bail reform has faced tremendous pushback over the years, but Illinois implemented the first-of-its-kind Pretrial Fairness Act, ending cash bail statewide in 2023. The historic win didn’t happen overnight. In this episode some of those most involved explain what it took and describe the surprising results. Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., the Cook County Chief Public Defender was the lead policy expert for the Coalition to End Money Bond. Mitchell also heads the state’s largest public defender office. State Senator Robert Peters represents Illinois’ 13th District and was one of the main sponsors of the Pretrial Fairness Act. He chairs the Senate Labor Committee. Bryce Covert followed this important and under-covered story for The Nation magazine. What has Illinois to teach the nation? All that plus Laura’s commentary: Illinois has moved out of the Middle Ages. What’s holding the rest of the nation back?
“I do think that there has been a severe backlash to the Black Lives Matter movement, to criminal justice reform that's pretty nationwide . . . That said, Illinois is out there doing this, and I think people are taking note . . . So as long as this stays in place and we have good data about the outcomes and people keep supporting it and don't give into the opposition that wants to push to roll it back, then we will have proof that this can happen, that this can work.” - Bryce Covert
“Literally the hardest job I had was talking to mothers and grandmothers and partners about whether they should be paying this a thousand dollars for bond or a thousand dollars for rent. We were forcibly extracting money out of the people that needed it the most. And I'm so glad that we are now in a system where we realized that we can make these really important decisions without quite frankly putting ransoms on people's heads.” - Sharone R. Mitchell Jr.
". . . The president was involved in criminal behavior. Rudy Giuliani was involved in criminal behavior. They had no problem being able to either pay out or pay within the legal system. Working class people on the other hand, many of them who are innocent, many of them who are just trying to live their life or trying to move on, they can't. A billionaire who's able to game the court system and be able to get out has no business trying to lecture the working class of this country.” - Robert Peters
Guests:
• Bryce Covert: Contributor, The Nation
• Sharone R. Mitchell Jr.: Chief Public Defender Cook County, Illinois
• Robert Peters: Illinois State Senator, 13th District
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: Eric Kupper remix of “U Try Livin’” by Black Guy, White Guy and 808 Beach from the Red Hot and Free project released by the Red Hot Organization. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
Related Articles and Resources:• Illinois Has Put an End to the Injustice of Cash Bail, by Bryce Covert, December 2, 2024, The Nation
• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report: The Civil Rights Implications of Cash Bail, by U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, January 20, 2022, USCCR.org
• Cash bail disproportionately impacts communities of color. Illinois is the first state to abolish it. By Claire Savage and Corey Williams, September 12, 2023, AP News
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore the history and impact of Illinois' decision to end cash bail statewide in 2023, featuring insights from key advocates and policymakers involved in this monumental change.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What happened when Illinois ended cash bail? As Laura’s guests explain, this deeply discriminatory and unjust system puts “a ransom on people’s heads,” disproportionately impacts Black and Brown people, and favors the wealthy who can buy their freedom while leaving the poor to languish in jail. Bail reform has faced tremendous pushback over the years, but Illinois implemented the first-of-its-kind Pretrial Fairness Act, ending cash bail statewide in 2023. The historic win didn’t happen overnight. In this episode some of those most involved explain what it took and describe the surprising results. Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., the Cook County Chief Public Defender was the lead policy expert for the Coalition to End Money Bond. Mitchell also heads the state’s largest public defender office. State Senator Robert Peters represents Illinois’ 13th District and was one of the main sponsors of the Pretrial Fairness Act. He chairs the Senate Labor Committee. Bryce Covert followed this important and under-covered story for The Nation magazine. What has Illinois to teach the nation? All that plus Laura’s commentary: Illinois has moved out of the Middle Ages. What’s holding the rest of the nation back?
Guests:
• Bryce Covert: Contributor, The Nation
• Sharone R. Mitchell Jr.: Chief Public Defender Cook County, Illinois
• Robert Peters: Illinois State Senator, 13th District
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• Crime & Migration: An Abolitionist Plan for Immigration Justice: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
• D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode
Related Articles and Resources:
• Illinois Has Put an End to the Injustice of Cash Bail, by Bryce Covert, December 2, 2024, The Nation
• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report: The Civil Rights Implications of Cash Bail, by U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, January 20, 2022, USCCR.org
• Cash bail disproportionately impacts communities of color. Illinois is the first state to abolish it. By Claire Savage and Corey Williams, September 12, 2023, AP News
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Reflecting on the Occupy movement's 13th anniversary: A deep dive into its impact on democracy, economic inequality, and the ongoing fight against the wealth gap. (episode originally released September 11, 2024)
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Were you one of the hundreds of thousands of people on the streets during the Occupy movement? For many the movement was a political awakening, as people rallied to end economic inequality and support democracy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. On this 13th anniversary, how does the spirit of Occupy live on? And what progress — if any — has been made when it comes to the wealth gap? Joining us for that conversation is Marisa Holmes, author of the recently released book “Organizing Occupy Wall Street: This Is Just Practice” and director of “All Day All Week: An Occupy Wall Street Story” which looks at the takeover of Zuccotti Park in New York City in September 2011. Also joining us is Taifa Smith Butler, President of Demos, a public policy organization working to build a multiracial democracy and economy. Previously she was a leader at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Award-winning journalist Amir Khafagy returns to co-host this episode. Our guests explore the links between economic inequality and authoritarianism and ask how far we've come as a nation to create structural, policy and practice-based changes on the economic front. How can we create a people-led economy that will lead to collective power? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“During Occupy, we really rejected representative politics because it seemed not responsive to people's needs . . . So we just thought, ‘We're going to do this ourselves’. We have to build alternatives ourselves from the bottom up through mutual aid networks . . . That's what I think is going to transform the economy . . .” - Marisa Holmes
“Demos has always talked about the inextricable links of economic power and political power. As I think about where we are historically with the retraction of resources, with the threat of authoritarianism and fascism and this demographic shift that is happening in our nation and the inequality that continues to proliferate, if we do nothing, we'll be looking at apartheid in America.” - Taifa Smith Butler
Guests:
• Taifa Smith Butler: President, Dēmos
• Marisa Holmes: Author, Organizing Occupy Wall Street
• Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Walk-in’” by The Pimps of Joytime featuring Roy Ayers from the Occupy This Album compilation. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “Trust-Busting 2024 with Stacy Mitchell & Matt Stoller: A Bipartisan Battle Against Monopoly Power” Watch / Listen or Download Podcast• Debt, Democracy & Disarray: Astra Taylor on “The Age of Insecurity”. Watch / Listen or Download Podcast
• Catastrophic Capitalism: Marjorie Kelly & Edgar Villanueva on “Wealth Supremacy” Watch / Listen or Download Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• Overview of Demos’ Economic Democracy Project & Case Studies, Read /Download Here
• All Day All Week- An Occupy Wall Street Story made with the Occupy Wall Street Media Working Group, Watch Here
• Rewind: As Obama's re-inauguration approaches, Americans celebrate other key anniversaries. But the promised land remains elusive, by Laura Flanders, The Guardian, Read Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Dive into compelling stories of triumph, art, and activism as key voices reflect on changing Mississippi's state flag history. (episode originally aired June 5, 2024)
This show is made possible by you! Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. To become a member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a time of division, how do we create a sense of collective freedom? It’s a question that peace activist, artist and poet Genesis Be grapples with in all her work. Genesis Be has a new book out, People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity, and recently curated the Freedom Rising art show in Brooklyn, New York featuring work by incarcerated artists currently held by the Georgia Department of Corrections. She is the subject of the upcoming film “Mississippi Turning” about the successful years-long effort to remove the Confederate symbol from the state’s flag. In this episode taped at the CUNY studios in NYC, we turn to a poet and a preacher. Genesis Be joins Laura Flanders and co-host Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church, to discuss how to reject stigmas and advance liberation. Genesis Be painted in the studio — for her and us it was a first.
“I did my protest about the confederate flag that went viral, I hung a noose around my neck and draped myself in a confederate flag . . . It was a very scary time for me because I got thrown into the fight to change the Mississippi State flag. There were a lot of death threats, but a lot of support during that time.” - Genesis Be
“The word freedom is hijacked often by folks: freedom from having to change, freedom from having to admit the humanity of others, freedom from having to widen the tent, freedom from having to let go of their sense of exceptionalism . . . This [conference] was a gathering of like-minded folks sharing a dream of all of us belonging and all of us saving this democracy, interfaith, intergenerational.” - Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Guests:
• Genesis Be: Poet, Peace Activist, Artist; Author, People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity
• Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (Co-host): Senior Minister of Public Theology & Transformation, Middle Church, NYC. Author of several books including her latest Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Blind Lady Say (Be Love)” by Genesis Be, courtesy of the artist. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
•. Prison Creative Arts Project: Imagination in the Face of Incarceration. Watch / Listen-Download Podcast and Full Conversation
• How Radical Self-Love Can Heal the World. Watch / Listen-Download Podcast
• Ask Angola Prison: What Difference Can a Play Make? Watch / Listen-Download Podcast and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
•. Documentary (released Fall 2024) “Mississippi Turning” Artist & activist Genesis Be, after her controversial protest against Mississippi's Confederate Heritage Month, heads down to her home state of Mississippi to have an honest discussion with people on both sides of the debate, including her childhood friend, a proud descendant of Confederate soldiers. Watch the Trailer
•. “People Not Things” by Genesis Be, recordings of her poetry via Bandcamp
•. Middle Church Freedom Rising Conference Learn More Here
•. People Not Things Exhibit. Learn More Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Meet the New Leaders of California's 12th District:** Newly elected Democrat Lateefah Simon joins veteran Congresswoman Barbara Lee in a powerful conversation about minority representation and the fight for reproductive rights, housing, and immigration reform—how will they inspire change in a Republican-controlled Congress?
This show is made possible by you! Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. To become a member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Republicans will control the House and Senate, the White House, and dominate the Supreme Court, but Simon says she’s fired up to “fight for what we’ve fought for” in the areas of reproductive rights, low and middle-income housing, public safety, immigration and more. And that’s no wonder. Simon’s following Lee — whose historic 26-year career in the legislature included often being in the minority, and once standing alone against granting the president unlimited war powers after 9/11. Like Lee, Simon began her activism as a single mother at Mills College, and that’s not all they have in common. Lee says Simon’s already made her proud. This episode will delight everyone interested in the role of African American women in politics, or how legacies are built and power is passed on. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how not to stay tired.
“Being a Black woman in America really gives us the experience and the lens to not be daunted with being a minority. We've been a minority in this country forever . . . I don't buy this fear. I don't buy into the fact that a lot of people talk about they're exhausted Black women. We always keep going and Lateefah keeps going. “ - Barbara Lee
“We know what racism looks like. We know what the threats of deportation looks like. We have been here before, but I am so honored to be able to take on again, the ongoing journey that was led by Shirley Chisholm, Kamala D. Harris, and my mentor, professor and friend Barbara Lee. We are weary, clearly, but we're not weak.” - Lateefah Simon
Guests:
• Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District
• Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: "Be Love" by Alexis P. Suter Band, the title track from their album released on HipBone Records.. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Transportation is a Human Right. Watch / Download Podcast
• To Save The Progressives: U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Barbara Lee, Yvette Clark. Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Lateefah Simon, on Track to Be a New house Dem: “I’ve Never Shied Away From Any Fight”, by Samantha Michaels, November 6, 2024, Mother Jones
• Shirley Chisolm’s Legacy Still Looms Large, Time Magazine
• ‘The point is to be there for the fight’: incoming congresswoman arrives in D.C., Erika Ryan, Ari Shapiro, Patrick Jarenwattananon, November 25, 2024, NPR
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Here at Laura Flanders & Friends, we offer a comprehensive fellowship program in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY) John Jay School of Criminal Justice. Participants work hands-on, gaining knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow, sharing expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by our Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley, a college sophomore pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
Description: Many first-generation Latino students face unique challenges as they navigate the path from college to career readiness. ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) is a transformative organization providing mentorship, professional development, and a sense of belonging through its ALPFAmilia network. In this audio report, John Jay Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley explores how ALPFA empowers students to overcome barriers, featuring interviews with John Jay Chapter President Nayeli Zempoaltecatl and the New York Director of Student Affairs Kevin Durjpal. Together, they share how ALPFA bridges the gap for underrepresented groups, fosters equity, and transforms lives.
"Everybody a part of ALPFA is automatically a part of an ALPFAMILIA because this network, why it was created, was to help, at first, Latinos. Now it has branched out, of course. But we understand one another. We know the struggles we're facing." – Nayeli Zempoatecatl
“A lot of students, they want to join in first to get an internship. But then when you join in, you realize you make a lot of good friends. You may look at family. That's the reason why you want to stay. I know that's the reason why I stayed.” – Kevin Durjpal
Guests:* Kevin Durjpal: ALPFA NY Director of Student Affairs Committee; Strategy & Consulting Analyst, Accenture * Nayeli Zempoaltecatl: President, ALPFA John Jay Chapter
Music Included: "Tweet Storm" & " Electric Car" by Podington Bear
At The Laura Flanders Show, we’re dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program and CUNY John Jay College, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders Show’s views or those of CUNY John Jay College.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Republicans will control the House and Senate, the White House, and dominate the Supreme Court, but Simon says she’s fired up to “fight for what we’ve fought for” in the areas of reproductive rights, low and middle-income housing, public safety, immigration and more. And that’s no wonder. Simon’s following Lee — whose historic 26-year career in the legislature included often being in the minority, and once standing alone against granting the president unlimited war powers after 9/11. Like Lee, Simon began her activism as a single mother at Mills College, and that’s not all they have in common. Lee says Simon’s already made her proud. This episode will delight everyone interested in the role of African American women in politics, or how legacies are built and power is passed on. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how not to stay tired.
“Being a Black woman in America really gives us the experience and the lens to not be daunted with being a minority. We've been a minority in this country forever . . . I don't buy this fear. I don't buy into the fact that a lot of people talk about they're exhausted Black women. We always keep going and Lateefah keeps going. “ - Barbara Lee
“We know what racism looks like. We know what the threats of deportation looks like. We have been here before, but I am so honored to be able to take on again, the ongoing journey that was led by Shirley Chisholm, Kamala D. Harris, and my mentor, professor and friend Barbara Lee. We are weary, clearly, but we're not weak.” - Lateefah Simon
Guests:
• Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District
• Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Transportation is a Human Right. Watch / Download Podcast
• To Save The Progressives: U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Barbara Lee, Yvette Clark. Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Lateefah Simon, on Track to Be a New house Dem: “I’ve Never Shied Away From Any Fight”, by Samantha Michaels, November 6, 2024, Mother Jones
• Shirley Chisolm’s Legacy Still Looms Large, Time Magazine
• ‘The point is to be there for the fight’: incoming congresswoman arrives in D.C., Erika Ryan, Ari Shapiro, Patrick Jarenwattananon, November 25, 2024, NPR
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Join Maysoon Zayid as she discusses humor, disability rights, and the resilience of Palestinian identity during a conversation filled with heart and laughter amid conflict.
This show is made possible by you! Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. To become a member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields.
“As a disabled kid, I liked Palestine a lot more than Jersey . . . I was the only visibly disabled kid in my school growing up. But in Palestine there were other disabled kids and disability wasn't shunned. It wasn't mocked, it wasn't bullied. I grew up in a society that very much believed that disability was a natural part of life . . .” - Maysoon Zayid
“I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid
Guest: Maysoon Zayid: Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: "Purpose Love" by Jhelisa, released on Dorado Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go. Watch
• Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Shiny Misfits” Maysoon’s graphic novel and audio version available from Audible featuring the voice of Dave Matthews, and others.
• Maysoon Zayid’s Ted Talk
• DISCO, a live interactive panel show hosted by Maysoon Zayid coming up February, 2015 at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields.
“As a disabled kid, I liked Palestine a lot more than Jersey . . . I was the only visibly disabled kid in my school growing up. But in Palestine there were other disabled kids and disability wasn't shunned. It wasn't mocked, it wasn't bullied. I grew up in a society that very much believed that disability was a natural part of life . . .” - Maysoon Zayid
“I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid
Guest: Maysoon Zayid: Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits
RESOURCES:
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
• Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go. Watch
• Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Shiny Misfits” Maysoon’s graphic novel and audio version available from Audible featuring the voice of Dave Matthews, and others.
• Maysoon Zayid’s Ted Talk
• DISCO, a live interactive panel show hosted by Maysoon Zayid coming up February, 2015 at Joe’s Pub in New York City.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover how Amanda Seales combines comedy and activism to address social justice challenges in Hollywood.
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Our year end goal is to raise $50,000. Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What does it take to be politically outspoken in Hollywood? You may know Amanda Seales from her role on HBO’s “Insecure”, her stand-up comedy, her podcast and radio show or her viral videos on social media. She’s lost agents, her publicist, and has had speaking gigs retracted for her commitment to social justice. From Black women to Palestinians in Gaza, Seales uses her platform to speak honestly about harm done to others. She talks powerfully about her experiences with the dangers of fame and celebrity in Hollywood, neurodivergence, white supremacy and a whole lot more.In this conversation, Laura Flanders asks Amanda Seales about our progress as a country, what it means to be an “artistic intellectual” and about the educators who’ve helped her along the way. Hear why Seales is “divesting from celebrity” and taking backlash from her support for Palestinians as “a badge of honor”. Plus, go behind the scenes with Seales with the full, uncut conversation from this week’s show. Laura will tell you more.
“. . . You are definitely expected to just take whatever gossip is said about you. You have to take it all on the chin because you've made this somehow unspoken exchange that having monetary gain and visibility means that you have to allow harm. And what I've decided is I am divesting from celebrity.” - Amanda Seales
“I lost my agents, I lost my publicist, and I have definitely had speaking engagements and different gigs retracted because of my support of Palestine and my outward support of the ending of apartheid in Palestine. I got to tell you, I take it as a badge of honor. I do. It's good trouble, rest in peace to John Lewis. I am so honored for all those people.” - Amanda Seales
Guests: Amanda Seales,Artistic Intellectual
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: “Hope” by Shaun Escoffery from his forth coming expanded digital album release of In The Red Room coming out on Dome Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
RESOURCES:
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Angela Davis: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Building a Better Future, Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and Listen on Major Podcast Platforms, Listen to the full conversation
•. Abbott Elementary Teaches Us All: Sheryl Lee Ralph & Joyce Abbott, Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and Listen on Major Podcast Platforms, Listen to the Full Conversation
•. Sarah Jones on Sex & Making an “Unorthodoc,” Subscribe: YouTube to Watch and Listen on Major Podcast Platforms, Listen to the Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Op-Ed: The Tragedy of Tyre Nichols and the State of Policing in America, by Amanda Seales, Ebony, Read Here
• Amanda Seales: What would the ancestors say?? A one woman show, a return to artivism. Watch / Learn More
• Small Doses with Amanda Seales Podcast Listen Here
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Amid chaos following Hurricane Helene, hear how BIPOC journalists redefine community engagement by addressing urgent needs in western North Carolina.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Some residents had no food, electricity, or cell service after Hurricane Helene ravaged the western part of North Carolina in October. Amidst misinformation and no information, local media had to step in to inform desperate people fast. This month on “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we explore what media outlets did to serve their people in that moment. Laura and co-host Amir Khafagy, a journalist with the New York City-based publication Documented, speak with two local BIPOC media projects that saved lives and expanded their relationship with their communities. Our guests are Brooklyn Brown, Reporter for Cherokee One Feather, the local newspaper of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and Magaly Urdiales, co-founder of JMPRO Community Media (“Justice Media Project”), a grassroots nonprofit that shares essential news and information with immigrant communities in Spanish, English and Mayan Indigenous languages. As they found themselves at the frontlines of relief efforts, how did these local outlets redefine journalism?
“. . . Objectivity doesn't have to be cold. Reporting the facts doesn't have to be without passion. That's something I see a lot in community journalism, is that we are able to practice good journalism while also having a heart for the community that we're covering.” - Brooklyn Brown
“I think many barriers and many problems of the corporate media came in place. We were called for people that were looking for a story, that were looking for somebody that was crying because their loved one wasn't found yet. And for us it was frustrated . . . in a moment like this, that can be transactional.” - Magaly Urdiales
Guests:
• Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians): Reporter, Cherokee One Feather
• Magaly Urdiales: Co-founder, JMPRO Community Media
• Amir Khafagy (Co-host): Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Music In the Middle: Novalima remix of “La Voz” by Eljuri, courtesy of the artist. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Where Do We Go From Here? Frontline Activists Talk Election ‘24 Takeaways, Watch / Podcast: Abridged or Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center, Watch / Podcast
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble, Watch / Podcast: Abridged or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Joey in chaos,” The giving heart of the Ice Cream Social, by Brooklyn Brown, October 15, 2024, Cherokee One Feather
• JM Pro Community Media Podcast, Listen
• Helene Response and Recovery, updates posted daily - Ashville, NC
This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Our year end goal is to raise $50,000. Everyone who donates $25 or greater on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, will receive a complimentary one year subscription to The Nation, both print and digital. Thank you for your continued support!
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Some residents had no food, electricity, or cell service after Hurricane Helene ravaged the western part of North Carolina in October. Amidst misinformation and no information, local media had to step in to inform desperate people fast. This month on “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we explore what media outlets did to serve their people in that moment. Laura and co-host Amir Khafagy, a journalist with the New York City-based publication Documented, speak with two local BIPOC media projects that saved lives and expanded their relationship with their communities. Our guests are Brooklyn Brown, Reporter for Cherokee One Feather, the local newspaper of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and Magaly Urdiales, co-founder of JMPRO Community Media (“Justice Media Project”), a grassroots nonprofit that shares essential news and information with immigrant communities in Spanish, English and Mayan Indigenous languages. As they found themselves at the frontlines of relief efforts, how did these local outlets redefine journalism?
“. . . Objectivity doesn't have to be cold. Reporting the facts doesn't have to be without passion. That's something I see a lot in community journalism, is that we are able to practice good journalism while also having a heart for the community that we're covering.” - Brooklyn Brown
“I think many barriers and many problems of the corporate media came in place. We were called for people that were looking for a story, that were looking for somebody that was crying because their loved one wasn't found yet. And for us it was frustrated . . . in a moment like this, that can be transactional.” - Magaly Urdiales
Guests:
• Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians): Reporter, Cherokee One Feather
• Magaly Urdiales: Co-founder, JMPRO Community Media
• Amir Khafagy (Co-host): Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Where Do We Go From Here? Frontline Activists Talk Election ‘24 Takeaways, Watch / Podcast: Abridged or Full Conversation
• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center, Watch / Podcast
• BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble, Watch / Podcast: Abridged or Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:
• “Joey in chaos,” The giving heart of the Ice Cream Social, by Brooklyn Brown, October 15, 2024, Cherokee One Feather
• JM Pro Community Media Podcast, Listen
• Helene Response and Recovery, updates posted daily - Ashville, NC
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover how Claude Cockburn's guerrilla journalism foresaw the rise of fascism in the 1930s and challenged mainstream media narratives.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch
/ Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books.
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Note- Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency." These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch
/ Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation
• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word: Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth: Arundhati Roy, Podcast
• Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch
Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion: Is Trump a fascist? Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews
• Opinion: Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews
• Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover the perspectives of influential advocates on what lies ahead for voters, communities, and democratic engagement after a transformative election season.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Tens of millions of Americans cast their ballots in one of the most divisive elections in our lifetime, but what happens next? What are the teachings and takeaways from this historic presidential race, as well as critical local races and ballot initiatives? Laura Flanders & Friends presents an exclusive post-election roundtable discussion, featuring analysts and perspectives you won’t find in the money media. They include Guerline Jozef, a Haitian-American human rights advocate and Founder & Executive Director of The Haitian Bridge Alliance, called one of the “Most Influential People on Race, Politics, and Policy in the United States”; Judith LeBlanc, a citizen of the Caddo Nation and Executive Director of the Native Organizers Alliance; and Serena Sebring, Executive Director of Blueprint NC, a progressive ecosystem of nearly 60 groups working to build inclusive democracy in North Carolina. Join Laura and her guests as they examine what lies ahead for people, the planet and democracy. Where do we go from here? This conversation was recorded the morning of November 6, 2024.
Guests:• Guerline Jozef: Founder & Executive Director, The Haitian Bridge Alliance
• Judith LeBlanc (Caddo Nation): Executive Director, Native Organizers Alliance
• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Music In the Middle: “Faith and Equation” by Badawi featuring the voice of Sun Ra, from Badawi’s album Protection released by the Underground Producers Alliance or UPA based in Brooklyn New York. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• What’s On The Ballot In North Carolina? Abortion, Trans Life, A Governorship, & Multiracial Democracy, Watch / Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Podcast / Full Conversation
• Not Party to Party Politics: Movement Leaders Consider Election ‘24, Watch / Podcast / Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance, by Julie Carr Smyth, September 25, 2024, Associate Press
• Why more Native Americans are on U.S. ballots than ever before, by Ximena Bustillo for Morning Edition, November 3, 2024, NPR-WAMU
• Bidenomics Is Starting to Transform America. Why Has No One Noticed? By Nicholas Lemann, October 28, 2024, New Yorker Magazine
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Descpription: Tens of millions of Americans cast their ballots in one of the most divisive elections in our lifetime, but what happens next? What are the teachings and takeaways from this historic presidential race, as well as critical local races and ballot initiatives? Laura Flanders & Friends presents an exclusive post-election roundtable discussion, featuring analysts and perspectives you won’t find in the money media. They include Guerline Jozef, a Haitian-American human rights advocate and Founder & Executive Director of The Haitian Bridge Alliance, called one of the “Most Influential People on Race, Politics, and Policy in the United States”; Judith LeBlanc, a citizen of the Caddo Nation and Executive Director of the Native Organizers Alliance; and Serena Sebring, Executive Director of Blueprint NC, a progressive ecosystem of nearly 60 groups working to build inclusive democracy in North Carolina. Join Laura and her guests as they examine what lies ahead for people, the planet and democracy. Where do we go from here? This conversation was recorded the morning of November 6, 2024.
Guests:
• Guerline Jozef: Founder & Executive Director, The Haitian Bridge Alliance
• Judith LeBlanc (Caddo Nation): Executive Director, Native Organizers Alliance
• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• What’s On The Ballot In North Carolina? Abortion, Trans Life, A Governorship, & Multiracial Democracy, Watch / Podcast
• Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024, Watch / Podcast / Full Conversation
• Not Party to Party Politics: Movement Leaders Consider Election ‘24, Watch / Podcast / Full Conversation
Related Articles and Resources:• Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance, by Julie Carr Smyth, September 25, 2024, Associate Press
• Why more Native Americans are on U.S. ballots than ever before, by Ximena Bustillo for Morning Edition, November 3, 2024, NPR-WAMU
• Bidenomics Is Starting to Transform America. Why Has No One Noticed? By Nicholas Lemann, October 28, 2024, New Yorker Magazine
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFAndFriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
What If January 6 Happened Again? Exploring the Risks of Another Insurrection.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What if January 6 happened again? Are we prepared for another post-election insurrection? “War Game” is a riveting political thriller that tackles this question head-on in what Rolling Stone calls, “the scariest documentary you’ll see this year.” “War Game” features a cast of senior officials war-gaming a constitutional crisis, including former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, playing a senior advisor to a newly elected President, Retired US Army Lieutenant General Jeffrey Buchanan and Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of Vet Voice Foundation. This time on Laura Flanders & Friends, Laura’s joined by Goldbeck who also produced the war game that is at the center of the film as well as the film’s directors, Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss, both of whom are award-winning filmmakers. Together they discuss why many Americans — disproportionately military veterans — have joined domestic extremist groups, and what can be done. What reforms to the Insurrection Act are necessary at this moment? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Donald Trump’s appearance at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
“. . . Domestic extremist groups, particularly on the far Right, have been targeting veterans and military family members for recruitment . . . We've seen veterans and active duty military disproportionately represented in places like the January 6 insurrection in 2021, where one in five of the people who were charged in the insurrection were actually military veterans.” - Janessa Goldbeck
"The notion that democracy is this sort of idyllic perfect thing that was once great and will be great again is a complete fabrication. Democracy has always been flawed, it's always been in process . . . There's got to be certain issues that we can all agree on, like the peaceful transfer of power.” - Tony Gerber
“[In the war game], we see a healthy politics model, people who probably disagree on a lot of things politically, but actually agree on one important thing, which is safeguarding our democracy . . . I think modeling healthy politics is really valuable today. It's hard to look around and see how people are working together across partisan divides to get work done on Capitol Hill or in state houses.” - Jesse Moss
Guests:
• Tony Gerber: Co-Director & Writer, War Game
• Janessa Goldbeck: CEO, Vet Voice Foundation; Game Producer, War Game
• Jesse Moss: Co-Director, Writer & Producer, War Game
Music In the Middle: “America at War (Freedom)” by DJ Pope featuring Voices of Freedom released on Yellorange Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Political Violence & MAGA Militancy: Strategies to Protect Democracy Watch / Podcast + Uncut Full Conversation
• Congressman Jamie Raskin On January 6th: After a Failed Coup, a Successful One? Watch / Podcast + Uncut Full Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Podcast
• Graphic Artists Drawing Comix At The Margins: Nate Powell and Mohammad Saba’aneh Watch / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:• ‘War Game’ Is the Scariest Documentary You’ll See This Year, by David Fear,August 2, 2024, Rolling Stone
•. The Posse Comitatus Act Explained, by Joseph Nunn, October 14, 2021, Brennan Center
• Legal experts worry about presidential abuse of the Insurrection Act. Here’s Why, by Carrie Johnson, March 28, 2024, NPR-WAMU
• ‘Mischief and problems’: rightwing activists ramp up drive to hand-count ballots, by Rachel Leingang, The Guardian
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
LAURA FLANDERS - COMMENTARY
And one of those came to mind was in 1999, when V, then known as Eve Ensler of Vagina Monologues and V-Day and One Billion Rising fame, filled that 18,000 seat stadium, with women and their allies pledging themselves to stop violence against women and girls, to stop gender-based violence in our lifetime. Improbable? Unlikely? Unpredictable? You bet. They laced the whole place with red caution tape that read “rape-free zone.” Was it surprising? Yes, but it happened all the same, albeit with less media coverage. Other things have happened in the last few years that should surprise us and remind us of what we can accomplish when we decide to. We invested trillions of dollars in infrastructure rebuilding and creation of new jobs. We saw millions of people brought out of poverty thanks to an increase in the child tax credit. We saw pharmaceutical prices brought down. We saw investments in industries that will help reduce climate change. And we saw a pandemic stopped in its tracks, largely, by the very speedy creation of a vaccine. In our lifetime, too, I was reminded this past weekend at Madison Square Garden that we were celebrating the 100th anniversary of a public transportation system. The New York City subway, again the product of commitment, investment of public dollars for the public good. A surprise, perhaps, that we could ever accomplish such things. But we have. And we can do it again. So surprises, bad? Sure. Possible. Surprises, good? I'm putting my belief and confidence there. I think more good surprises are in store for us if we simply put our minds to it and maybe invest, invest a bit of our effort and our cash. Till the next time, I encourage you to spend the week as you will, but stay kind and stay curious. And join me back here next time when we convene a special all-star panel to reflect on Election Day. You can find all the information at our website. And don't forget, every week the podcast subscribers, the people that subscribe to our free podcasts receive the uncut version of every conversation. And believe you me. Much of the conversation that I'd love to bring to you ends up on the cutting room floor. So subscribe to the podcast. Subscribe to our channel right here on YouTube. And if you haven't told your friends about us, write a review or share with your pals. It's how we get out the word about this show.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Full Description: What if January 6 happened again? Are we prepared for another post-election insurrection? “War Game” is a riveting political thriller that tackles this question head-on in what Rolling Stone calls, “the scariest documentary you’ll see this year.” “War Game” features a cast of senior officials war-gaming a constitutional crisis, including former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp, playing a senior advisor to a newly elected President, Retired US Army Lieutenant General Jeffrey Buchanan and Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of Vet Voice Foundation. This time on Laura Flanders & Friends, Laura’s joined by Goldbeck who also produced the war game that is at the center of the film as well as the film’s directors, Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss, both of whom are award-winning filmmakers. Together they discuss why many Americans — disproportionately military veterans — have joined domestic extremist groups, and what can be done. What reforms to the Insurrection Act are necessary at this moment? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on Donald Trump’s appearance at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
“. . . Domestic extremist groups, particularly on the far Right, have been targeting veterans and military family members for recruitment . . . We've seen veterans and active duty military disproportionately represented in places like the January 6 insurrection in 2021, where one in five of the people who were charged in the insurrection were actually military veterans.” - Janessa Goldbeck
“The notion that democracy is this sort of idyllic perfect thing that was once great and will be great again is a complete fabrication. Democracy has always been flawed, it's always been in process . . . There's got to be certain issues that we can all agree on, like the peaceful transfer of power.” - Tony Gerber
“[In the war game], we see a healthy politics model, people who probably disagree on a lot of things politically, but actually agree on one important thing, which is safeguarding our democracy . . . I think modeling healthy politics is really valuable today. It's hard to look around and see how people are working together across partisan divides to get work done on Capitol Hill or in state houses.” - Jesse Moss
Guests:
• Tony Gerber: Co-Director & Writer, War Game
• Janessa Goldbeck: CEO, Vet Voice Foundation; Game Producer, War Game
• Jesse Moss: Co-Director, Writer & Producer, War Game
Watch the broadcast episode cut for time airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Political Violence & MAGA Militancy: Strategies to Protect Democracy Watch / Podcast + Uncut Full Conversation
• Congressman Jamie Raskin On January 6th: After a Failed Coup, a Successful One? Watch / Podcast + Uncut Full Conversation
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Podcast
• Graphic Artists Drawing Comix At The Margins: Nate Powell and Mohammad Saba’aneh Watch / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:• ‘War Game’ Is the Scariest Documentary You’ll See This Year, by David Fear,August 2, 2024, Rolling Stone
•. The Posse Comitatus Act Explained, by Joseph Nunn, October 14, 2021, Brennan Center
• Legal experts worry about presidential abuse of the Insurrection Act. Here’s Why, by Carrie Johnson, March 28, 2024, NPR-WAMU
• ‘Mischief and problems’: rightwing activists ramp up drive to hand-count ballots, by Rachel Leingang, The Guardian
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As Election 2024 unfolds amid a collapsing media landscape, experts explore how BIPOC outlets are combating misinformation and seizing the opportunity to redefine news coverage
¿Podrían las elecciones 2024 ser una oportunidad para que nuevos medios construyan poder? Únete a Laura Flanders y Kadia Tubman mientras exploran este tema con Imara Jones y Lara Witt.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Election 2024 is happening in a media environment unlike any other. With legacy papers closing and digital media in crisis, too, election ads are filling the news vacuum with misinformation and lies. What is to be done? In this episode of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, co-hosts Laura Flanders and Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News Network examine the state of election media and ask, could this be a moment of opportunity for others to transform the news and build power? Our guest Lara Witt is the editor-in-chief of Prism and co-founder of the new Movement Media Alliance and Media Against Apartheid & Displacement. Joining us again is Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Imara Jones, creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform journalism project created to save trans lives and expose threats to democracy. The gripping new season of “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine” podcast dives into the extremist groups using transphobia to stoke political violence. Find out how BIPOC media are meeting this moment and working to cover the issues that mainstream media have largely ignored.
“There's not one single trans analyst or contributor on any of the cable networks, even though trans issues are front and center as a mainstream political issue, not as a marginal political issue.” - Imara Jones
“. . . People are getting their political information from [campaign] ads because they're likely not getting it from a reliable source. Since August, we know it's been reported that Republicans have invested over $65 million in anti-trans TV ads alone, and some of those talking points in those ads are actually coming from dubious sources . . .” - Kadia Tubman
“We very much are invested in ensuring that our communities are safe, that folks can live their lives as fully autonomous beings and mainstream media often just misses that or doesn't care . . .” - Lara Witt
Guests:
• Imara Jones: CEO, TransLash Media; Podcast- The Anti-Trans Hate Machine.
•. Lara Witt: Editor-in-Chief, Prism. Movement Media Alliance
•. Kadia Tubman (Co-host): Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Music In the Middle: “Propaganda” by Salami Rose Joe Louis feat. Brijean, from her album Akousmatakous released on Love Da Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine, Watch / Podcast
•. Democracy Under Siege: Battling Disinformation in the 2024 Election: Watch / Podcast + Uncut Conversation
•. Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?: Watch / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:• Columbia Journalism Review: The Decline of Local News Has Become a Campaign Problem, by Jake Lahut, September 24, 2024, Columbia Journalism Review
• The Guardian: TV giant known for rightwing disinformation doubles down on its national news agenda, by Eric Berger, July 2, 2024, The Guardian
• Right-wing propaganda infiltrates local news stations as 2024 Election ramps up, June 12, 2024, MSNBC
•. TransLash Presents: Capturing The New York Times, July 20, 2024, TransLash Podcast
•. This Election Season, We Need Tools for Media Literacy More Than Ever, by Lara Witt, Maya Schenwar, Aysha Khan, Joshua Potash, PRISM, June 8, 2024, TruthOut
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Full Description: Election 2024 is happening in a media environment unlike any other. With legacy papers closing and digital media in crisis, too, election ads are filling the news vacuum with misinformation and lies. What is to be done? In this episode of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, co-hosts Laura Flanders and Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News Network examine the state of election media and ask, could this be a moment of opportunity for others to transform the news and build power? Our guest Lara Witt is the editor-in-chief of Prism and co-founder of the new Movement Media Alliance and Media Against Apartheid & Displacement. Joining us again is Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Imara Jones, creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform journalism project created to save trans lives and expose threats to democracy. The gripping new season of “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine” podcast dives into the extremist groups using transphobia to stoke political violence. Find out how BIPOC media are meeting this moment and working to cover the issues that mainstream media have largely ignored.
“There's not one single trans analyst or contributor on any of the cable networks, even though trans issues are front and center as a mainstream political issue, not as a marginal political issue.” - Imara Jones
“. . . People are getting their political information from [campaign] ads because they're likely not getting it from a reliable source. Since August, we know it's been reported that Republicans have invested over $65 million in anti-trans TV ads alone, and some of those talking points in those ads are actually coming from dubious sources . . .” - Kadia Tubman
“We very much are invested in ensuring that our communities are safe, that folks can live their lives as fully autonomous beings and mainstream media often just misses that or doesn't care . . .” - Lara Witt
Guests:
• Imara Jones: CEO, TransLash Media; Podcast- The Anti-Trans Hate Machine.
•. Lara Witt: Editor-in-Chief, Prism. Movement Media Alliance
•. Kadia Tubman (Co-host): Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine, Watch / Podcast
•. Democracy Under Siege: Battling Disinformation in the 2024 Election: Watch / Podcast + Uncut Conversation
•. Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?: Watch / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:• Columbia Journalism Review: The Decline of Local News Has Become a Campaign Problem, by Jake Lahut, September 24, 2024, Columbia Journalism Review
• The Guardian: TV giant known for rightwing disinformation doubles down on its national news agenda, by Eric Berger, July 2, 2024, The Guardian
• Right-wing propaganda infiltrates local news stations as 2024 Election ramps up, June 12, 2024, MSNBC
•. TransLash Presents: Capturing The New York Times, July 20, 2024, TransLash Podcast
•. This Election Season, We Need Tools for Media Literacy More Than Ever, by Lara Witt, Maya Schenwar, Aysha Khan, Joshua Potash, PRISM, June 8, 2024, TruthOut
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Delve into the fierce debate over abortion rights in the U.S. and how recent measures could alter the course of reproductive freedom.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: The 2022 Supreme Court ruling to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health dramatically changed the political scene. Still, just two years on, we are witnessing another watershed moment in the struggle for abortion rights. This Election Day, 10 states will vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitution. Since 2022, every ballot measure to protect abortion rights has passed while every measure to restrict or weaken those rights has failed. Meanwhile, extremist Republicans are pushing for a total national abortion ban and seem to have Trump on their side. He told Fox News just days ago that a national abortion ban is “off the table,” but “we’ll see what happens.” Joining us to share what’s at stake and what can be done are Nadine Smith, the director of Equality Florida who heads the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Heidi L. Sieck is a Political Strategist & Founder of VOTEPROCHOICE that focuses on reproductive freedom at the state and local levels. And Renee Bracey Sherman, a reproductive justice advocate is the co-author of the just-released book, “LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve.” Together they unpack how abortion, access to trans health, contraception and freedom from sterilization abuse are all part of the far Right’s agenda to control bodies. Could reproductive rights leap forward in 2024, not back? Plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . Just last month we had the Gender Liberation March in DC . . . We had a tent for banned books because as they're banning sex ed, as they're banning trans youth healthcare, trans healthcare and abortion, they're also banning books . . . It's the same people. They're just fighting about a different thing on a different day. And so when we come together, we'll be able to stand against them.” - Renee Bracey Sherman
“We have to remember that this is an infrastructure investment issue . . . For decades, the money on the anti-choice side has been going to investments in these local infrastructure. We don't operate like that on the progressive and political Democratic side. Most of our investments are going into the federal infrastructure, and that is the problem.” - Heidi L. Sieck
“The governor in Florida has been so extreme. He has sent investigators to people's homes for signing the petition that got the constitutional amendment on the ballot that would restore access to abortion in Florida . . . He's threatening television stations that run ads that are in support of the abortion ballot measure.” - Nadine Smith
Guests:
• Renee Bracey Sherman: Co-Author Liberating Abortion; Founder & Co-Executive Director, WeTestify
• Heidi L. Sieck: Political Strategist & Founder, VOTEPROCHOICE
• Nadine Smith: Executive Director, Equality Florida
Music In the Middle: “Freedom And Progress” by Nicola Conte featuring Zara McFarlane from the album Umoja released on Far Out Recordings. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Watch the episode at our YouTube channel
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democrats Stave Off Disaster, For Now? YouTube / Podcast
• Post Dobbs Crisis: Visions for Abortion Access & Radical Care: YouTube / Podcast
• 50 Years After Roe, Is Reporting on Abortion Still Too White?: YouTube / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• State Laws & Policies as of October 7, 2024: State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy, By Buttmacher
• Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024: The ACLU is tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S., ACLU.org
• The Maga Legal Networks That Could Topple Planned Parenthood and Gut Women's Healthcare, by Melissa Segura, October 21, 2024, The Guardian
• Ron DeSantis accused of ‘intimidation campaign’ against abortion rights, by Joseph Contreras, September 29, 2024, The Guardian
• Florida LGBTQ+ Rights Groups and Plaintiffs Reach Historic Settlement to Roll Back Key Discriminatory Provisions in “Don’t Say Gay” Law, Equality Florida
*Recommended book:
“LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve” by Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFAndFriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Full Description: The 2022 Supreme Court ruling to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health dramatically changed the political scene. Still, just two years on, we are witnessing another watershed moment in the struggle for abortion rights. This Election Day, 10 states will vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitution. Since 2022, every ballot measure to protect abortion rights has passed while every measure to restrict or weaken those rights has failed. Meanwhile, extremist Republicans are pushing for a total national abortion ban and seem to have Trump on their side. He told Fox News just days ago that a national abortion ban is “off the table,” but “we’ll see what happens.” Joining us to share what’s at stake and what can be done are Nadine Smith, the director of Equality Florida who heads the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Heidi L. Sieck is a Political Strategist & Founder of VOTEPROCHOICE that focuses on reproductive freedom at the state and local levels. And Renee Bracey Sherman, a reproductive justice advocate is the co-author of the just-released book, “LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve.” Together they unpack how abortion, access to trans health, contraception and freedom from sterilization abuse are all part of the far Right’s agenda to control bodies. Could reproductive rights leap forward in 2024, not back? Plus a commentary from Laura.
“. . . Just last month we had the Gender Liberation March in DC . . . We had a tent for banned books because as they're banning sex ed, as they're banning trans youth healthcare, trans healthcare and abortion, they're also banning books . . . It's the same people. They're just fighting about a different thing on a different day. And so when we come together, we'll be able to stand against them.” - Renee Bracey Sherman
“We have to remember that this is an infrastructure investment issue . . . For decades, the money on the anti-choice side has been going to investments in these local infrastructure. We don't operate like that on the progressive and political Democratic side. Most of our investments are going into the federal infrastructure, and that is the problem.” - Heidi L. Sieck
“The governor in Florida has been so extreme. He has sent investigators to people's homes for signing the petition that got the constitutional amendment on the ballot that would restore access to abortion in Florida . . . He's threatening television stations that run ads that are in support of the abortion ballot measure.” - Nadine Smith
Guests:
• Renee Bracey Sherman: Co-Author Liberating Abortion; Founder & Co-Executive Director, WeTestify
• Heidi L. Sieck: Political Strategist & Founder, VOTEPROCHOICE
• Nadine Smith: Executive Director, Equality Florida
Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "From Ballots to Bodies: Abortion, Trans Rights & the Battle for Bodily Autonomy." These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Watch the episode at our YouTube channel
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
• Democrats Stave Off Disaster, For Now? YouTube / Podcast
• Post Dobbs Crisis: Visions for Abortion Access & Radical Care: YouTube / Podcast
• 50 Years After Roe, Is Reporting on Abortion Still Too White?: YouTube / Podcast
Related Articles and Resources:
• State Laws & Policies as of October 7, 2024: State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy, By Buttmacher
• Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024: The ACLU is tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S., ACLU.org
• The Maga Legal Networks That Could Topple Planned Parenthood and Gut Women's Healthcare, by Melissa Segura, October 21, 2024, The Guardian
• Ron DeSantis accused of ‘intimidation campaign’ against abortion rights, by Joseph Contreras, September 29, 2024, The Guardian
• Florida LGBTQ+ Rights Groups and Plaintiffs Reach Historic Settlement to Roll Back Key Discriminatory Provisions in “Don’t Say Gay” Law, Equality Florida
*Recommended book:
“LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve” by Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone *Get the Book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFAndFriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Discover how the Left is envisioning a liberated future in today's political climate at the Socialism Conference, hosted by Haymarket Books, featuring key activists and organizers from diverse backgrounds.
En el Socialismo Conferencia en Chicago, Laura Flanders y activistas discuten la abolición, descolonización e inmigración con un enfoque en estrategias más allá del ciclo electoral.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Abolition, decolonization, immigration, Palestine — how is the Left thinking about the future in this perilous political moment? Socialists and activists showed up in the thousands to this year’s Socialism Conference, a four-day event packed with discussion of today’s most pressing issues and strategies for organizing. Laura Flanders & Friends was there, in Chicago (just days after the Democratic National Convention) for a live taping with three renowned organizers: Nick Estes, a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and author of “Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance” and co-founder of The Red Nation, an organization dedicated to Native liberation; Rachel Herzing, an organizer, activist, and advocate fighting the violence of surveillance, policing and imprisonment and co-author of “How to Abolish Prisons: Lessons from the Movement Against Imprisonment”; and Harsha Walia, co-founder of No One Is Illegal, an anti-colonial migrant justice organization and author of the books “Undoing Border Imperialism” and “Border and Rule”. As you’ll hear, they’re not counting on politicians to step into office and grant their wishes. They’re focusing beyond the election cycle. Join us as we envision a liberated future and explore all that it takes to get there. Plus Laura’s commentary.
“. . . Having Deb Haaland [serve as] the Secretary of Interior, has been good in the sense that we've gotten these really amazing reports on things that we've already known, that there was this massive systematic genocide of Native children . . . But at the same time, her department has overseen more oil and gas leases on federal lands than the Trump administration, and that's not an indictment of her as a person. That's an indictment of that department . . .” - Nick Estes
“. . . We know every single fall in an election season that Black women get told we're the saviors of the entire world and everything relies on us, even though the rest of the time it's very happily that we're kind of left to die, quite literally. We are given this message on a regular basis, and I don't know what to say to people about that. The policies of the so-called United States are not life-affirming policies for Black people, for imprisoned people, and for people living as women.” - Rachel Herzing
“I just think that the strongest counterforce to fascism and anti-colonialism is an organized Left. It is not a candidate . . . Sometimes I think we get fixated on what candidates will or won't do, and we don't think about the conditions that the Left can create to actually make those possibilities happen . . .” - Harsha Walia
Guests:
•. Nick Estes (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe): Author, Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, & The Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance
• Rachel Herzing: Co-Author, How to Abolish Prisons: Lessons from the Movement Against Imprisonment; Former Co-Director, Critical Resistance
•. Harsha Walia: Author, Border and Rule & Undoing Border Imperialism; Co-Founder, No One Is Illegal
Music In the Middle: Iman Hussein remix of “Diane Charlamagne” by Lefto Early Bird, released on Brownswood Recordings. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Additional Credits: the crew for the socialism conference included Jordan Flaherty, Jonathan Klett, Baili Martin and Brooke Guntherie. And special thanks to Anthony Arnove and Sean Larson from Haymarket Books
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFAndFriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Conversation from our episode "Trump, Netanyahu & the Weaponizing of Fear One Year After October 7":
Israel’s far-right leaders, assisted by their allies in the U.S., have waged a year-long assault on Gaza in the name of “self-defense” after the attacks by Hamas on October 7 2023. Now Israel stands accused of genocide and war is breaking out across the region. Military conflict won’t make Jews — or any of us — more safe, so why do leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. president Donald Trump continue to get away with casting themselves as the “protectors” of Israel and the Jewish people? The Trump campaign is actually deeply allied with anti-semitic Christian Zionists whose investment in Israel is tied up with a belief in Biblical “End Times” when Jews convert or perish. In this report, (which was recorded before the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon,) we turn to Ben Lorber, a Senior Analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of the book “Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.” Also joining us are Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project and fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. and the author of several books on the United Nations and the Middle East; and Yoav Peck, an organizational psychologist, Executive Director of Solidarity of Nations and Israeli peace activist based in Jerusalem. Together we unpack the links between Christian Zionism and Jewish Zionism, look at how trauma has become a political tool, and ask, how might any of us become less vulnerable to the weaponizing of our fears, with a commentary from Laura.
“Real antisemitism is on the rise, but the problem is with all the attention being put on the false claim that criticizing Israel, demanding a ceasefire, demanding an end to genocide, standing with South Africa, asking the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for genocide [is antisemitic]. Those things are not antisemitic. But if you put all your focus there, you're not out there ending the kind of real antisemitism that comes from the Right.” - Phyllis Bennis
“It doesn't make us any safer to empower the state, to go after protesters in this way, and as a Jew it’s, especially galling to me that it's done in the name of Jewish safety . . . Taking away people's speech rights, deporting people in the name of keeping me safe doesn't keep me safe.” - Ben Lorber
“People are traumatized and retraumatized and dwelling on October 7. The media is supporting it every day . . . But October 7 is a year ago, and where we are now is a completely different place. So now we have a major educational challenge ahead of us to get people to see the link between Israel's occupation of the Palestinians and the present situation.” - Yoav Peck
Guests:
• Phyllis Bennis: Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies & Director, New Internationalism Project; International Advisor, Jewish Voice for Peace
• Ben Lorber: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates; Co-Author, Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism
• Yoav Peck: Organizational Psychologist; Executive Director, Achvat Amim/Solidarity of Nations
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Fears Exploited: The Dangerous Alliances of Netanyahu and Trump with Religious Extremists.
As tensions escalate further in the Middle East, it's crucial to explore the unexpected alliances driving conflicts, as I s r a e l ’ s f a r - r i g h t l e a d e r s are fiercely defending their military actions under the banner of "self-defense" while leaving the safety of the Jewish people in question.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Israel’s far-right leaders, assisted by their allies in the U.S., have waged a year-long assault on Gaza in the name of “self-defense” after the attacks by Hamas on October 7 2023. Now Israel stands accused of genocide and war is breaking out across the region. Military conflict won’t make Jews — or any of us — more safe, so why do leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. president Donald Trump continue to get away with casting themselves as the “protectors” of Israel and the Jewish people? The Trump campaign is actually deeply allied with anti-semitic Christian Zionists whose investment in Israel is tied up with a belief in Biblical “End Times” when Jews convert or perish. In this report, (which was recorded before the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon,) we turn to Ben Lorber, a Senior Analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of the book “Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.” Also joining us are Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project and fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. and the author of several books on the United Nations and the Middle East; and Yoav Peck, an organizational psychologist, Executive Director of Solidarity of Nations and Israeli peace activist based in Jerusalem. Together we unpack the links between Christian Zionism and Jewish Zionism, look at how trauma has become a political tool, and ask, how might any of us become less vulnerable to the weaponizing of our fears, with a commentary from Laura.
“Real antisemitism is on the rise, but the problem is with all the attention being put on the false claim that criticizing Israel, demanding a ceasefire, demanding an end to genocide, standing with South Africa, asking the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for genocide [is antisemitic]. Those things are not antisemitic. But if you put all your focus there, you're not out there ending the kind of real antisemitism that comes from the Right.” - Phyllis Bennis
“It doesn't make us any safer to empower the state, to go after protesters in this way, and as a Jew it’s, especially galling to me that it's done in the name of Jewish safety . . . Taking away people's speech rights, deporting people in the name of keeping me safe doesn't keep me safe.” - Ben Lorber
“People are traumatized and retraumatized and dwelling on October 7. The media is supporting it every day . . . But October 7 is a year ago, and where we are now is a completely different place. So now we have a major educational challenge ahead of us to get people to see the link between Israel's occupation of the Palestinians and the present situation.” - Yoav Peck
Guests:
• Phyllis Bennis: Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies & Director, New Internationalism Project; International Advisor, Jewish Voice for Peace
• Ben Lorber: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates; Co-Author, Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism
• Yoav Peck: Organizational Psychologist; Executive Director, Achvat Amim/Solidarity of Nations
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Crystalized Greif” by Badawi from the album Protection released on UPA Recordings, Underground Producers Alliance. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024. And was recorded on September 17th, 2024. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Just this month, billionaire immigrant and Republican mega donor Elon Musk amplified a post that seemed to suggest that the system would work better if voting was restricted only to “high status men.” Voting should be simple, but we’re seeing more and more barriers — especially for BIPOC voters — this election. From purges of the rolls, to efforts to eliminate same-day voter registration, new voter-ID laws, and vigilante style “election integrity” watchdogs turning up at the polls, voters in many states and tribal nations face serious challenges they’re working hard to overcome. What’s it all mean for the candidates and, more importantly, the millions of eligible voters of color whose ability to cast their vote could ultimately decide the outcome of this election? For this episode of our monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura is joined by co-host Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News broadcast network, along with guests Chenjerai Kumanyika, NYU journalism professor and host of Empire City, a gripping new podcast on the origins of the NY police, and investigative journalist Christopher Lomahquahu of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism within the Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Together we investigate who gets to vote safely, and who is being excluded from participating in democracy. Will all who want to vote be able to?
“. . . Voter disenfranchisement has been so consistent that we might as well go ahead and call it a principle of American so-called democracy. Even in the constitutional convention, we know that there were efforts to make sure that not everyone can vote.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika
". . . It wasn't until a hundred years ago that Native Americans were granted citizenship in this country . . . With the [groups] Western Native Voice, Arizona Native Vote, other organizations that you're finding across these different states, they understand that history but it hasn't deterred them from looking ahead as far as what they can do to activate those other voters, especially the youth . . .” - Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi)
“Whenever I report on or hear about election integrity or election security, the phrase ‘safe and secure’ seems to tag along. It's almost like it's replacing the term free and fair elections . . .” - Kadia Tubman
Guests:
• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Host, Empire City & NYU Professor
• Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi): Investigative Reporter, ASU Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Erika Harley, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
New voter-ID laws, same-day registration bans, and vigilante poll watchers: How are these challenges impacting BIPOC communities' ability to vote?
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Just this month, billionaire immigrant and Republican mega donor Elon Musk amplified a post that seemed to suggest that the system would work better if voting was restricted only to “high status men.” Voting should be simple, but we’re seeing more and more barriers — especially for BIPOC voters — this election. From purges of the rolls, to efforts to eliminate same-day voter registration, new voter-ID laws, and vigilante style “election integrity” watchdogs turning up at the polls, voters in many states and tribal nations face serious challenges they’re working hard to overcome. What’s it all mean for the candidates and, more importantly, the millions of eligible voters of color whose ability to cast their vote could ultimately decide the outcome of this election? For this episode of our monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura is joined by co-host Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News broadcast network, along with guests Chenjerai Kumanyika, NYU journalism professor and host of Empire City, a gripping new podcast on the origins of the NY police, and investigative journalist Christopher Lomahquahu of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism within the Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Together we investigate who gets to vote safely, and who is being excluded from participating in democracy. Will all who want to vote be able to?
“. . . Voter disenfranchisement has been so consistent that we might as well go ahead and call it a principle of American so-called democracy. Even in the constitutional convention, we know that there were efforts to make sure that not everyone can vote.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika
“. . . It wasn't until a hundred years ago that Native Americans were granted citizenship in this country . . . With the [groups] Western Native Voice, Arizona Native Vote, other organizations that you're finding across these different states, they understand that history but it hasn't deterred them from looking ahead as far as what they can do to activate those other voters, especially the youth . . .” - Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi)
“Whenever I report on or hear about election integrity or election security, the phrase ‘safe and secure’ seems to tag along. It's almost like it's replacing the term free and fair elections . . .” - Kadia Tubman
Guests:
• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Host, Empire City & NYU Professor
• Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi): Investigative Reporter, ASU Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News
Full Episode Notes are located *HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.*
Music In the Middle: “Indifference” by Brkn Record featuring Antohony Joseph from his album The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 released on Barely Breaking Even Records, BBE. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
LGBTQ rights in North Carolina are under attack, but activists and organizers across the state are standing up to hate. In this conversation, Laura brings together featured guests in our award-winning series, “The Roots of the January 6th Insurrection” to hear their stories now leading up to the 2024 election. She first investigated LGBTQ backlash in the state in 2023, one year after a deadly power grid attack in Moore County. It coincided with a “Downtown Divas” drag show that had been harassed for months by anti-LGBTQ leaders. Now nearly two years after the attack, there are still no arrests. Plus, legislators and local leaders have introduced bans on books and gender affirming care for minors. On the heels of 2024 Durham Pride, we bring you this roundtable discussion featuring House of Coxx drag artists Stormie Daie and Naomi Dix; Dix is this year's grand marshall. Also featured are PFLAG Southern Pines founders Kristen Parker and Erica Street, and Street’s daughter, Alex Lafferty, a young trans activist, artist and composer. How are they creating safety and building community in this moment?
These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Guests:
• Erica Street, Mother of Alex Lafferty; Co-founder, PFLAG Southern Pines
• Stormie Dai, Drag Artist; Member of Durham, NC, House of Coxx
• Alex Lafferty, Daughter of Erica Street; High School Student & Youth Activist
• Naomi Dix, Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC
Grand Marshall 2024 Durham Pride,
• Kristen Parker, Co-Founder of PFLAG Southern Pines
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Josh Stein vs. Mark Robinson: The Fight for Rights in North Carolina's Upcoming Elections. In-depth analysis of North Carolina’s political landscape reveals increasing threats to democracy and individual freedoms, with exclusive interviews by Laura including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein and activists on the frontline.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: North Carolina is a battleground state, and a petri dish for extremist policy and practice. Whether it's the right to vote, the right to read, or the right to decide the fate of one’s body, North Carolinians are on the frontlines. The state has banned gender-affirming care for minors; its MAGA Republican gubernatorial candidate is calling for death for LGBTQ people and a total abortion ban. Will Proud Boys show up at polling sites this November to intimidate voters? In this special report, Laura speaks with Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, and correspondent Lewis Raven Wallace examines the agenda of his Trump-endorsed opponent, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson. Laura also checks in with organizers and activists from past episodes. Among those: Serena Sebring, Executive Director of Blueprint NC; Mab Segrest, Writer, Organizer & Consultant with Blueprint NC; Courtney Patterson, Eastern North Carolina Organizer at Blueprint NC; and LGBTQIA+ youth activist Alex Lafferty. As you’ll hear, North Carolina is a microcosm of this country. The question remains: where is the state headed this November and beyond?
“There’s a lot of people I know, a lot of trans people who want to go on hormones but don’t have the ability to. And there are things coming up where they want to ban gender affirming care for not just minors but of any age, which is genocide. You can’t destroy an entire community and see that as legal.” - Alex Lafferty
“I'm seriously afraid that [Proud Boys] will show up in these polling places . . . They feel empowered right now. They feel that they are above the law, so they will do things, make things, they'll take chances because they feel like they'll get away with it.” - Courtney Patterson
“I think we use infrastructure and people in order to meet a threat that ultimately is countered by one thing, and that's massive turnout. The best thing that we can do to protect safety in North Carolina is register and turn out voters at a scale that is historic.” Serena Sebring
“In 2024, state capture is possible at the national level because it's been petri dished in these other places like North Carolina . . . If they get it, they can do anything they want to. And so they get more and more extreme, more violent, more dangerous because they're unchecked.” - Mab Segrest
“North Carolina really is a bit of a microcosm of this country. We're a 50/50 state, elections swing back and forth. We're on the front lines of a number of critical battles, whether it's people's right to vote or whether it's their right to exercise decisions about their own bodies through reproductive decisions . . . We're really on the front lines about protecting people's freedoms.” - Josh Stein
Guests:
• Alex Lafferty: Trans Activist, Artist and Composer
• Courtney Patterson: Eastern North Carolina Organizer, Blueprint NC
• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
• Mab Segrest: Writer, Organizer & Consultant, Blueprint NC
• Josh Stein: Attorney General & Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
Full Episode Notes are located *HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.*
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Art meets climate action in South Australia! Learn how creativity and community have driven a pioneering green energy transition, with insights from influential voices like Susan Close and Ruth Mackenzie. Climate Week Special Report.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: South Australia has become a global leader in green energy transition, getting off fossil fuels faster, and to a greater extent than almost any other country. How did they do it, and what can we learn from them? In this report for Climate Week, Laura goes Down Under with her partner, Elizabeth Streb, and her extreme dance company, and discovers how the region’s culture and its many world-class festivals have helped pave the way for transformation. Helping to unpack it all is a range of impressive guests, including Susan Close, deputy premier of South Australia; Anoté Tong, the former President of the Micronesian island, the Republic of Kiribati; Ruth Mackenzie, former Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, now Program Director of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy within the South Australia state government; Rob Brookman, the co-founder of WOMADelaide, the capital’s premier outdoor festival; MacArthur “Genius” Award winner, Elizabeth Streb and the action heroes of her company STREB — and a WHALE. As you’ll hear, it’s taken politics, policy, science and culture to shift public practice in this extreme-weather-vulnerable area. Over the last decade, South Australia has faced massive storms, brush fires, and extreme heat that have put people, wildlife, and even the festival at risk. Now South Australia is leading the way and using art to help people envision a green future, but they can’t solve the climate crisis alone. In this Climate Week special, we ask, how can the rest of the world follow suit?
“I'd say that WOMADelaide is creating a tiny version of the planet as you would like it to be . . . If you've listened to music from Iraq or if you've listened to music from Vietnam, or if you've listened to music from Palestine and Israel, it's more difficult to say those people, we don't understand them, so we can't deal with who they are.” - Rob Brookman
“We don't get exempted from climate change because we've got a green electricity grid . . . It is globally caused and has to be globally solved. So part of what we do is not to boast about what we've done, but to hope that our leadership will show others that you too can do this. Come and learn from us.” - Susan Close, Deputy Premier, South Australia
“We've got the arguments, we can tell you the facts, but people don't feel it . . . [Artists] reach into your head, into your heart, they dig in and then they motivate you to action. And of course if you can also motivate the artist in every single child in South Australia, then we really have a force to change the world.” - Ruth Mackenzie
“For the [Adelaide] festival to go to young people and be like, ‘Hey, we want to hear from you. We want you to be a part of this. What works do you want to see? What works do you want to make and what do you want them to be about?’, is something that doesn't happen very often . . . Hopefully it'll mean we can get more people involved.” - Caitlin Moore, Artist, Activist
“The science doesn't seem to be making an impact no matter how precise. Maybe the hard facts of science do not ring a bell as much as the emotional language of the arts . . . Maybe the arts can put it in a way that it touches the hearts of your political leadership.” - President Anoté Tong
Guests:
• Rob Brookman: Co-Founder, WOMADelaide; Director, WOMADelaide Foundation
• Susan Close: Deputy Premier, South Australia
• Cassandre Joseph: Streb Co-Artistic Director & Action Hero
• Ruth Mackenzie: Former Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival; Program Director Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, South Australia Government
• Caitlin Moore: Director of Create4Adelaide, Adelaide Festival
• Elizabeth Streb: STREB Founder, Co-Artistic Director & Choreographer
• Anoté Tong: Former President, Republic of Kiribati
• Bart Van Peel: Chief Navigating Officer, Captain Boomer Collective
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Exploring the Unfinished Business of Occupy: How Far Have We Come in Closing the Wealth Gap? Insights from Experts and Activists, Including Marisa Holmes and Taifa Smith Butler.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Were you one of the hundreds of thousands of people on the streets during the Occupy movement? For many the movement was a political awakening, as people rallied to end economic inequality and support democracy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. On this 13th anniversary, how does the spirit of Occupy live on? And what progress — if any — has been made when it comes to the wealth gap? Joining us for that conversation is Marisa Holmes, author of the recently released book “Organizing Occupy Wall Street: This Is Just Practice” and director of “All Day All Week: An Occupy Wall Street Story” which looks at the takeover of Zuccotti Park in New York City in September 2011. Also joining us is Taifa Smith Butler, President of Demos, a public policy organization working to build a multiracial democracy and economy. Previously she was a leader at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Award-winning journalist Amir Khafagy returns to co-host this episode. Our guests explore the links between economic inequality and authoritarianism and ask how far we've come as a nation to create structural, policy and practice-based changes on the economic front. How can we create a people-led economy that will lead to collective power? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“During Occupy, we really rejected representative politics because it seemed not responsive to people's needs . . . So we just thought, ‘We're going to do this ourselves’. We have to build alternatives ourselves from the bottom up through mutual aid networks . . . That's what I think is going to transform the economy . . .” - Marisa Holmes
“Demos has always talked about the inextricable links of economic power and political power. As I think about where we are historically with the retraction of resources, with the threat of authoritarianism and fascism and this demographic shift that is happening in our nation and the inequality that continues to proliferate, if we do nothing, we'll be looking at apartheid in America.” - Taifa Smith Butler
Guests:
• Taifa Smith Butler: President, Dēmos
• Marisa Holmes: Author, Organizing Occupy Wall Street
• Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Full Uncut Conversation - Listen, Available via our podcast feed
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode Solving Economic Inequality: An Occupy Movement for this Moment? And was recorded on July 23rd, 2024. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Were you one of the hundreds of thousands of people on the streets during the Occupy movement? For many the movement was a political awakening, as people rallied to end economic inequality and support democracy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. On this 13th anniversary, how does the spirit of Occupy live on? And what progress — if any — has been made when it comes to the wealth gap? Joining us for that conversation is Marisa Holmes, author of the recently released book “Organizing Occupy Wall Street: This Is Just Practice” and director of “All Day All Week: An Occupy Wall Street Story” which looks at the takeover of Zuccotti Park in New York City in September 2011. Also joining us is Taifa Smith Butler, President of Demos, a public policy organization working to build a multiracial democracy and economy. Previously she was a leader at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Award-winning journalist Amir Khafagy returns to co-host this episode. Our guests explore the links between economic inequality and authoritarianism and ask how far we've come as a nation to create structural, policy and practice-based changes on the economic front. How can we create a people-led economy that will lead to collective power? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“During Occupy, we really rejected representative politics because it seemed not responsive to people's needs . . . So we just thought, ‘We're going to do this ourselves’. We have to build alternatives ourselves from the bottom up through mutual aid networks . . . That's what I think is going to transform the economy . . .” - Marisa Holmes
“Demos has always talked about the inextricable links of economic power and political power. As I think about where we are historically with the retraction of resources, with the threat of authoritarianism and fascism and this demographic shift that is happening in our nation and the inequality that continues to proliferate, if we do nothing, we'll be looking at apartheid in America.” - Taifa Smith Butler
Guests:
• Taifa Smith Butler: President, Dēmos
• Marisa Holmes: Author, Organizing Occupy Wall Street
• Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: What risks do working people face this Labor Day? Workers continue to die on the job and struggle to protect worker safety, but the dangers for labor go beyond bad bosses. On the federal level, the far Right’s Project 2025 playbook has plans to gut unions, fire federal workers and limit the power of agencies like the National Labor Relations Board. In this special for Labor Day, Laura Flanders is joined by co-host Maximillian Alvarez, of The Real News Network and James Goodwin, Policy Director at the Center for Progressive Reform. The episode also includes a report from the School of Labor and Urban Studies at the City University in New York on the rise of construction worker deaths in New York City; and an excerpt of “'Death Star' State: The GOP's War on Democracy”, a report from The Real News Networks’ Marc Steiner on the Texas effort to overturn workers’ rights to mandatory worker water breaks. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on people as policy, and the late union organizer and author Jane McAlevey.
“You do not need to be in a union to act like one, even in the most exploitative industries with the most dangerous working conditions. When workers know their rights and band together to exercise them, they can accomplish incredible things and drastically improve their lives.” - Maximillian Alvarez
“The disparities between me and my bosses are going to be made even bigger. My coworkers who may not look like me, who may be queer or people of color are going to be fearful to speak out because they don't have recognized civil rights anymore . . . That's the dynamic that Project 2025 is trying to set up . . .” - James Goodwin
Guests:
• James Goodwin: Policy Director, Center for Progressive Reform
• Maximillian Alvarez (Co-host): Editor-in-Chief, The Real News Network; Author, The Work of Living
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Transformative Power of Art: Ai Weiwei’s Stand for Palestinian Rights and Global Issues.
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Description: In his recent graphic memoir “ZODIAC: A Graphic Memoir”, the renowned artist Ai Weiwei writes that artists should “ignite stories”, “fight for freedom” and “help us hope.” Over his long and defiant career, he has used his art in a wide variety of media to do just that. His past works such as "Sunflower Seeds" and "Remembering" confronted issues of censorship and human rights abuses in China; in a recent show in London, he asked questions of an AI Chatbot for his project “Ai vs AI”, including “Is there hope for peace?” Earlier this year, he faced criticism for his expressions of support for Palestinian rights and had a show in London canceled. In this wide-ranging conversation with Laura Flanders, they discuss the role of the artist and ask why is “Power so afraid of art and poets?” As attacks on free speech, surveillance and displacement continue to impact so many of us, how do we keep the doors of our minds open to possibility? And how can art and artists help lead transformation? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I'm not this kind of very active activist. I'm just being forced to act . . . But I'm proud of doing that because that is the meaning of life, to give dignity to life itself . . .” - Ai Weiwei
“The real fear for me is [if] we lost [the] ability to ask the question. We lost our memory, we lost our sense of caring compassion . . .” - Ai Weiwei
"We [do] not encourage people to have free thinking and judgment and that is the ground to produce Nazis or hypocrites. And that can come to political disaster . . . We have this kind of censorship because people cannot freely express their feelings.” - Ai Weiwei
Guest: Ai Weiwei: Conceptual Artist, Filmmaker & Human Rights Activist; Author, ZODIAC, A Graphic Memoir
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Full Uncut Conversation (audio podcast)
Music In the Middle: LTJ Xperience remix of “Working On It” by Bread & Souls featuring Rich Medina produced by Mark De Clive Lowe courtesy of Mashi Beats. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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Breaking Media Bubbles: Join Journalist Laura Flanders and her Guests in Discussing Movement Journalism, Climate Crisis, and Advocacy.
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is an episode from our monthly meet the biopic media series titled "BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble," where we discussed the crisis in journalism and what journalists are doing to take matters into their own hands. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Description: It is a cliché to say that the richest corporate media operate inside a bubble of their own making, but it's largely true. Today’s guests are breathing new life into the world of journalism by covering people, places and perspectives beyond the conventional enclaves of power. On this month’s Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura Flanders is joined by Chenjerai Kumanyika, a professor at NYU and prolific audio journalist, host of podcasts including “Empire City” and “Uncivil”. Neesha Powell-Ingabire is Director of Popular Education at Press On, a Southern media collective dedicated to movement journalism, and the author of a new memoir, “Come By Here”. And Mary Annaïse Heglar is an essayist covering climate, podcaster, and author of the novel “Troubled Waters” and a book for children, “The World Is Ours To Cherish”. Together they discuss the campus encampments in solidarity with Palestine, intergenerational work to stop the climate crisis, the question of objectivity and context, and how movement journalism is — or isn’t — traditional journalism. How do we break media bubbles? Join us for that conversation.
“Movement journalism is journalism that is in service of liberation . . . We are very intentional about historically oppressed communities. Folks from those communities should be doing reporting on those communities and building relationships with community members and organizers on the ground.” - Neesha Powell-Ingabire
“. . . Look at the history of the Black press. We didn't have the luxury to report and somehow separate that from advocacy. When you have people reporting while slavery is still legal, all kinds of Black people are being targeted in various kinds of violence. We have a long tradition of advocacy journalism.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika
“Nothing has made me feel less optimistic about climate change and our ability to stop it, to mitigate it, to deal with it than the genocide and Gaza. If we cannot come together to say that is wrong and that should stop, then I have so little faith in our ability to stop ecocide.” - Mary Annaïse Heglar
Guests:
•. Mary Annaïse Heglar: Author, Troubled Waters; Podcaster, Spill
•. Chenjerai Kumanyika: Audio Journalist, Empire City, Uncivil & Seeing White; Assistant Professor Journalism, NYU
•. Neesha Powell-Ingabire: Author, COME BY HERE: A Memoir in Essays from Georgia’s Geechee Coast; Director Popular Education, Press On
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore Angela Davis's insights on abolition, elections, creating systemic change, Palestine, June Jordan and more in a crucial discussion with Laura Flanders.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member or to make a one time donation go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: With so many urgent crises tugging at our hearts, from war, to climate, to discontent and violence, people want to know: How do we set priorities and do the right thing, especially as that relates to building a better world, and to an election that seems both problematic and the most important of our time? If anyone can ground us thoughtfully in this moment, with all of its challenges and all its potential, it’s renowned professor, activist, scholar and writer Angela Davis. In her writing, lecturing and many decades of activism, Davis has shown a unique ability to pull competing struggles into a single story — a story of systems and power. In this special first episode of "Laura Flanders & Friends" (formerly, The Laura Flanders Show), Laura is joined by Angela Davis, a leading voice in the movement for abolition and feminism who has lots to share about her evolution and how decades of activism are coming together in this moment. From Palestine to elections, to our carceral state and collective liberation, this kickoff conversation is packed with Davis’ insight and the teachings from her latest book “Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1”. What has Davis learned in her 80 years as a freedom fighter? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on the words of the late poet and essayist June Jordan, who writes, “I was born a Black woman/and now/I am become a Palestinian.”
“When vast numbers of people come together to defend a vision of the future that they would like to see, this is how change happens. It doesn't happen because we elect a particular person to office.” - Angela Y. Davis
“[In] Birmingham, Jewish people were the very first white people to support the struggle against racism . . . Here in the US and in other parts of the world, it's actually Jewish people, young Jewish people who are in the forefront of the struggle against Zionism.” - Angela Y. Davis
Guest: Angela Y. Davis: Professor, Activist, Scholar & Writer; Author, Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Full Uncut Conversation (audio podcast)
Music In the Middle: State of the Nation by Bokani Dyer featuring Damani Nkosi from his full length album Sechaba released on Brownswood Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Uncover shocking narratives and examine the rise of politically motivated threats impacting various groups within the United States.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Political violence is on the rise and has reached just about every corner of the country, whether it's confrontations on social media, at school board meetings or the chambers of Congress. Reuters reports that we've seen some 213 cases and 39 fatalities in the U.S. since January 6, 2021 — more than we've seen in decades. Women, people of color, Muslims, Jews, and LGBTQ people are among those most vulnerable, but the group seeing the fastest increase in reported incidents are conservatives who are perceived to be out of sync with the pro-Trump, MAGA line. While most Americans oppose political violence, it remains a growing threat to our democracy. What can be done? In this episode, co-hosts Laura Flanders and 22nd Century Initiative Director Scot Nakagawa convene an expert panel to define political violence and discuss how to protect one another and democracy itself. All that, plus Laura’s commentary on “Reveal, Reframe, Resist” and reporters’ roles.
“As a child of a [Black] Panther, I saw inspiration in every action. Even when I saw my mother's friends being jailed for long periods of time or even killed by police terror . . . A lot of those folks went on to continue fighting against terror of the state and building community. I wanted to be a part of that . . .” - Sala Cyril
“I undertook the study because political violence is a persistent problem in the United States that I think is a fundamental threat to our democracy. My view is that one of the greatest sources of power countering that threat is actually people in communities around the country.” - Hardy Merriman
“Violence has greatly limited our ability to function as an inclusive, robust, multiracial democracy that in fact, we must deal with it . . . We need to believe we can win, and we need to think about who it is that we need on our side . . .” - Scot Nakagawa
“I can report anecdotally through different interactions with conservatives that they are experiencing political violence. I've been in attendance with secretaries of state, former Lieutenant governors. They all have stories of themselves or their families being on the receiving end of political violence . . .” - Maria J. Stephan
Guests:
• Sala Cyril: Interim Executive Director, Vision Change Win; Organizer, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, NYC
• Hardy Merriman: Author, Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence; Expert, Democracy Movements
• Scot Nakagawa (Co-host): Executive Director, 22nd Century Initiative & 22nd Century Conference
• Maria J. Stephan: Co-Lead & Chief Organizer, The Horizons Project; Co-author with Erica Chenoweth, Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Intensity in Five” by Brkn Record featuring Antohony Joseph from his album The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 released on Barely Breaking Even Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Uncover shocking narratives and examine the rise of politically motivated threats impacting various groups within the United States.
Description: Political violence is on the rise and has reached just about every corner of the country, whether it's confrontations on social media, at school board meetings or the chambers of Congress. Reuters reports that we've seen some 213 cases and 39 fatalities in the U.S. since January 6, 2021 — more than we've seen in decades. Women, people of color, Muslims, Jews, and LGBTQ people are among those most vulnerable, but the group seeing the fastest increase in reported incidents are conservatives who are perceived to be out of sync with the pro-Trump, MAGA line. While most Americans oppose political violence, it remains a growing threat to our democracy. What can be done? In this episode, co-hosts Laura Flanders and 22nd Century Initiative Director Scot Nakagawa convene an expert panel to define political violence and discuss how to protect one another and democracy itself. All that, plus Laura’s commentary on “Reveal, Reframe, Resist” and reporters’ roles.
“As a child of a [Black] Panther, I saw inspiration in every action. Even when I saw my mother's friends being jailed for long periods of time or even killed by police terror . . . A lot of those folks went on to continue fighting against terror of the state and building community. I wanted to be a part of that . . .” - Sala Cyril
“I undertook the study because political violence is a persistent problem in the United States that I think is a fundamental threat to our democracy. My view is that one of the greatest sources of power countering that threat is actually people in communities around the country.” - Hardy Merriman
“Violence has greatly limited our ability to function as an inclusive, robust, multiracial democracy that in fact, we must deal with it . . . We need to believe we can win, and we need to think about who it is that we need on our side . . .” - Scot Nakagawa
“I can report anecdotally through different interactions with conservatives that they are experiencing political violence. I've been in attendance with secretaries of state, former Lieutenant governors. They all have stories of themselves or their families being on the receiving end of political violence . . .” - Maria J. Stephan
Guests:
• Sala Cyril: Interim Executive Director, Vision Change Win; Organizer, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, NYC
• Hardy Merriman: Author, Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence; Expert, Democracy Movements
• Scot Nakagawa (Co-host): Executive Director, 22nd Century Initiative & 22nd Century Conference
• Maria J. Stephan: Co-Lead & Chief Organizer, The Horizons Project; Co-author with Erica Chenoweth, Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict
Full Episode Notes are posted HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Highlighting union vs. worker-owned business models in media: Hear from journalists at Defector, Hell Gate, and more.
Full Uncut Conversation: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is an episode from our monthly meet the biopic media series titled Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism? Where we discussed the crisis in journalism and what journalists are doing to take matters into their own hands. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The business of media is in danger — but it sure isn’t dead. Many of the rising stars that were poised to “save journalism” like Vice and Buzzfeed have either entered bankruptcy or stopped reporting on news. There have been layoffs across the industry and many newsrooms have cut back on the resources available to journalists. But workers have also organized unions, including high-profile campaigns at Condé Nast and The New Yorker, and started worker-owned media like Hell Gate and Defector. This month on “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders is joined by three journalists who have lived through the struggles and are a part of the solutions. Alex Sujong Laughlin is a supervising producer and co-owner at Defector; Esther Wang is a worker-owner at Hell Gate; and Tammy Kim helped organize unions at Al Jazeera America and The New Yorker, where she is a contributing writer. How do they think about the future of journalism, and what difference does it make when journalists have the freedom to speak truth to power — especially when it comes to reporting on policing and Palestine?
Guests:
• Tammy Kim: Contributing Writer, The New Yorker
• Alex Sujong Laughlin: Supervising Producer & Co-Owner, Defector Media
• Esther Wang: Co-Founder, Hell Gate; Former Senior Political Reporter, Jezebel
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
"Unpacking Christian Nationalism: 'God & Country' Documentary Explores the Roots of Violence at the Capitol"
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
How does a religion that claims to be rooted in love and peace fire people up to commit violence, as at the Capitol on January 6, 2021? In a brand-new documentary, “God & Country”, producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland explore Christian Nationalism — a toxic brew of patriarchal White Nationalism and messianic faith. Based on the book “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” by Katherine Stewart, “God & Country” exposes how Christian Nationalism poses a real and immediate threat, not only to the very idea of secular democracy but also to Christianity itself. Reiner is an Emmy-winning actor and acclaimed director, best known for his work on “All In The Family”, “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Princess Bride”. He is also a political activist dedicating his time to numerous social justice causes. Partland, a veteran documentary producer and director for film and television, is a five-time Emmy nominee with two Emmys for Best Nonfiction Series including American High on Fox. Whether you’re a Christian or a concerned citizen, this episode is a must-watch. Plus, a closing commentary from Laura on becoming actively engaged in our democracy.
“If you believe the United States has a God-ordained role to play in human history as a Christian nation and democracy is taking us away from those principles, then you can justify doing anything to make sure that God's will is done. That's what I think you see happening on January 6th.” - Dan Partland
“Christian nationalism . . . as this political movement is not the majority. It is far from the majority. What is scary is that because of the way our system works, a very virulent minority can control our politics and that's what they've done.” - Rob Reiner
Guests:
• Dan Partland: Director, God & Country
• Rob Reiner: Producer, God & Country
For the Full Uncut Conversation of this podcast, Listen HERE, or search wherever you get your podcasts.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Promised Land (Homage)” a rework by Barbara Tucker and The BCrew of the Joe Smooth Classic courtesy of B Star Music Group. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Journalists of color tackle the siloing of environmental issues and the urgency of Earth Day's ideals amidst corporate greenwashing efforts.
Full Uncut Conversation: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our Meet the BIPOC Press series. For this edition, we assembled journalists to discuss Corporate Greenwashing and the Hidden Environmental Impact of Corporate Actions, From Infrastructure Collapse to Global Conflicts. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Note: This conversation took place April 2024. It is as relevant as ever. At the time of the release of this full conversation the world is experiencing the hottest days ever to occur on planet Earth.
Description: Corporate greenwashing has hijacked Earth Day, but the ideas behind the holiday are more urgent than ever. There are environmental issues all around us — even within recent new stories like the Baltimore bridge collapse and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Will the media be talking about the environmental impacts of mass military onslaught this year or the corporate polluters that will dodge taxes this season? In this installment of Meet the BIPOC Press, our monthly media roundtable featuring journalists of color, hear how the idea of the environment has been siloed and why it’s up to the media to undo that. Our guests are Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University; Francesca Fiorentini, host of The Bitchuation Room podcast and Maximilian Alvarez, Editor in Chief of The Real News Network. With Laura Flanders, they unpack whether Earth Day is still relevant and how the media can help make Earth Day intersectional.
Guests:
•. Maximillian Alvarez: Editor-in-Chief, The Real News Network; Author, The Work of Living
•. Francesca Fiorentini: Host, The Bitchuation Room Podcast
•. Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò: Associate Professor Philosophy, Georgetown University; Author, Reconsidering Reparations
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: In a world where lies travel at the speed of light, truth struggles to keep up. From AI-generated deep fakes to lightning-fast social media rumors, disinformation is reshaping our reality. In the wake of Donald Trump's shooting, falsehoods flooded our feeds faster than facts. The problem of disinformation, the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, isn’t new, but the stakes are high in this critical election year. In this monthly installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we ask: Who are the targets of disinformation in the run up to the 2024 election and why? Joining Laura are Tamoa Calzadilla, the editor and chief of Factchequeado, a collaborative initiative to combat mis- and disinformation targeting Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. Esosa Osa is the founder of Onyx Impact and the former Deputy Executive Director of Fair Fight Action, the voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams. Esosa has just released the first report of its kind looking at disinformation specifically in Black online spaces. Kadia Tubman is a disinformation correspondent for Scripps News, a national broadcast news channel based in Atlanta. What is media and government’s role in halting the spread of disinformation? Our guests share what concerned citizens can do right now to protect fact-based reporting.
Guests:
•. Tamoa Calzadilla: Editor in Chief, Factchequeado
•. Kadia Tubman: Journalist, Disinformation Correspondent
•. Esosa Osa: Founder & CEO, Onyx Impact
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Jock-A-Mo” by Cha Wa with Single Lock Records, part of New Orleans’ Muscle Shoals. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and *podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our monthly meet the biopic press series. In this episode titled “Democracy Under Siege: Battling Disinformation in the 2024 Election,” Laura Flanders and Friends assembled a panel of journalists to discuss who are the targets of disinformation and why. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
*Half hour Abridged broadcast version to post July 31st, 2024
Description:
In a world where lies travel at the speed of light, truth struggles to keep up. From AI-generated deep fakes to lightning-fast social media rumors, disinformation is reshaping our reality. In the wake of Donald Trump's shooting, falsehoods flooded our feeds faster than facts. The problem of disinformation, the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, isn’t new, but the stakes are high in this critical election year. In this monthly installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, we ask: Who are the targets of disinformation in the run up to the 2024 election and why? Joining Laura are Tamoa Calzadilla, the editor and chief of Factchequeado, a collaborative initiative to combat mis- and disinformation targeting Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. Esosa Osa is the founder of Onyx Impact and the former Deputy Executive Director of Fair Fight Action, the voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams. Esosa has just released the first report of its kind looking at disinformation specifically in Black online spaces. Kadia Tubman is a disinformation correspondent for Scripps News, a national broadcast news channel based in Atlanta. What is media and government’s role in halting the spread of disinformation? Our guests share what concerned citizens can do right now to protect fact-based reporting.
Guests:
•. Tamoa Calzadilla: Editor in Chief, Factchequeado
•. Kadia Tubman: Journalist, Disinformation Correspondent
•. Esosa Osa: Founder & CEO, Onyx Impact
Full Episode Notes will be posted by Sunday, July 31st, 2024 on Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: Under the view of the iconic Hollywood Sign, a struggle is being waged over the future of policing and incarceration. Los Angeles is ground zero for fights over the job of District Attorney, Police Chief, and the size of prisons and jails. It recently became one of the only cities in the US to cancel construction of a jail. Activists have forced out two police chiefs, while conservatives have brought two recall petitions against the DA. Corporations that have profited from prison communications are now profiting on electronic monitoring. And in this election year, with criminal justice reform a major issue, how are activists pushing back against false narratives on crime? Looking at the fight inside and outside the system, Laura Flanders talks to activists and elected officials in Los Angeles. All this from the city where SWAT teams were invented, from the state where Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon launched their careers, and the nationwide boom in prison construction was born. Can today's Los Angeles change the script?
Guests:
• Melina Abdullah: Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles
• Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson: Co-Executive Director, Dignity & Power Now
• Eunisses Hernandez: Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 1
• Sheila Natt: Former Teen Ankle Monitor User
• Anthony Robles: Youth & Community Organizer, Dignity & Power Now
Full Episode Notes are located *HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.*
Music In the Middle: ““Ain’t Nothing” by Brooklyn Funk Essentials from their album Stay Good. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Additional Credits: Marco Amador, Producciones Cimarron; Juan Vu, Editor
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As the Republican National Convention comes to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laura talks with award-winning reporter and author, Malaika Jabali, author of "It's Not You, It’s Capitalism: Why It’s Time to Break Up and How to Move On”. Wisconsin is one of the most racially unequal states in the country, with rising housing costs outpacing wages and one of the highest Black male incarceration rates in the nation. It’s also seen a precipitous decline in Black voting — for either party. Are these things connected? Back in 2020 Jabali went to Milwaukee to find out and made a short film “Left Out“ in which she spoke to Black elected officials as well as non-voters. In this episode of Laura Flanders & Friends we’ll revisit that film, hear Jabali’s advice for concerned Dems, and answers, when it comes to the RNC, what’s in it for Black Midwesterners? All that and a commentary from Laura. Jabali is the former Senior News and Politics Editor at Essence Magazine.
“It's almost a cottage industry of trying to figure out what happened with the white working class . . . The other side of that is that you have a lot of Black non-voters. A lot of Black people are saying, ‘We don't have any options between the Republican and Democratic party’ . . . So they tend to stay home. It was me trying to understand what was going on behind the numbers. I barely saw any journalism about it.” - Malaika Jabali
“. . . We have a propaganda machine through the US government, media, law and policy that made it illegal to be socialists . . . Martin Luther King, the Black Power Movement, the Black Panthers, they were surveilled for any hint of thinking about any anti-capitalist thought . . . What kind of system is that where it is so hell bent on freedom, but does not give you the freedom to think about other ideas and types of policies? I don't consider that very democratic.” - Malaika Jabali
Guest: Malaika Jabali: Journalist & Author, “It’s Not You, It’s Capitalism”
Full Episode Notes are located *HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.*
Music In the Middle: “Everything Must Change” by Milwaukee Jazz artist Jeannine Rivers. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Miracle Gatling, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode Breaking Up With Capitalism featuring Malaika Jabali, on Wisconsin's discouraged black voters. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: As the Republican National Convention comes to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laura talks with award-winning reporter and author, Malaika Jabali, author of "It's Not You, It’s Capitalism: Why It’s Time to Break Up and How to Move On”. Wisconsin is one of the most racially unequal states in the country, with rising housing costs outpacing wages and one of the highest Black male incarceration rates in the nation. It’s also seen a precipitous decline in Black voting — for either party. Are these things connected? Back in 2020 Jabali went to Milwaukee to find out and made a short film “Left Out“ in which she spoke to Black elected officials as well as non-voters. In this episode of Laura Flanders & Friends we’ll revisit that film, hear Jabali’s advice for concerned Dems, and answers, when it comes to the RNC, what’s in it for Black Midwesterners? All that and a commentary from Laura. Jabali is the former Senior News and Politics Editor at Essence Magazine.
“It's almost a cottage industry of trying to figure out what happened with the white working class . . . The other side of that is that you have a lot of Black non-voters. A lot of Black people are saying, ‘We don't have any options between the Republican and Democratic party’ . . . So they tend to stay home. It was me trying to understand what was going on behind the numbers. I barely saw any journalism about it.” - Malaika Jabali
“. . . We have a propaganda machine through the US government, media, law and policy that made it illegal to be socialists . . . Martin Luther King, the Black Power Movement, the Black Panthers, they were surveilled for any hint of thinking about any anti-capitalist thought . . . What kind of system is that where it is so hell bent on freedom, but does not give you the freedom to think about other ideas and types of policies? I don't consider that very democratic.” - Malaika Jabali
Guest: Malaika Jabali: Journalist & Author, “It’s Not You, It’s Capitalism”
Full Episode Notes are posted HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This show is made possible by you! Thank you for your continued support! Not a member?
What does it take to be politically outspoken in Hollywood? You may know Amanda Seales from her role on HBO’s “Insecure”, her stand-up comedy, her podcast and radio show or her viral videos on social media. She’s lost agents, her publicist, and has had speaking gigs retracted for her commitment to social justice. From Black women to Palestinians in Gaza, Seales uses her platform to speak honestly about harm done to others. She talks powerfully about her experiences with the dangers of fame and celebrity in Hollywood, neurodivergence, white supremacy and a whole lot more.In this conversation, Laura Flanders asks Amanda Seales about our progress as a country, what it means to be an “artistic intellectual” and about the educators who’ve helped her along the way. Hear why Seales is “divesting from celebrity” and taking backlash from her support for Palestinians as “a badge of honor”. Plus, go behind the scenes with Seales with the full, uncut conversation from this week’s show. Laura will tell you more.
“. . . You are definitely expected to just take whatever gossip is said about you. You have to take it all on the chin because you've made this somehow unspoken exchange that having monetary gain and visibility means that you have to allow harm. And what I've decided is I am divesting from celebrity.” - Amanda Seales
“I lost my agents, I lost my publicist, and I have definitely had speaking engagements and different gigs retracted because of my support of Palestine and my outward support of the ending of apartheid in Palestine. I got to tell you, I take it as a badge of honor. I do. It's good trouble, rest in peace to John Lewis. I am so honored for all those people.” - Amanda Seales
Guests: Amanda Seales,Artistic Intellectual
Full Episode Notes are posted the Wednesday following the podcast release and are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Hope” by Shaun Escoffery from his forth coming expanded digital album release of In The Red Room coming out on Dome Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood". These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
What does it take to be politically outspoken in Hollywood? You may know Amanda Seales from her role on HBO’s “Insecure”, her stand-up comedy, her podcast and radio show or her viral videos on social media. She’s lost agents, her publicist, and has had speaking gigs retracted for her commitment to social justice. From Black women to Palestinians in Gaza, Seales uses her platform to speak honestly about harm done to others. She talks powerfully about her experiences with the dangers of fame and celebrity in Hollywood, neurodivergence, white supremacy and a whole lot more.In this conversation, Laura Flanders asks Amanda Seales about our progress as a country, what it means to be an “artistic intellectual” and about the educators who’ve helped her along the way. Hear why Seales is “divesting from celebrity” and taking backlash from her support for Palestinians as “a badge of honor”. Plus, go behind the scenes with Seales with the full, uncut conversation from this week’s show. Laura will tell you more.
“. . . You are definitely expected to just take whatever gossip is said about you. You have to take it all on the chin because you've made this somehow unspoken exchange that having monetary gain and visibility means that you have to allow harm. And what I've decided is I am divesting from celebrity.” - Amanda Seales
“I lost my agents, I lost my publicist, and I have definitely had speaking engagements and different gigs retracted because of my support of Palestine and my outward support of the ending of apartheid in Palestine. I got to tell you, I take it as a badge of honor. I do. It's good trouble, rest in peace to John Lewis. I am so honored for all those people.” - Amanda Seales
Guests: Amanda Seales,Artistic Intellectual
Full Episode Notes are posted the Wednesday following the podcast release and are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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The business of media is in danger — but it sure isn’t dead. Many of the rising stars that were poised to “save journalism” like Vice and Buzzfeed have either entered bankruptcy or stopped reporting on news. There have been layoffs across the industry and many newsrooms have cut back on the resources available to journalists. But workers have also organized unions, including high-profile campaigns at Condé Nast and The New Yorker, and started worker-owned media like Hell Gate and Defector. This month on “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders is joined by three journalists who have lived through the struggles and are a part of the solutions. Alex Sujong Laughlin is a supervising producer and co-owner at Defector; Esther Wang is a worker-owner at Hell Gate; and Tammy Kim helped organize unions at Al Jazeera America and The New Yorker, where she is a contributing writer. How do they think about the future of journalism, and what difference does it make when journalists have the freedom to speak truth to power — especially when it comes to reporting on policing and Palestine?
“. . . One of the biggest reasons people mentioned wanting to work for Defector was actually citing the Palestine coverage because it was so refreshing for them to see journalists speaking frankly about their opinions about what's happening and not being beholden to really archaic rules of journalistic objectivity.” - Alex Sujong Laughlin
“. . . In New York, Hellgate and other local news outlets were part of an initiative to get a new bill to support local news included as part of this year's budget . . . Much to our surprise, it actually was included. [It’s] a tax credit for smaller outlets and a way to support local news in an environment where Google and Facebook have killed off all of the revenue streams. Those kinds of initiatives give me hope.” - Esther Wang
". . . I think I'm still intoxicated by the dream of journalism, of being able to call anybody, of becoming an instant expert on something and then learning something else. I also think the three of us all believe that there is still a social justice component in this work . . . The existence of Hell Gate [and] Defector . . . are evidence that we're going to figure it out, that some form of journalism is going to exist and that we'll keep doing it.” - Tammy Kim
Guests:
• Tammy Kim: Contributing Writer, The New Yorker
• Alex Sujong Laughlin: Supervising Producer & Co-Owner, Defector Media
• Esther Wang: Co-Founder, Hell Gate; Former Senior Political Reporter, Jezebel
Full Episode Notes are posted the Wednesday following the podcast release and are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: "Pleasure, Joy & Happiness by Galliano", released on Brownswood Records.. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode "How Do We Save Our Humanity?" featuring renowned artist Ai Weiwei. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
In his recent graphic memoir “ZODIAC: A Graphic Memoir”, the renowned artist Ai Weiwei writes that artists should “ignite stories”, “fight for freedom” and “help us hope.” Over his long and defiant career, he has used his art in a wide variety of media to do just that. His past works such as "Sunflower Seeds" and "Remembering" confronted issues of censorship and human rights abuses in China; in a recent show in London, he asked questions of an AI Chatbot for his project “Ai vs AI”, including “Is there hope for peace?” Earlier this year, he faced criticism for his expressions of support for Palestinian rights and had a show in London canceled. In this wide-ranging conversation with Laura Flanders, they discuss the role of the artist and ask why is “Power so afraid of art and poets?” As attacks on free speech, surveillance and displacement continue to impact so many of us, how do we keep the doors of our minds open to possibility? And how can art and artists help lead transformation? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I'm not this kind of very active activist. I'm just being forced to act . . . But I'm proud of doing that because that is the meaning of life, to give dignity to life itself . . .” - Ai Weiwei
“The real fear for me is [if] we lost [the] ability to ask the question. We lost our memory, we lost our sense of caring compassion . . .” - Ai Weiwei
“We [do] not encourage people to have free thinking and judgment and that is the ground to produce Nazis or hypocrites. And that can come to political disaster . . . We have this kind of censorship because people cannot freely express their feelings.” - Ai Weiwei
Guest: Ai Weiwei: Conceptual Artist, Filmmaker & Human Rights Activist; Author, ZODIAC, A Graphic Memoir
Full Episode Notes are accessible to all at Patreon.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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Political violence is on the rise and has reached just about every corner of the country, whether it's confrontations on social media, at school board meetings or the chambers of Congress. Reuters reports that we've seen some 213 cases and 39 fatalities in the U.S. since January 6, 2021 — more than we've seen in decades. Women, people of color, Muslims, Jews, and LGBTQ people are among those most vulnerable, but the group seeing the fastest increase in reported incidents are conservatives who are perceived to be out of sync with the pro-Trump, MAGA line. While most Americans oppose political violence, it remains a growing threat to our democracy. What can be done? In this episode, co-hosts Laura Flanders and 22nd Century Initiative Director Scot Nakagawa convene an expert panel to define political violence and discuss how to protect one another and democracy itself. All that, plus Laura’s commentary on “Reveal, Reframe, Resist” and reporters’ roles.
“As a child of a [Black] Panther, I saw inspiration in every action. Even when I saw my mother's friends being jailed for long periods of time or even killed by police terror . . . A lot of those folks went on to continue fighting against terror of the state and building community. I wanted to be a part of that . . .” - Sala Cyril
“I undertook the study because political violence is a persistent problem in the United States that I think is a fundamental threat to our democracy. My view is that one of the greatest sources of power countering that threat is actually people in communities around the country.” - Hardy Merriman
“Violence has greatly limited our ability to function as an inclusive, robust, multiracial democracy that in fact, we must deal with it . . . We need to believe we can win, and we need to think about who it is that we need on our side . . .” - Scot Nakagawa
“I can report anecdotally through different interactions with conservatives that they are experiencing political violence. I've been in attendance with secretaries of state, former Lieutenant governors. They all have stories of themselves or their families being on the receiving end of political violence . . .” - Maria J. Stephan
Guests:
• Sala Cyril: Interim Executive Director, Vision Change Win; Organizer, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, NYC
• Hardy Merriman: Author, Harnessing Our Power to End (HOPE) Political Violence; Expert, Democracy Movements
• Scot Nakagawa (Co-host): Executive Director, 22nd Century Initiative & 22nd Century Conference
• Maria J. Stephan: Co-Lead & Chief Organizer, The Horizons Project; Co-author with Erica Chenoweth, Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict
Full Episode Notes are posted the Wednesday following the podcast release and are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Intensity in Five” by Brkn Record featuring Antohony Joseph from his album The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 released on Barely Breaking Even Records, BBE. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode featuring Stephanie Flanders, on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Just in time for election season, Laura invites her sister Stephanie back to the program. Stephanie is the head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg News and head of Bloomberg Economics. Sixty-four countries (plus the European Union) — nearly half of the world’s population — are facing an election this year. Some are calling 2024 “The Ultimate Election Year”, but what should we look out for? Stephanie Flanders says now is the time journalists and voters are called upon to think about the long-term issues facing their country and the world, and consider what each candidate might propose. With Donald Trump, a lot is guesswork, but Bloomberg's been running the numbers on inflation and debt - both of which are predicted to go up under the former president. Meanwhile, what exactly is Bidenomics? “Voternomics”, the newly-rebooted “Stephanomics” podcast has just launched. It will be looking at the intersection of geopolitics and the economy. In this insightful one-on-one discussion taped at the CUNY TV studios in NYC, Stephanie and Laura Flanders talk economics, elections, and a little bit about tug-of-war. All that, plus a commentary from Laura. Laura Flanders & Friends becomes Laura Flanders & Family this time.
Full Episode Notes are accessible to all at Patreon.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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JUNE 17th 7pm ET - MEMBER SUPPORTERS ARE INVITED TO A VIRTUAL EVENT WITH LAURA FLANDERS AND GUEST JOSH PAUL, FORMER STATE DEPT OFFICIAL. Learn what we can do to end the genocide!
If you’re a member supporter you will have just received an exclusive invitation to a rare insider briefing on US - Israel arms sales from former state department official , Josh Paul. Paul, as you may remember quit the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs after a long career last year over accelerated US arms sales to Israel in violation of us Human Rights law. He continues to call for a change in United States Policy and an end to the bloodshed and on June 17th he’ll be offering us an expert briefing on the concrete requests we can make of our elected officials. We all want to stop the stop the dying and killing and hostage taking., urgently. Paul will help tell us how. You can find our award winning interview with Josh Paul from last year. Listen to the podcast and/or watch the show at our YouTube channel. *And if you’re not yet a member, but want to attend the briefing, it’s not too late to make a donation at Lauraflanders.org, and we’ll send you an invitation to register for the event. That briefing’s coming up June 17th — Don’t miss it.*
Episode Description: Are you planning to vote in the presidential election? It’s quite possibly the most important election in our lifetimes — and yet some Americans may forgo voting this November. Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have serious problems. How do we square the contradictions when casting our vote, and how should we think about elections altogether? As National Director of the Working Families Party (WFP), Maurice “Moe” Mitchell is interacting with voters on the ground and supporting candidates who’ve come out for a ceasefire in Gaza. The WFP’s bottom-up, third party approach is winning. What is he seeing and what is his advice in this critical election year? For starters, he says “supporting a candidate is a chess move. It's not a valentine”. He joins Laura Flanders and returning co-host Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister at Middle Church in New York City, to break it all down. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“The Working Families Party is a political party that is building power for working class people of all races. We believe in a country for the many, not the few. We believe that in a democracy the people should govern, not corporations and the wealthy. And the way that we do it is we're building a bottom-up, third-party approach.” - Maurice “Moe” Mitchell
“Some of us are not listening . . . [Trump] intends to join a fascist campaign . . . If we're thinking of the long game, we have to ask ourselves which of these candidates has the most propensity to help us build a movement for the 20 years that we need to, or for seven generations.” - Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Guests:
•. Maurice Mitchell: National Director, Working Families Party
•. Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (Co-host): Senior Minister of Public Theology & Transformation, Middle Church, NYC
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Joaquin’s Sacred Dance remix of “Soul of the People” by Nicola Conte from the Umoja Remixed Album also commemorating Far Out Recordings 30th anniversary. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
VIRTUAL EVENT WITH LAURA FLANDERS AND GUEST JOSH PAUL, FORMER STATE DEPT OFFICIAL
If you’re a member supporter you will have just received an exclusive invitation to a rare insider briefing on US - Israel arms sales from former state department official , Josh Paul. Paul, as you may remember quit the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs after a long career last year over accelerated US arms sales to Israel in violation of us Human Rights law. He continues to call for a change in United States Policy and an end to the bloodshed and on June 17th he’ll be offering us an expert briefing on the concrete requests we can make of our elected officials. We all want to stop the stop the dying and killing and hostage taking., urgently. Paul will help tell us how. You can find our award winning interview with Josh Paul from last year. Listen to the podcast and/or watch the show at our YouTube channel. And if you’re not yet a member, but want to attend the briefing, it’s not too late to make a donation at Lauraflanders.org, and we’ll send you an invitation to register for the event. That briefing’s coming up June 17th — Don’t miss it.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Four years after the murder of George Floyd and the mass protests against policing that followed, corporate media claim that voters have turned on “defunding the police" — the movement to shift public resources away from policing and into other approaches to improving public health and safety. But what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to this issue, and where does the 'defund' movement stand? In this episode, three journalists reporting from the frontlines on matters of policing and prisons share what they see on the ground, within police departments, and in the media. Cerise Castle is a Los Angeles-based reporter who created “A Tradition of Violence”, a podcast about gangs inside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, based on an extensive investigation into more than five decades of terror, murder and abuse; Lewis Raven Wallace, of Durham, NC, is the author and creator of “The View from Somewhere”, a book and podcast about the problematic political history of journalistic objectivity, and the Abolition Journalism Fellow at Interrupting Criminalization, a multi movement resource hub for advocates, and Kelly Hayes is a Menominee author, organizer, educator and photographer from Chicago. She also hosts the Truthout podcast “Movement Memos" and is co-author (with Mariame Kaba) of the book “Let This Radicalize You”. What is the corporate media getting wrong about the defund movement? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I thought about my own vulnerability when doing this reporting. While I was still reporting my initial series on deputy gangs, I received several messages from people inside the department that they were in fear for my life . . . The repercussions have been very real for me, but it is not anything that would ever stop me from doing this work.” - Cerise Castle
“When I look at what's happening in Palestine and I see the AI targeting that's being used to select targets for assassination at an inhuman pace, and when I look at the mass surveillance apparatus that Palestinian people are subjected to and most importantly the normalization of this mass annihilation of people, I see threats to all of us, things that we should all expect to be pervasive.” - Kelly Hayes
“We have to some extent defunded the police here in the city of Durham and . . . moved money out of the police budget and into a whole new city department that is geared toward community safety through non-police responses . . . People can call an alternative number and have trained crisis responders show up . . . and come without police.” - Lewis Raven Wallace
Guests:
•. Cerise Castle: Journalist
•. Kelly Hayes: Host, Movement Memos; Co-Author, Let This Radicalize You
•. Lewis Raven Wallace: Author, The View from Somewhere; Abolition Media Fellow, Interrupting Criminalization
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “We Need Freedom” by Brkn Record aka Jake Ferguson featuring Jermain Jackman from his self released album The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 released on BBE, Barely Breaking Even Records. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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JUNE 17TH 7PM - VIRTUAL EVENT WITH LAURA FLANDERS AND GUEST JOSH PAUL, FORMER STATE DEPT OFFICIAL -Donate today and you’ll receive an invitation to an exclusive, insider briefing with Josh Paul, the state department official who resigned last fall in protest of escalating U.S. arms sales to Israel, and has been advocating for change ever since. If you’re already a donor, check your email inbox for your invitation. If you’re not a donor, there’s still time to *chip in and join us.*
Episode Description: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode Domestic Violence Survivor & Homeless Too? A CA Cohort Shows What Can Be Done. This July VOCA (the federal Victims of Crimes Act) which funds services for people who find themselves homeless due to domestic violence is slated to lose 45% of its funding. In this episode we address what can be done. For this, Laura is joined by two survivors of domestic violence-related homelessness, who are now policy advocates. Teniecka Drake is with Rainbow Services and Yenni Rivera Martinez, with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. Also joining us is Krista Colon, Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications Strategies for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for a few dollars a month… go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Guests:
• Krista Colón: Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications Strategies, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
• Teniecka Drake: Survivor Advocates Team, Rainbow Services
• Yenni Rivera Martinez: Family System CES Coordinator, LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority); Survivor Advocate, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Full Episode Notes are accessible to all at https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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In a time of division, how do we create a sense of collective freedom? It’s a question that peace activist, artist and poet Genesis Be grapples with in all her work. Genesis Be has a new book out, People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity, and recently curated the Freedom Rising art show in Brooklyn, New York featuring work by incarcerated artists currently held by the Georgia Department of Corrections. She is the subject of the upcoming film “Mississippi Turning” about the successful years-long effort to remove the Confederate symbol from the state’s flag. In this episode taped at the CUNY studios in NYC, we turn to a poet and a preacher. Genesis Be joins Laura Flanders and co-host Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church, to discuss how to reject stigmas and advance liberation. Genesis Be painted in the studio — for her and us it was a first.
“I did my protest about the confederate flag that went viral, I hung a noose around my neck and draped myself in a confederate flag . . . It was a very scary time for me because I got thrown into the fight to change the Mississippi State flag. There were a lot of death threats, but a lot of support during that time.” - Genesis Be
“The word freedom is hijacked often by folks: freedom from having to change, freedom from having to admit the humanity of others, freedom from having to widen the tent, freedom from having to let go of their sense of exceptionalism . . . This [conference] was a gathering of like-minded folks sharing a dream of all of us belonging and all of us saving this democracy, interfaith, intergenerational.” - Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Guests:
•. Genesis Be: Poet, Peace Activist, Artist; Author, People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity
•. Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (Co-host): Senior Minister of Public Theology & Transformation, Middle Church, NYC
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Blind Lady Say (Be Love)” by Genesis Be; "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
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If you believe in big-picture media like ours, help us stay on-air through the year. People rely on our reporting and we are committed to keep going. Are you committed too? Make a contribution at our website today and do your part to give voters the news they need. We’re in the midst of our May Day to Memorial Day membership drive. We're asking you to join us in raising $25,000. Thanks for listening and thanks for your continued support.
It is a cliché to say that the richest corporate media operate inside a bubble of their own making, but it's largely true. Today’s guests are breathing new life into the world of journalism by covering people, places and perspectives beyond the conventional enclaves of power. On this month’s Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura Flanders is joined by Chenjerai Kumanyika, a professor at NYU and prolific audio journalist, host of podcasts including “Empire City” and “Uncivil”. Neesha Powell-Ingabire is Director of Popular Education at Press On, a Southern media collective dedicated to movement journalism, and the author of a new memoir, “Come By Here”. And Mary Annaïse Heglar is an essayist covering climate, podcaster, and author of the novel “Troubled Waters” and a book for children, “The World Is Ours To Cherish”. Together they discuss the campus encampments in solidarity with Palestine, intergenerational work to stop the climate crisis, the question of objectivity and context, and how movement journalism is — or isn’t — traditional journalism. How do we break media bubbles? Join us for that conversation.
“Movement journalism is journalism that is in service of liberation . . . We are very intentional about historically oppressed communities. Folks from those communities should be doing reporting on those communities and building relationships with community members and organizers on the ground.” - Neesha Powell-Ingabire
“. . . Look at the history of the Black press. We didn't have the luxury to report and somehow separate that from advocacy. When you have people reporting while slavery is still legal, all kinds of Black people are being targeted in various kinds of violence. We have a long tradition of advocacy journalism.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika
“Nothing has made me feel less optimistic about climate change and our ability to stop it, to mitigate it, to deal with it than the genocide and Gaza. If we cannot come together to say that is wrong and that should stop, then I have so little faith in our ability to stop ecocide.” - Mary Annaïse Heglar
Guests:
•. Mary Annaïse Heglar: Author, Troubled Waters; Podcaster, Spill
•. Chenjerai Kumanyika: Audio Journalist, Empire City, Uncivil & Seeing White; Assistant Professor Journalism, NYU
•. Neesha Powell-Ingabire: Author, COME BY HERE: A Memoir in Essays from Georgia’s Geechee Coast; Director Popular Education, Press On
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Be The Change by Nation Beat from their latest album Archaic Humans released on Rope a Dope Records.. "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. This May, we're asking you to join us in raising $25,000. You can contribute by making a one-time donation or by making it monthly at Patreon. As Angela says, "when vast numbers of people come together . . . this is how change happens." Please come together with us now!
These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.
Description: With so many urgent crises tugging at our hearts, from war, to climate, to discontent and violence, people want to know: How do we set priorities and do the right thing, especially as that relates to building a better world, and to an election that seems both problematic and the most important of our time? If anyone can ground us thoughtfully in this moment, with all of its challenges and all its potential, it’s renowned professor, activist, scholar and writer Angela Davis. In her writing, lecturing and many decades of activism, Davis has shown a unique ability to pull competing struggles into a single story — a story of systems and power. In this special first episode of "Laura Flanders & Friends" (formerly, The Laura Flanders Show), Laura is joined by Angela Davis, a leading voice in the movement for abolition and feminism who has lots to share about her evolution and how decades of activism are coming together in this moment. From Palestine to elections, to our carceral state and collective liberation, this kickoff conversation is packed with Davis’ insight and the teachings from her latest book “Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1”. What has Davis learned in her 80 years as a freedom fighter? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on the words of the late poet and essayist June Jordan, who writes, “I was born a Black woman/and now/I am become a Palestinian.”
Guest: Angela Y. Davis: Professor, Activist, Scholar & Writer; Author, Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1.
Full Episode Notes are available as a post on our Patreon page.
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If you believe in big-picture media like ours, help us stay on-air through the year. People rely on our reporting and we are committed to keep going. Are you committed too? Make a contribution at our website today and do your part to give voters the news they need. We’re in the midst of our May Day to Memorial Day membership drive. We're asking you to join us in raising $25,000. Thanks for listening and thanks for your continued support.
The war on women takes many forms — take homelessness for example. Women make up 35% of California’s homeless population, and domestic violence is a leading reason why women lose their housing. For those who do manage to escape, it’s confusing and often impossible to get help. Now some are calling for more gender-conscious policy. Organizations across California are coming together to address this issue, break down silos and bring survivors into decision-making. But their work is in danger. This July, VOCA (the federal Victims of Crimes Act), which funds everything from crisis hotlines to transitional housing, is slated to lose 45% of its funding. What can be done? Laura Flanders is joined by Teniecka Drake, a US Air Force veteran, and Yenni Rivera Martinez, two survivors of domestic violence-related homelessness who now work as advocates, and Krista Colón, the Senior Director of Public Policy for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. How does housing policy need to change? And what difference does applying a gender lens make? And later in the show Laura shares some closing thoughts on the cruel punishment case involving a homeless woman that is currently before the Supreme Court.
“The lack of housing for survivors and the struggles of survivors navigating the homelessness system is a commonality shared all across the state. [The HOME Cohort is] bringing folks together to work on shared solutions . . . They've produced tools for survivors . . .” - Krista Colón
“See the person, not just the data. The data is attached to a person. In order to make the proper policies, you need to know who you're affecting, your constituents. You need to know who they are.” - Teniecka Drake
"You don't end up with zero, you end up with negative because now you're borrowing money, especially once you have a baby. How do you get formula? How do you get diapers? How do you get clothing?” - Yenni Rivera Martinez
Guests:
• Krista Colón: Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications Strategies, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
• Teniecka Drake: Survivor Advocates Team, Rainbow Services
• Yenni Rivera Martinez: Family System CES Coordinator, LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority); Survivor Advocate, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Eric Kupper remix of “U Try Livin’ Pressure” by Black Guy White Guy and 808 BEACH featuring Anelisa Lamola related by The Red Hot Organization. "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller, Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, and Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode Trust-Busting 2024: A Bipartisan Battle Against Monopoly Power where we look at the actions underway to tackle the problem of monopolies and the detrimental impact the concentration of power in this way can have on consumers, workers and the democratic project. Laura’s guests are two experts who’ve been involved for decades in anti-trust action Stacy Mitchell, the Co-Executive Director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance & Matt Stoller, Research Director for the American Economic Liberties Project. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for a few dollars a month… go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Guests:
• Stacy Mitchell: Co-Executive Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
• Matt Stoller: Research Director, American Economic Liberties Project; Publisher, BIG & Author, Goliath: The Hundred Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy
Full Episode Notes are accessible to all at https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
We’re in the midst of our May Day to Memorial Day membership drive. We're asking you to join us in raising $25,000 - the cost to produce one episode. Please contribute by making a one-time donation or make it monthly, goto lauraflanders.org/donate As Angela says, "when vast numbers of people come together . . . this is how change happens." Please come together with us now! Thanks for listening and thanks for your continued support.
Just in time for election season, Laura invites her sister Stephanie back to the program. Stephanie is the head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg News and head of Bloomberg Economics. Sixty-four countries (plus the European Union) — nearly half of the world’s population — are facing an election this year. Some are calling 2024 “The Ultimate Election Year”, but what should we look out for? Stephanie Flanders says now is the time journalists and voters are called upon to think about the long-term issues facing their country and the world, and consider what each candidate might propose. With Donald Trump, a lot is guesswork, but Bloomberg's been running the numbers on inflation and debt - both of which are predicted to go up under the former president. Meanwhile, what exactly is Bidenomics? “Voternomics”, the newly-rebooted “Stephanomics” podcast has just launched. It will be looking at the intersection of geopolitics and the economy. In this insightful one-on-one discussion taped at the CUNY TV studios in NYC, Stephanie and Laura Flanders talk economics, elections, and a little bit about tug-of-war. All that, plus a commentary from Laura. Laura Flanders & Friends becomes Laura Flanders & Family this time.
“. . . This is an opportunity to be thinking about not just what a politician is saying, but what are the long-term issues facing this country, any country? Are those policy recommendations fit for purpose? . . . Elections are opportunities for voters and journalists to raise their eyes to the horizon a little bit.” - Stephanie Flanders
“[With tariffs] the goal is to make domestically produced goods look more attractive and cheaper . . . We saw with the tariffs under the previous Trump administration — many of which have been continued under President Biden, we should remember — that the overall effect was to lose cost jobs and to add to inflation.” - Stephanie Flanders
Guest: Stephanie Flanders: Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: "Wall of Indifference" by Raul Midon, from his album Lost & Found courtesy of the artist. "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
We’re in the midst of our May Day to Memorial Day membership drive. We're asking you to join us in raising $25,000 - the cost to produce one episode. Please contribute by making a one-time donation or make it monthly, goto lauraflanders.org/donate As Angela says, "when vast numbers of people come together . . . this is how change happens." Please come together with us now! Thanks for listening and thanks for your continued support.
When it comes to crime and migration, all sorts of politicians have justified mass detention and incarceration in the name of confronting a dangerous crisis. But what's real and what's fear mongering, and how can reformers counter the rhetoric to advance alternatives? In this episode, Laura Flanders and co-host Amir Khafagy speak with Silky Shah, Executive Director of Detention Watch Network, about her new book is “UNBUILD WALLS: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition”, and Aron Thorn, Senior Attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project’s Beyond Borders Program about the road ahead. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star program and the state-based deportation process proposed in his state's Senate Bill SB4 could set the tone for the country. Activists can do their best to call out abuses, but what is really needed is an entirely new approach. What difference would an abolitionist lens make?
“I find it very troubling that we have economies that are solely dependent on the exploitation of immigrant labor. This country depends on the exploitation of immigrant labor, yet you're seeing all these draconian measures, especially in places like Texas and now New York . . .” - Amir Khafagy
“There's been some minor reforms here and there . . . I don't want to dismiss that, but none of it's been at the scale that it needs to be. There needs to be a real investment that doesn't just let the Republicans dictate the debate . . .” - Silky Shah
“It's fascinating to see my colleagues in New York grappling with some of the same really difficult questions that border Texans have grappled with for a really long time. What does it look like to give meaningful support to folks who are coming here and seeking a better life?” - Aron Thorn
Guests:
• Amir Khafagy (Co-host): Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
• Silky Shah: Director, Detention Watch Network; Author, Unbuild Walls
• Aron Thorn: Senior Attorney, Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), Beyond Borders Program
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: RUMTUM remix of “Mirage” by Captain Planet courtesy of Bastard Jazz Records.. "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Thanks for taking the time to listen to the full conversation from our episode “Post-Dobbs Crisis: Visions for Abortion Access & Radical Care.” These full uncut conversations are made possible thanks to our member supporters. We are an independent media organization that is dependent on our member supporters. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for a few dollars a month…goto https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriendss
There are more anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers than there are abortion clinics in the U.S., even in states like New York where abortion is legal. Fake clinics are feeding people disinformation, laws are criminalizing doctors and patients, and the climate of stigma and fear has only worsened since the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health in 2022. The Dobbs decision took away the constitutional right to abortion, abandoned almost fifty years of precedent, and paved the way for states to ban abortion entirely, as more than a dozen have. In this episode, Laura Flanders and co-host Adaku Utah explore the situation in a so-called safe haven (New York), and the frameworks for care that BIPOC reproductive justice activists — whose people have never been served well by the health system — are drawing on for strength and survival today. Our guests are Elizabeth Estrada, New York Field & Advocacy Manager at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice and Chelsea Williams-Diggs, Executive Director of the New York Abortion Access Fund. Join us to hear why community care and “chisme” are critical in this moment.
Guests:
• Elizabeth Estrada: NY Field & Advocacy Manager, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
• Adaku Utah: Senior Manager of Movement Building Programs, Building Movement Project; Organizer, Grassroots Strategist, Politicized Healer
• Chelsea Williams-Diggs: Executive Director, New York Abortion Access Fund
Chelsea Williams-Diggs: Executive Director, New York Abortion Access Fund
Full Episode Notes are accessible to all at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In his recent graphic memoir “ZODIAC: A Graphic Memoir”, the renowned artist Ai Weiwei writes that artists should “ignite stories”, “fight for freedom” and “help us hope.” Over his long and defiant career, he has used his art in a wide variety of media to do just that. His past works such as "Sunflower Seeds" and "Remembering" confronted issues of censorship and human rights abuses in China; in a recent show in London, he asked questions of an AI Chatbot for his project “Ai vs AI”, including “Is there hope for peace?” Earlier this year, he faced criticism for his expressions of support for Palestinian rights and had a show in London canceled. In this wide-ranging conversation with Laura Flanders, they discuss the role of the artist and ask why is “Power so afraid of art and poets?” As attacks on free speech, surveillance and displacement continue to impact so many of us, how do we keep the doors of our minds open to possibility? And how can art and artists help lead transformation? All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“I'm not this kind of very active activist. I'm just being forced to act . . . But I'm proud of doing that because that is the meaning of life, to give dignity to life itself . . .” - Ai Weiwei
“The real fear for me is [if] we lost [the] ability to ask the question. We lost our memory, we lost our sense of caring compassion . . .” - Ai Weiwei
“We [do] not encourage people to have free thinking and judgment and that is the ground to produce Nazis or hypocrites. And that can come to political disaster . . . We have this kind of censorship because people cannot freely express their feelings.” - Ai Weiwei
Guest: Ai Weiwei: Conceptual Artist, Filmmaker & Human Rights Activist; Author, ZODIAC, A Graphic Memoir
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: LTJ Xperience remix of “Working On It” Bread & Souls featuring Rich Medina produced by Mark De Clive Lowe courtesy of Mashi Beats. "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is now ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’. This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired. The show is made possible by our members.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Description: Corporate greenwashing has hijacked Earth Day, but the ideas behind the holiday are more urgent than ever. There are environmental issues all around us — even within recent new stories like the Baltimore bridge collapse and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Will the media be talking about the environmental impacts of mass military onslaught this year or the corporate polluters that will dodge taxes this season? In this installment of Meet the BIPOC Press, our monthly media roundtable featuring journalists of color, hear how the idea of the environment has been siloed and why it’s up to the media to undo that. Our guests are Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University; Francesca Fiorentini, host of The Bitchuation Room podcast and Maximilian Alvarez, Editor in Chief of The Real News Network. With Laura Flanders, they unpack whether Earth Day is still relevant and how the media can help make Earth Day intersectional.
Guests:
• Maximillian Alvarez: Editor-in-Chief, The Real News Network; Author, The Work of Living
• Francesca Fiorentini: Host, The Bitchuation Room Podcast
• Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò: Associate Professor Philosophy, Georgetown University; Author, Reconsidering Reparations
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Is Tomorrow Another Day” by KAIROS from the Climate Soundtrack Compilation produced by DJ’s for Climate Action. And additional music included- "Steppin" and "The Gall" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is now ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’. This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired. The show is made possible by our members.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Thanks for taking the time to listen to the full conversation from our episode “Not Wanted at Harvard? BIPOC Media on Claudine Gay, Anti-Zionism & Diversity in Education.” These full uncut conversations are made possible thanks to our member supporters. We are an independent media organization that is dependent on our members. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for a few dollars a month or more, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends
Description: Dr. Claudine Gay, a widely esteemed scholar, made history as the first Black President of Harvard in the university’s 387 years. Many saw her tenure as a step forward for diversity in higher education, but today, her resignation speaks volumes about the challenges Black women face in academia. Gay faced fierce backlash this winter over the school’s statements on the Israel-Hamas War. A politically-motivated grilling in Congress followed by an organized campaign to attack Gay’s credibility and intellect, led to her resignation on January 2. What does this all mean for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in education? In this timely installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press,” our monthly collaboration with URL Media, a network of independent media owned and operated by people of color, Laura is joined by co-host Amir Khafagy, labor and immigration reporter for Documented, which is a member of the URL Media network. We unpack the crusade against Gay, DEI and the lack of support that students and faculty of color, and especially women of color, receive from their universities. Also joining us are Zaire Dinzey-Flores, Professor and Chair of Latino and Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University, and Jamiee Swift, the Founder and Executive Director of Black Women Radicals. Tune in to hear what the media got right — and wrong — about this story.
Guests:
Zaire Dinzey-Flores: Associate Professor & Chair of Latino and Caribbean Studies, Rutgers University
Amir Khafagy (Co-host): Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Jaimee Swift: Founder, Black Women Radicals; Professor of Black Politics
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Is 2024 the year of trust-busting? This bipartisan issue of small versus big is a fight taking place on the streets and in the federal and state courts; led by grassroots movements and consumer protest. The Biden administration has stepped up anti-trust action, but the number of merger filings is also up. What should we make of this moment? To help answer that question, Laura is joined by two experts on anti-trust action: Stacy Mitchell, Co-Executive Director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Matt Stoller, author of “Goliath: The Hundred Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy” and publisher of the newsletter “BIG” on Substack. Mitchell has played a leading role in today’s growing anti-monopoly movement and her work informed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon in 2023. Stoller is the former policy advisor to the Senate Budget Committee and also worked for a member of the Financial Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives during the financial crisis. In this episode, they unpack how decades of corporate consolidation did not lead to cheaper prices, better service or more jobs, but instead worsened our local economies, the quality of our lives and democracy. How have people power and government action together brought about a shift? Is it real? Hear why one guest calls this moment a delayed policy reaction to the 2008 financial crisis, plus a commentary from Laura on the last time Democrats took on monopoly power this actively - and what happened to that.
“What we are seeing in this administration is we actually have people in place who are making huge change and are using the tools to the full extent that they have . . . There is a lot of grassroots support for the idea of dealing with corporate power. Everybody is feeling this . . .” - Stacy Mitchell
“It's very clear that not having competition in these markets kills . . . In areas like hospices and elder care, dialysis or other parts of healthcare people die. And also in things like Boeing, people die.” - Matt Stoller
Guests:
• Stacy Mitchell: Co-Executive Director, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
• Matt Stoller: Research Director, American Economic Liberties Project; Publisher, BIG & Author, Goliath: The Hundred Year War Between Monopoly Power and Democracy
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Culture Today” by Edy Forey. the title track from their new album. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is now ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’. This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired. The show is made possible by our members.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As the 2024 presidential election campaign heats up, Idaho is not a place that Democratic campaign strategists will be thinking much about, but writing off places like Idaho is a mistake, say two anti-authoritarian activists based in the US Northwest. Adrienne Evans is the executive director for United Vision for Idaho, the state’s only multi-issue, progressive coalition. Scot Nakagawa, director of the new 22nd Century Initiative, has worked for decades to counter extremism, starting in the 1980s, confronting white militias in Oregon. In this episode, Laura asks her guests why places like Idaho — one of the most conservative states in the country — remain so important to US democracy, and Laura participates in a rural tour around Boise, Idaho's capital. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how Americans once toppled autocracy — and what the writers of the Constitution did in response.
Guests:
• Adrienne Evans: Executive Director, United Vision for Idaho
• Scot Nakagawa: Director, 22nd Century Initiative
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "Idaho’s United Vision Project: Confronting Extremism in America's Heartland." These full uncut conversations are made possible thanks to our member supporters. LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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SPECIAL INVITE: Tuesday, April 9, at 7pm Eastern join us for our Season Premiere Watch Party for our first episode as Laura Flanders & Friends featuring Angela Davis; then join Laura afterwards to discuss the interview and share your thoughts. Subscribe to our newsletter for all the details at LauraFlanders.org
With so many urgent crises tugging at our hearts, from war, to climate, to discontent and violence, people want to know: How do we set priorities and do the right thing, especially as that relates to building a better world, and to an election that seems both problematic and the most important of our time? If anyone can ground us thoughtfully in this moment, with all of its challenges and all its potential, it’s renowned professor, activist, scholar and writer Angela Davis. In her writing, lecturing and many decades of activism, Davis has shown a unique ability to pull competing struggles into a single story — a story of systems and power. In this special first episode of "Laura Flanders & Friends" (formerly, The Laura Flanders Show), Laura is joined by Angela Davis, a leading voice in the movement for abolition and feminism who has lots to share about her evolution and how decades of activism are coming together in this moment. From Palestine to elections, to our carceral state and collective liberation, this kickoff conversation is packed with Davis’ insight and the teachings from her latest book “Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1”. What has Davis learned in her 80 years as a freedom fighter? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on the words of the late poet and essayist June Jordan, who writes, “I was born a Black woman/and now/I am become a Palestinian.”
“When vast numbers of people come together to defend a vision of the future that they would like to see, this is how change happens. It doesn't happen because we elect a particular person to office.” - Angela Y. Davis
“[In] Birmingham, Jewish people were the very first white people to support the struggle against racism . . . Here in the US and in other parts of the world, it's actually Jewish people, young Jewish people who are in the forefront of the struggle against Zionism.” - Angela Y. Davis
Guest: Angela Y. Davis: Professor, Activist, Scholar & Writer; Author, Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1.
Music Spotlight: State of the Nation by Bokani Dyer featuring Damani Nkosi from his full length album Sechaba released on Brownswood Records. "The Gall" & "Steppin" by Podington.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is rebranding as ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’: This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Explore the intersection of LGBTQ rights, domestic terrorism, and community resilience in North Carolina through the lens of Drag Operatics as a form of empowerment and solidarity.
On December 3, 2022, an attack on two electrical substations in Moore County, North Carolina left 45,000 households and businesses without power for up to five days. It was the biggest domestic terrorist attack on the electricity grid in U.S. history, but one year later, no arrests have been made and authorities have named no suspects other than to say that whoever did this “knew what they were doing.” In this installment of The Laura Flanders Show’s investigation into the local roots of the January 6 insurrection in one state, North Carolina, Laura speaks with the North Carolinians who were at a drag show in Moore County when the lights went out. “Downtown Divas” had been harassed for months by anti-LGBTQ leaders — did the sabotage attack have anything to do with that harassment or the drag performance scheduled that night? As legislators and local leaders continue to roll back LGBTQ rights, they remain largely silent about the real threats facing North Carolinians and the nation from domestic terrorists with their sights set on U.S. power grids. Why? This episode also looks at how the LGBTQ community in North Carolina is standing up to hate and creating safety — with Drag operatics — for all.
“When the lights went out, it didn't matter who was Black, who was Latino, who was Asian, who was a person of color, didn't matter if you were Catholic, if you were Baptist, if you were Christian. We were all in the same space, all in the same boat, which was that we didn't have any power.” - Naomi Dix
“[After the attack] I remember thinking, I have to start speaking more . . . I have to start sticking up for myself and the trans community more, because that's what prevents things like this.” - Alex Lafferty
“We aren't the villains in this situation. We have a right to exist and be performing and what I love about drag is the joy that we bring not only to LGBT people, but the whole community.” - Tori Grace Nichols
“We are talking about a great harm that happened here in North Carolina, but this is a national problem and not a new one . . . This is a domestic terrorist threat that people really need to be paying attention to.” - Serena Sebring
“. . . That show and that incident brought out two different sets of people. It brought out the lovers and it brought out the haters . . . Those haters have found a way to attack our youth through the school board and our communities.” - Erica Street
Guests:
• Naomi Dix: Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC
• Alex Lafferty: Daughter of Erica Street, High School Student & Youth Activist
• Tori Grace Nichols: Drag Artist & Cultural Organizer
• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint North Carolina
• Erica Street: Mother of Alex Lafferty; Co-founder, PFLAG Southern Pines
SPECIAL INVITE: Tuesday, April 9, at 7pm Eastern join us for our Season Premiere Watch Party for our first episode as Laura Flanders & Friends featuring Angela Davis; then join Laura afterwards to discuss the interview and share your thoughts. Subscribe to our newsletter for all the details at LauraFlanders.org
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is rebranding as ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’: This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired.
CREDITS:
Executive Producer: Laura Flanders
Field Producer: Brian Palmer
Supervising Producer: Sabrina Artel
Consulting Producer: Rory O’Connor
Development Director: Sarah Miller
Senior Video Editor: David Neumann
Creative Designer & Video Editor: Nat Needham
Audio Director: Jeannie Hopper
Communications Director: Janet Hernandez
LF Show Fellow: Maryia Kanavalenka
Our thanks to Jim Davis and Kym Register
Special thanks: We deeply appreciate the Blueprint North Carolina staff whose collaborations have been key to the success of this award-winning and ground-breaking set of episodes.
Blueprint North Carolina Staff
Mab Segrest, Anti-Racist Research Program Director
Serena Sebring, Executive Director
Christina Davis McCoy, Organizing Coordinator
Heather Ahn-Redding, Anti-Racist Research Associate
D Juan Owens, Executive Security Lead
Tori Grace Nichols, Research & Media Intern
Jazmynne Cruz, Research Intern
Music Spotlight: “No One Else Has Your Magic” by Muva of Earth from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Records. Additional music by Podington Bear “Hearts Aflutter,” “Mont Blanc,” “Beachhead,” “Tender and Curious
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Many people have never heard of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC – but for 50 years, the group has been the driving force behind some of the most extreme policies in this country. Behind closed doors, ALEC brings corporate lobbyists and state politicians together to draft and vote on model bills that aim to free corporations from regulations, regardless of the impacts on people and the planet. Labor law, environmental law, health and safety, voting — no cause is off-limits. Our guests say ALEC and its wealthy pool of funders are a real threat, but there are ways to take action and progress has already been made. In 2023, a diverse coalition of groups, including Greenpeace, Color of Change, the Center for Media and Democracy and more, is calling out the anti-democratic impact of ALEC by using the hashtag #50YearsOfHarm. Congressman Ro Khanna of California's 17th Congressional District, a leading progressive in the House, and Lisa Graves, Executive Director of True North Research and President of the Center for Media and Democracy, two of the preeminent national watchdog groups investigating dark money, join Laura Flanders to unpack it all. And in her closing commentary Laura fills us in on the other side of the story in state houses: the Democrats' have their own project in place these days. But is it any match for ALEC?
Guests:
• Lisa Graves: President of the Board, Center for Media & Democracy; Executive Director, True North Research
• Ro Khanna: Congressman California's 17th District
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Peel Back” by F-S-Q featuring Nona Hendryx, G Koop and O-Man from their Reprise Tonight L-P courtesy of Soul Clap Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is rebranding as ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’.
This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
How does a religion that claims to be rooted in love and peace fire people up to commit violence, as at the Capitol on January 6, 2021? In a brand-new documentary, “God & Country”, producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland explore Christian Nationalism — a toxic brew of patriarchal White Nationalism and messianic faith. Based on the book “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” by Katherine Stewart, “God & Country” exposes how Christian Nationalism poses a real and immediate threat, not only to the very idea of secular democracy but also to Christianity itself. Reiner is an Emmy-winning actor and acclaimed director, best known for his work on “All In The Family”, “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Princess Bride”. He is also a political activist dedicating his time to numerous social justice causes. Partland, a veteran documentary producer and director for film and television, is a five-time Emmy nominee with two Emmys for Best Nonfiction Series including American High on Fox. Whether you’re a Christian or a concerned citizen, this episode is a must-watch. Plus, a closing commentary from Laura on becoming actively engaged in our democracy.
Guests:
• Dan Partland: Director, God & Country
• Rob Reiner: Producer, God & Country
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "Faith & Fascism: Rob Reiner & Dan Partland Tackle Christian Nationalism with “God & Country.”" These full uncut conversations are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In our continuing coverage of the ongoing climate catastrophe, we often ask what we can learn from the experiences of people living on its frontlines.From New Orleans to New York and Seattle to Maine — and from suffocating wildfires to deadly heat waves, drenching rain, hurricanes, floods and saltwater intruding into drinking water —many Americans have experienced the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. Now they have begun asking: How much more can we take? Colette Pichon Battle, an award-winning lawyer and climate justice organizer whose work focuses on creating spaces for frontline communities to gather and advance climate strategies that help to steward the water, energy, and land, has some answers.
Pichon Battle is a Louisiana native who began her work in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when she and so many others lost their homes there. Known as a leading voice in climate justice and Black liberation movements, she founded the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy (GCCLP), focused on equitable climate resilience in the Gulf South. Recently she has expanded her vision as the Co-founder and Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth that includes work in Appalachia, the global Black diaspora and geographies across the world, with an emphasis on climate migration and global climate reparations. Pichon Battle chaired the 2021-22 Equity Advisory Group of the Louisiana Governor’s Climate Initiative Task Force and was a 2019 Obama Fellow. She has also been the recipient of numerous awards for climate justice and the prestigious Heinz Award for the Environment.
“If we choose to be our best selves in this moment, if we choose to work through fear in this moment, if we choose courage and each other, we can actually stop not just the oppression of my people, but the oppression of yours.” - Colette Pichon Battle
“What I need is white allies learning about whatever ethnicity, whatever cultural tradition they come from, and how did they live with the land and how do we put those things together? . . . Why aren't we fighting together for the sake of this planet?” - Colette Pichon Battle
Guest: Colette Pichon Battle, Esq.: Co-founder, Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Do You Actually Care by LifeIsOne. from the Climate Soundtrack Project, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, a global initiative harnessing the power of dance music and DJ culture to power climate solutions and generate action. And additional music included- "Steppin" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is rebranding as ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’.
This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
"Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies" by Andrea J. Ritchie provides a visionary toolkit for anyone eager to build a safer, more equitable society. The Essentials of Organizing for Justice: What It Really Takes.
Andrea J. Ritchie, a self-described “Black lesbian immigrant survivor” who has been engaged since the 1980s in anti-violence, labor, and LGBTQ organizing, and in movements against state violence and for racial, reproductive, economic, environmental, and gender justice, offers a toolkit for organizers.If you’ve been wondering how to create a world that is collectively based, safer and more just — and curious as to what is actually required to make the changes that we want to see in society — Ritchie’s newest book, Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies, published by AK Press, is a visionary and practical workbook and toolkit. Some of her other books include Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of ColorandNo More Police,co-authoredwith Mariame Kaba. She also co-founded Interrupting Criminalization and the In Our Names Network, a network of over 20 organizations working to end police violence against Black women, girls, trans and gender nonconforming people.
“Change happens by acting as though the future that you are dreaming of is present now. And then practicing that with people who share your vision and values and then bringing more and more people into the conversation.” - Andrea J. Ritchie
“[Emergent strategies are] a way of approaching a world that interrupts violence in all its forms and creates new possibilities that we can't imagine yet.” - Andrea J. Ritchie
Guest:
Andrea J. Ritchie: Author, Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies; Co-Founder, Interrupting Criminalization
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “I Keeps It Moving” David Anthony and Dani Vassar courtesy of Planet Hum Records and Pitch Control. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
April 2024 The Laura Flanders Show is rebranding as ‘Laura Flanders & Friends’: This change marks a new era for the award-winning host, Laura Flanders. The upcoming season will introduce a collaborative hosting format, featuring a diverse array of co-hosts from different backgrounds and different regions of the country. Expect new faces, unique perspectives, and impactful conversations that will leave viewers feeling inspired.
This podcast is made possible thanks to our member supporters. Join our members by making a one time donation, or make it monthly => LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you!
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This podcast is made possible thanks to our member supporters. Join our members by making a one time donation, or make it monthly => LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you!
There are more anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers than there are abortion clinics in the U.S., even in states like New York where abortion is legal. Fake clinics are feeding people disinformation, laws are criminalizing doctors and patients, and the climate of stigma and fear has only worsened since the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health in 2022. The Dobbs decision took away the constitutional right to abortion, abandoned almost fifty years of precedent, and paved the way for states to ban abortion entirely, as more than a dozen have. In this episode, Laura Flanders and co-host Adaku Utah explore the situation in a so-called safe haven (New York), and the frameworks for care that BIPOC reproductive justice activists — whose people have never been served well by the health system — are drawing on for strength and survival today. Our guests are Elizabeth Estrada, New York Field & Advocacy Manager at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice and Chelsea Williams-Diggs, Executive Director of the New York Abortion Access Fund. Join us to hear why community care and “chisme” are critical in this moment.
“The Supreme Court went against the will of the people. What we're doing now is asking people to join in advocacy, join in the streets . . . Talk to your loved ones about why you support abortion access and try to do it with compassion, understanding, and a fierce heart because now is the time and we need everybody's voice.” - Elizabeth Estrada
“. . . I feel both hope and heartbreak right now as we are speaking. Cops and courts are increasingly punishing and investigating people who are trying to seek basic healthcare as abortion. There is less access to gender affirming care. And of course, the genocides that are happening in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo are stripping people of their lands and literally their lives.” - Adaku Utah
“The worst has already happened, and it happened under a democratic president. Let's be very clear. Dobbs happened. Abortion is no longer a nationally protected right. There are people who are struggling to access care today. They can't wait for November . . .” - Chelsea Williams-Diggs
Guests:
• Elizabeth Estrada: NY Field & Advocacy Manager, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
• Adaku Utah: Senior Manager of Movement Building Programs, Building Movement Project; Organizer, Grassroots Strategist, Politicized Healer
• Chelsea Williams-Diggs: Executive Director, New York Abortion Access Fund
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Audacity of Free Thought” by Delasi featuring Noah Dreiblatt released on Brownswood Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
How do we deal with personal and societal trauma and pain in this moment of war, political polarization, increasing violence, domestic terror, and despair? Experts say we must look at the root causes of our pain, and yet the US is in the grip of a battle over exactly that — with efforts to ban books, censor news, cancel truth-tellers and hide history. How do we come together and overcome what the US surgeon general says is loneliness on an “epidemic” scale, when our society and culture work to separate us and tell us to heal alone? Today’s guests have experienced personal trauma and turned it into fuel for making social change. V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, is the co-founder of One Billion Rising and V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. Her latest book, “Reckoning”, is out in paperback this month. Dr. Gabor Maté, a Holocaust survivor, is a retired physician and author of several groundbreaking books on healing personal and collective pain. His latest, written with his son Daniel Maté is “The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture”. What are the things making people feel desperate, broken and afraid? And what can we do to help one another look at what feels unbearable with a view to changing it? All that, plus V lays out the plans for V Day on February 14, where this year’s theme is Rise for Freedom, and a commentary from Laura on the power of feelings and the teachings of the late great queer author/activist Amber Hollibaugh.
Guests:
• Gabor Maté: Physician (retired), Public Speaker & Bestselling Author, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
• V (formerly Eve Ensler): Playwright, Activist, Author, Founder V-Day & One Billion Rising
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode 'Looking at the Unbearable with Dr. Gabor Maté & V (formerly Eve Ensler).' It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
As the 2024 presidential election campaign heats up, Idaho is not a place that Democratic campaign strategists will be thinking much about, but writing off places like Idaho is a mistake, say two anti-authoritarian activists based in the US Northwest. Adrienne Evans is the executive director for United Vision for Idaho, the state’s only multi-issue, progressive coalition. Scot Nakagawa, director of the new 22nd Century Initiative, has worked for decades to counter extremism, starting in the 1980s, confronting white militias in Oregon. In this episode, Laura asks her guests why places like Idaho — one of the most conservative states in the country — remain so important to US democracy, and Laura participates in a rural tour around Boise, Idaho's capital. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how Americans once toppled autocracy — and what the writers of the Constitution did in response.
"People on both sides of the political spectrum no longer believe that government is for them; that they have access or the ability to change the things in their lives . . . When you lose faith in institutions like that, no wonder authoritarianism comes in and offers to break that, it sounds pretty good.” - Adrienne Evans
“It's often in the most difficult places that people come up with the best ideas, that kind of repression can be the mother of invention . . . What we can learn from Idaho about the future is tremendous.” - Scot Nakagawa
Guests:
• Adrienne Evans: Executive Director, United Vision for Idaho
• Scot Nakagawa: Director, 22nd Century Initiative
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Miles James remix of “Something’s Going On” by Kokoroko from their “Could We Be More Remixes” released on Brownswood Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
How does a religion that claims to be rooted in love and peace fire people up to commit violence, as at the Capitol on January 6, 2021? In a brand-new documentary, “God & Country”, producer Rob Reiner and director Dan Partland explore Christian Nationalism — a toxic brew of patriarchal White Nationalism and messianic faith. Based on the book “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” by Katherine Stewart, “God & Country” exposes how Christian Nationalism poses a real and immediate threat, not only to the very idea of secular democracy but also to Christianity itself. Reiner is an Emmy-winning actor and acclaimed director, best known for his work on “All In The Family”, “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Princess Bride”. He is also a political activist dedicating his time to numerous social justice causes. Partland, a veteran documentary producer and director for film and television, is a five-time Emmy nominee with two Emmys for Best Nonfiction Series including American High on Fox. Whether you’re a Christian or a concerned citizen, this episode is a must-watch. Plus, a closing commentary from Laura on becoming actively engaged in our democracy.
“If you believe the United States has a God-ordained role to play in human history as a Christian nation and democracy is taking us away from those principles, then you can justify doing anything to make sure that God's will is done. That's what I think you see happening on January 6th.” - Dan Partland
“Christian nationalism . . . as this political movement is not the majority. It is far from the majority. What is scary is that because of the way our system works, a very virulent minority can control our politics and that's what they've done.” - Rob Reiner
Guests:
• Dan Partland: Director, God & Country
• Rob Reiner: Producer, God & Country
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Micky More & Andy Tee Club Mix of “Promised Land (Homage)” a rework by Barbara Tucker and The BCrew of the Joe Smooth Classic courtesy of B Star Music Group. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode “Organizing for Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet the People of JVP & NY Assembly member Mamdani.” It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
You’ve seen them in protests since the start of the Israel/Hamas war — from New York City’s Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty, to the Capitol in DC, the highways of Durham, North Carolina, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and more. Who are the people of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the largest progressive Jewish-led pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist organization in the world? The Grand Central Station sit-in made history as the largest act of civil disobedience in New York City since the Iraq War. In this episode, Laura Flanders talks with two JVP members, Rosalind Petchesky, veteran political scientist and a leading theorist on international reproductive rights and Jay Saper, an artist and Yiddish translator, about their heroes and their inspirations — including Israeli peace activists and the families of Israeli hostages; and we meet New York State Assembly member Zohran K. Mamdani, a Muslim, a Democratic Socialist and the first South Asian man in the NYS Assembly. Long before October 7, 2023, Mamdani, who represents Astoria, Queens introduced the Not On Our Dime! Bill that would make it illegal for New York State-registered charities to fund Israeli settler organizations. As you'll hear, these guests see connections between white supremacy, Zionism, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, militarism and violence against women. What are the tools for building freedom and equity that connect us rather than divide us? Plus a commentary from Laura on news and no-news on Gaza. Thank you. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
Guests:
• Zohran K. Mamdani: New York State Assembly Member (D-Astoria/Long Island City)
• Rosalind Petchesky: Distinguished Professor Emerita (retired) of Political Science, Hunter College & the Graduate Center, CUNY
• Jay Saper: Member Leader, Jewish Voice for Peace; Coeditor, Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
How do we deal with personal and societal trauma and pain in this moment of war, political polarization, increasing violence, domestic terror, and despair? Experts say we must look at the root causes of our pain, and yet the US is in the grip of a battle over exactly that — with efforts to ban books, censor news, cancel truth-tellers and hide history. How do we come together and overcome what the US surgeon general says is loneliness on an “epidemic” scale, when our society and culture work to separate us and tell us to heal alone? Today’s guests have experienced personal trauma and turned it into fuel for making social change. V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, is the co-founder of One Billion Rising and V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. Her latest book, “Reckoning”, is out in paperback this month. Dr. Gabor Maté, a Holocaust survivor, is a retired physician and author of several groundbreaking books on healing personal and collective pain. His latest, written with his son Daniel Maté is “The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture”. What are the things making people feel desperate, broken and afraid? And what can we do to help one another look at what feels unbearable with a view to changing it? All that, plus V lays out the plans for V Day on February 14, where this year’s theme is Rise for Freedom, and a commentary from Laura on the power of feelings and the teachings of the late great queer author/activist Amber Hollibaugh.
“If you don't want to look at the history of what happened to the Indigenous people in this country, it is where you must look. If you are afraid to look at what happened to African Americans in the 400 years of slavery and Jim Crow, and that is where you must look.” - V (formerly Eve Ensler)
“. . . Loneliness is not an accident . . . It's an outcome of economic and political decisions made at the top over the last several decades. The loneliness epidemic is not simply an individual, or even communal human problem. It's a manifestation of what I call a toxic culture.” - Dr. Gabor Maté
Guests:
Gabor Maté: Physician (retired), Public Speaker & Bestselling Author, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
V (formerly Eve Ensler): Playwright, Activist, Author, Founder V-Day & One Billion Rising
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Dancefloor Intifada” by Ghost Producer, from the project Sonically Dismantling Western Imperialism courtesy of Underground Producers Alliance. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: "Capital bias" prioritizes wealth over people and the planet. What are the consequences? That question is at the core of “Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises”, the new book from Marjorie Kelly. There’s too much financial wealth in our system, she says, yet capitalism encourages us to keep scaling up, building our portfolios and maximizing profits. Like white supremacy, wealth supremacy is both entirely obvious and oddly hidden. But it shows up everywhere, and it’s brought us to a deadly brink. What is to be done? As you’ll hear in the episode, meaningful conversations about wealth supremacy can help us shift away from capitalism and imagine better economic models. Tune in as Marjorie Kelly and Laura Flanders do just that. Marjorie Kelly is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Democracy Collaborative and a longtime business observer. Her book is out now via Berrett-Koehler Press.
“. . . Big capital is out there right now buying water rights . . . Communities are saying no . . . water needs to be declared a public trust. You have these two completely different worldviews, which really show us we can have a financialized world or we can have a democratic world . . .” - Marjorie Kelly
“White supremacy and wealth supremacy are entirely entangled and you can't solve for racial equity without also looking at this wealth inequity. It hits people of color hardest, but it's hitting all of us, including the planet.” - Marjorie Kelly
GUEST: Marjorie Kelly: Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Democracy Collaborative; Author, Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Brooklynville” by Opa from their album Back Home released on Far Out Recordings. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode Debt, Democracy & Disarray: Astra Taylor on “The Age of Insecurity.” It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: Can we turn our insecurity into power? Consumer debt stands at $17.29 trillion and many Americans are drowning in debt, with the average household owning over $100 thousand. The climate crisis, threats to democracy, and global wars add more worry to our already stressful lives. In her new book out from House of Anansi Press, “The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart”, writer, filmmaker, organizer, and the 2023 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Massey Lecturer, Astra Taylor uses mythology. psychology and the history of capitalism to break down the different kinds of insecurities we face, and explore how our insecurities help capitalism flourish. Without it, the system would cease to function, she says. In her years of work as Co-Founder of the Debt Collective, which emerged from Occupy Wall Street, Taylor has used debt as a tool for bringing people together and organizing. She is the author of The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart, Democracy May Not Exist But We'll Miss It When It is Gone, and The People's Platform (winner of the American Book Award), and the director of What Is Democracy?, among other books and films. In this wide-ranging discussion, Astra Taylor and Laura Flanders discuss the history of capitalism, the rights of debtors, and what we can do to lessen insecurity and expand security both as individuals and as a society. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
Guest: Astra Taylor: Co-Founder of the Debt Collective & Author, The Age of Insecurity
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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Dr. Claudine Gay, a widely esteemed scholar, made history as the first Black President of Harvard in the university’s 387 years. Many saw her tenure as a step forward for diversity in higher education, but today, her resignation speaks volumes about the challenges Black women face in academia. Gay faced fierce backlash this winter over the school’s statements on the Israel-Hamas War. A politically-motivated grilling in Congress followed by an organized campaign to attack Gay’s credibility and intellect, led to her resignation on January 2. What does this all mean for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in education? In this timely installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press,” our monthly collaboration with URL Media, a network of independent media owned and operated by people of color, Laura is joined by co-host Amir Khafagy, labor and immigration reporter for Documented, which is a member of the URL Media network. We unpack the crusade against Gay, DEI and the lack of support that students and faculty of color, and especially women of color, receive from their universities. Also joining us are Zaire Dinzey-Flores, Professor and Chair of Latino and Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University, and Jamiee Swift, the Founder and Executive Director of Black Women Radicals. Tune in to hear what the media got right — and wrong — about this story.
“Academia is not an inclusive space. Academia is a hard place for many people, and we have to decide if we want institutions that are diverse and inclusive of multiple viewpoints . . . We belong and we contribute.” - Zaire Dinzey-Flores
“There’s a new age of McCarthyism taking place not only in academic spaces, but also media spaces. We're seeing reporters losing their jobs or being forced to resign if they have a pro-Palestinian stance. In academia, we're seeing regulations on campuses that say that you have to support Israel, almost like in the McCarthy era where you had to denounce communism in order to get a job.” - Amir Khafagy
“If the university is supposed to be the marketplace of ideas, why are Black people and people of color's ideas, advocacy and activism always targeted, surveilled and pushed out?” - Jamiee Swift
Guests:
• Zaire Dinzey-Flores: Associate Professor & Chair of Latino and Caribbean Studies, Rutgers University
• Amir Khafagy (Co-host): Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
• Jaimee Swift: Founder, Black Women Radicals; Professor of Black Politics
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Awakening” by Climbing PoeTree from their 2017 album INTRINSIC. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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Civic courage — what does it look like and how can more of us embody it? In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a study by Pew Research highlights a concerning trend among Americans: nearly two-thirds feel exhausted, 55% express anger, and a mere 10% report feeling hopeful about politics. Our guest Sam Daley-Harris believes we need advocacy organizations to train individuals to take bold actions — the sort that have an impact and leave volunteers feeling empowered and transformed. Daley-Harris is the founder of the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980 and Civic Courage in 2012. Jimmy Carter hailed the first edition of his book, "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," as a “roadmap” for global involvement in shaping a better future. Kirkus Reviews praises the updated 2024 edition as "A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical." A conversation to kick off election year, Daley-Harris suggests how to head off despair, and Laura shares some closing comments on citizenship and spaceships. Recorded at CUNYtv in NYC.
“Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy with a large population who thinks nothing will get any better . . . Cynicism is obedience. If I'm cynical, I'm being obedient to the way things are rather than getting involved” - Sam Daley-Harris
Guest: Sam Daley-Harris: Founder, RESULTS & Civic Courage; Author: Reclaiming Our Democracy
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Losing Steam” by Salami Rose Joe Louis from her latest album Akousmatikous released on Brainfeeder Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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You’ve seen them in protests since the start of the Israel/Hamas war — from New York City’s Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty, to the Capitol in DC, the highways of Durham, North Carolina, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and more. Who are the people of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the largest progressive Jewish-led pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist organization in the world? The Grand Central Station sit-in made history as the largest act of civil disobedience in New York City since the Iraq War. In this episode, Laura Flanders talks with two JVP members, Rosalind Petchesky, veteran political scientist and a leading theorist on international reproductive rights and Jay Saper, an artist and Yiddish translator, about their heroes and their inspirations — including Israeli peace activists and the families of Israeli hostages; and we meet New York State Assemblymember Zohran K. Mamdani, a Muslim, a Democratic Socialist and the first South Asian man in the NYS Assembly. Long before October 7, 2023, Mamdani, who represents Astoria, Queens introduced the Not On Our Dime! Bill that would make it illegal for New York State-registered charities to fund Israeli settler organizations. As you'll hear, these guests see connections between white supremacy, Zionism, antisemitism, anti-Black racism, militarism and violence against women. What are the tools for building freedom and equity that connect us rather than divide us? Plus a commentary from Laura on news and no-news on Gaza.
“I moved to Cape Town in South Africa. I lived there until I was seven . . . and it was right after the fall of apartheid. And I always remember the words of Nelson Mandela saying that we know all too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians.” - Zohran K. Mamdani
“[My aunt’s] synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi was bombed during the Jim Crow era because of her rabbi's commitment to support the Black freedom struggle . . . [This] makes it clear that antisemitism needs to be confronted by challenging all forms of white supremacy by speaking out against Islamophobia, by taking action against anti-Black racism, and by committing to a world where we build safety through solidarity.” - Jay Saper
“. . . When I went to Israel at the age of 16, I witnessed racism. I was so angry and so disillusioned that I turned away from Judaism for many years. Only now through JVP, through the young people of Jewish Voice for Peace, I'm rediscovering my connection and my identity as Jewish.” - Rosalind Petchesky
Guests:
Zohran K. Mamdani: New York State Assembly Member (D-Astoria/Long Island City)
Rosalind Petchesky: Distinguished Professor Emerita (retired) of Political Science, Hunter College & the Graduate Center, CUNY
Jay Saper: Member Leader, Jewish Voice for Peace; Coeditor, Questions to Ask Before Your Bat Mitzvah
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Dem Militarize Democracy” by Femi Kuti from his album One People One World released on Knitting Factory Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "Israel, Hamas & Universal Human Rights: Former UN Official Craig Mokhiber Describes Path Forward." It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Support the podcast by becoming a member => LauraFlanders.org/donate
Description: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations 75 years ago this December, as was the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. But that same year also saw the institutionalization of apartheid in South Africa, and the Palestine War or Nakba which displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs in the course of creating the state of Israel. What does it mean to commemorate this anniversary in a time of genocide and gross violation of human rights — particularly in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas? Until recently, Craig Mokhiber was the director in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), where he had served since 1992. A specialist in international human rights law, policy, and methodology, he worked through genocides against Tutsis in Rwanda, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraq, and Rohingya in Myanmar. In his resignation letter, sent October 28th this year, he wrote, “Once again, we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the organization that we serve appears powerless to stop it.” Both Israel and Hamas have now been accused of committing gross violations of human rights in their current conflict, including acts of genocide. But what exactly is genocide? And what is the responsibility of the world to stop it? In this timely episode, Laura and Mokhiber explore the promise of the Universal Declaration and ask how we can honor this historic achievement while also acknowledging the hypocrisies of 1948 — and now. What can be learned from the South African experience that might offer a way forward for peace with justice for Israelis and Palestinians? All that and a commentary from Laura on what it takes for us to recognize one another's humanity.
Guest: Craig Mokhiber: Human Rights Lawyer, Former Senior United Nations Official
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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-Episode Rewind -
Description: "We cannot be both against occupation, and for it. We cannot be both for freedom, and against it. And we cannot be for a better world, while contributing to one that is materially worse,” writes Josh Paul in his letter of resignation. After 11 years in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs — the entity most responsible for arms transfers to allies and partners — Paul quit October 18, over increased, “indeed expedited” arms sales to Israel. In this conversation, one of the first full-length interviews with Paul since his resignation, he sits down with Laura Flanders to discuss why he resigned, his concerns about how the weapons will be used, the unique way that Israel is treated when it comes to US arms sales and why the US approach to creating peace in the Middle East is clearly not working. US double standards and hypocrisy when it comes to human rights crimes, he says, are dangerous for all concerned. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on the war economy.
Guest: Josh Paul: Former State Department Director, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Fear of an Equal Planet” by Warriors of the Dystotheque. And additional music included- "Steppin," "Beachhead," and "Ocean Point" by Podington Bear.
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Description: Politics abhors a vacuum. Without credible explanations for the things that bewilder and exasperate us, people become susceptible to extremist conspiracy theories, hate and lies. So how does truth survive? In her brand new book, "Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World”, award-winning journalist Naomi Klein, (author of No Logo, The Shock Doctrine, et al), describes being confused with Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth, as Wolf morphed into a conspiracy-minded anti-vaxxer during the Covid pandemic. In an era of all important "personal brands", Klein became absorbed in the deep fake, double worlds surrounding and sometimes coming to represent her online. Right-wing conspiracies feed off Left-wing silences, she concludes. In this far-ranging interview from her home in British Columbia, Canada, Klein describes listening to hours and hours of conspiracist Steve Bannon's podcasts, and researching doppelgängers in history and literature, in order to uncover why we have shadow selves, and how disinformation and conspiracy theories gain power. Join Laura Flanders for this charming conversation as Naomi Klein challenges us to overcome divide-and-conquer individualism if we are ever to tackle our real-life, systemic crises. And Laura shares a few thoughts on learning from our elders about the pre-digital age.
Guest: Naomi Klein: Journalist & Best-Selling Author, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, This Changes Everything & On Fire
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Connections” featuring lyrics by Reg E. Gaines and music by Calvin Gaines. Additional music included- "Steppin," by Podington Bear.
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Description: A bold experiment is taking place among Black farmers in the Southeast — a story of hope in an area with a history of plantation slavery, land theft and white violence. The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project is pioneering regenerative farming practices as a means to address systemic racism and make repair. This innovative project combines restorative economics, regenerative agriculture, and asset ownership as the path to address the harm done to Black farmers, and the environmentally harmful methods of rice production. In this exclusive report from The Laura Flanders Show, Laura Flanders reports on-location from Alexandria, Louisiana, where she meets Jubilee Justice Co-Founder and President Konda Mason, veteran civil rights crusader Shirley Sherrod and the Black farmers at the center of this story. Through knowledge sharing, collaboration and community support, this project endeavors to bridge the racial divide and foster a future rooted in justice and healing. Join us to discover how Jubilee Justice helps repair the damage from long-term racism and plant the seeds for a healthful and healing future.
Guests:
Nwamaka Agbo: CEO, Kataly Foundation & Managing Director, Restorative Economies Fund
Donna Isaac: Farmer, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Myles Gaines: Head of Innovation & Experimentation, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Konda Mason: Founder & President, Jubilee Justice
Shirley Sherrod: Executive Director, Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education; Co-Founder, New Communities, Inc.; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Equity Commission
Bernard Winn: Operations Specialist & Mill Manager, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Caryl Levine and Ken Lee: Co-Founders & Co-CEOs, Lotus Foods; Partners with Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Freedom and Progress” by Nicole Conte featuring Zara McFarlane from his full length album Umoja released on Far Out Recordings. Additional music included- "Steppin," by Podington Bear.
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Description: Can we turn our insecurity into power? Consumer debt stands at $17.29 trillion and many Americans are drowning in debt, with the average household owning over $100 thousand. The climate crisis, threats to democracy, and global wars add more worry to our already stressful lives. In her new book out from House of Anansi Press, “The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart”, writer, filmmaker, organizer, and the 2023 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Massey Lecturer, Astra Taylor uses mythology. psychology and the history of capitalism to break down the different kinds of insecurities we face, and explore how our insecurities help capitalism flourish. Without it, the system would cease to function, she says. In her years of work as Co-Founder of the Debt Collective, which emerged from Occupy Wall Street, Taylor has used debt as a tool for bringing people together and organizing. She is the author of The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart, Democracy May Not Exist But We'll Miss It When It is Gone, and The People's Platform (winner of the American Book Award), and the director of What Is Democracy?, among other books and films. In this wide-ranging discussion, Astra Taylor and Laura Flanders discuss the history of capitalism, the rights of debtors, and what we can do to lessen insecurity and expand security both as individuals and as a society. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.
“There is a debate here about motivation and what motivates us, and we are constantly being told that if people are too secure, that society's going to collapse and that we can't afford to invest in other folks. And I really want to challenge that idea.” - Astra Taylor
“. . . When you start talking about [debt] with others, you realize you're actually in the same boat and you start coming together to demand change, to demand debt cancellation, to demand the provision of these public goods. Debt actually can become a source of power.” - Astra Taylor
Guest: Astra Taylor: Co-Founder of the Debt Collective & Author, The Age of Insecurity
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Positivity” by Outside from their album Almost In courtesy of Dorado Records. Additional music included- "Steppin," by Podington Bear.
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "Imagination in the Face of Incarceration." It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member supporter at LauraFlanders.org/donate
Take Our Survey: Vote for your favorite LF Show episodes
Description: What difference can art make for people in prison? The state of Michigan spends $48,000 per prisoner every year — with little to no money going towards funding for prison education, art and rehabilitation programs. The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is an independent program of the University of Michigan that supports formerly incarcerated artists, facilitates creative arts workshops and even hosts an annual exhibition to showcase incarcerated artists’ work. PCAP was founded by William “Buzz” Alexander, the late husband of Janie Paul, the curator of PCAP and author of the book based on the project: “Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance”, out now via Hat and Beard Press. As you’ll hear in the program, the work of PCAP has built a vibrant community of artists inside and outside prison walls. Joining us for this conversation are Janie Paul and artist Yusef Qualls, known as Q. He was released from prison five months ago after being sentenced to life as a minor and serving 28 years. Danny Valentine is a formerly incarcerated artist also featured in the book, who credits PCAP for saving his life. What can incarcerated artists teach us about why humans make art and the power it holds? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on poets imagining Gaza.
Guests:
• Janie Paul: Author, Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance; Emerita Professor of Art, University of Michigan; Curator, Prison Creative Arts Project
• Q (Yusef Qualls): Former Juvenile Lifer & Incarcerated Artist
• Danny Valentine: Formerly Incarcerated Artist
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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Description: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations 75 years ago this December, as was the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. But that same year also saw the institutionalization of apartheid in South Africa, and the Palestine War or Nakba which displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs in the course of creating the state of Israel. What does it mean to commemorate this anniversary in a time of genocide and gross violation of human rights — particularly in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas? Until recently, Craig Mokhiber was the director in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), where he had served since 1992. A specialist in international human rights law, policy, and methodology, he worked through genocides against Tutsis in Rwanda, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraq, and Rohingya in Myanmar. In his resignation letter, sent October 28th this year, he wrote, “Once again, we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the organization that we serve appears powerless to stop it.” Both Israel and Hamas have now been accused of committing gross violations of human rights in their current conflict, including acts of genocide. But what exactly is genocide? And what is the responsibility of the world to stop it? In this timely episode, Laura and Mokhiber explore the promise of the Universal Declaration and ask how we can honor this historic achievement while also acknowledging the hypocrisies of 1948 — and now. What can be learned from the South African experience that might offer a way forward for peace with justice for Israelis and Palestinians? All that and a commentary from Laura on what it takes for us to recognize one another's humanity.
“Israel is responsible for its own crimes. That responsibility does not extend to Jewish people around the world and certainly not to those who are standing up to say that this is not in their name.” - Craig Mokhiber
“We want to see justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators, but we want it to be done peacefully. And what are the peaceful means? We have legal action, we have political action, we have mass mobilizations, we have divestments, we have boycotts.” - Craig Mokhiber
Guest: Craig Mokhiber: Human Rights Lawyer, Former Senior United Nations Official
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: Funk 4 Peace by Fort Knox Five from their album Radio Free DC courtesy of Fort Know Recordings. Additional music included- "Steppin," by Podington Bear.
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "BIPOC Media on the Fight for Fair Wages — & Anti-racist Unions." It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member supporter at LauraFlanders.org/donate
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Description: From auto plants to Amazon warehouses, to Hollywood studios, pharmacies and hospitals, almost half a million workers have gone on strike so far this year. Many are celebrating this revival of labor power, but what does it mean for workers of color — often hardest hit — and least well treated even by traditional labor organizations? Worker rights and racial justice are linked, but mainstream media often fails to make the connection. In this “Meet the BIPOC Press” episode co-hosted by Laura Flanders and Sara Lomax, Co-founder of URL Media, we explore the diversity of today’s unionized workforce and their demands. What happens when media bring a race-smart angle to their reporting? Joining us are Queens, New York-based reporter Amir Khafagy, reporting on the intersection of labor and immigration at Documented; and News Editor Carolyn Copeland, who is tracking national labor coverage with her team at Prism.
“Whenever you're talking about unions, you're always talking about people of color because people of color are more likely to belong to a union . . . Union issues are always a racial justice issue.” - Carolyn Copeland
“We have this sense of the burly Trade Union white guy that sometimes votes Republican. But lately, what we've seen now is the trade unions have come to realize that the historical animosity they had, especially towards immigrant workers and Black and Latino workers, has actually hurt their movement.“ - Amir Khafagy
“There has been a generational concern in Philadelphia about the racial gap in access to union participation . . . A lot of Black and BIPOC workers have not been able to join some of the unions in Philadelphia, skilled trades, et cetera. And it's really created a racial hierarchy in the unions.” - Sara Lomax
Guests:
Carolyn Copeland: News Editor, Prism
Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Sara Lomax: Co-Founder, URL Media; President & CEO, WURD Radio
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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SPECIAL REPORT- On December 3, 2022, an attack on two electrical substations in Moore County, North Carolina left 45,000 households and businesses without power for up to five days. It was the biggest domestic terrorist attack on the electricity grid in U.S. history, but one year later, no arrests have been made and authorities have named no suspects other than to say that whoever did this “knew what they were doing.” In this installment of The Laura Flanders Show’s investigation into the local roots of the January 6 insurrection in one state, North Carolina, Laura speaks with the North Carolinians who were at a drag show in Moore County when the lights went out. “Downtown Divas” had been harassed for months by anti-LGBTQ leaders — did the sabotage attack have anything to do with that harassment or the drag performance scheduled that night? As legislators and local leaders continue to roll back LGBTQ rights, they remain largely silent about the real threats facing North Carolinians and the nation from domestic terrorists with their sights set on U.S. power grids. Why? This episode also looks at how the LGBTQ community in North Carolina is standing up to hate and creating safety — with Drag operatics — for all.
“When the lights went out, it didn't matter who was Black, who was Latino, who was Asian, who was a person of color, didn't matter if you were Catholic, if you were Baptist, if you were Christian. We were all in the same space, all in the same boat, which was that we didn't have any power.” - Naomi Dix
“[After the attack] I remember thinking, I have to start speaking more . . . I have to start sticking up for myself and the trans community more, because that's what prevents things like this.” - Alex Lafferty
“We aren't the villains in this situation. We have a right to exist and be performing and what I love about drag is the joy that we bring not only to LGBT people, but the whole community.” - Tori Grace Nichols
“We are talking about a great harm that happened here in North Carolina, but this is a national problem and not a new one . . . This is a domestic terrorist threat that people really need to be paying attention to.” - Serena Sebring
“. . . That show and that incident brought out two different sets of people. It brought out the lovers and it brought out the haters . . . Those haters have found a way to attack our youth through the school board and our communities.” - Erica Street
Guests:
• Naomi Dix: Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC
• Alex Lafferty: Daughter of Erica Street, High School Student & Youth Activist
• Tori Grace Nichols: Drag Artist & Cultural Organizer
• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint North Carolina
• Erica Street: Mother of Alex Lafferty; Co-founder, PFLAG Southern Pines
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “No One Else Has Your Magic” by Muva of Earth from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Records. Additional music by Podington Bear “Hearts Aflutter,” “Mont Blanc,” “Beachhead,” “Tender and Curious,”
Credits:
Executive Producer: Laura Flanders, Field Producer: Brian Palmer, Supervising Producer: Sabrina Artel, Consulting Producer: Rory O’Connor, Development Director: Sarah Miller, Senior Video Editor: David Neumann, Creative Designer & Video Editor: Nat Needham, Audio Director: Jeannie Hopper, Communications Director: Janet Hernandez, LF Show Fellow: Maryia Kanavalenka.
Our thanks to Jim Davis Kym Register
Special thanks We deeply appreciate the Blueprint North Carolina staff whose collaborations have been key to the success of this award-winning and ground-breaking set of episodes. Blueprint North Carolina Staff Mab Segrest, Anti-Racist Research Program Director Serena Sebring, Executive Director Christina Davis McCoy, Organizing Coordinator Heather Ahn-Redding, Anti-Racist Research Associate D Juan Owens, Executive Security Lead Tori Grace Nichols, Research & Media Intern Jazmynne Cruz, Research Intern
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode "Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations." It is available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member supporter at LauraFlanders.org/donate
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What can we learn from the experiences of people living on the frontlines of climate catastrophe? “There’s beautiful resistance out there,” says Colette Pichon Battle. She is a Louisiana native who began her work in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 when she and so many others lost their homes. A leading voice in climate justice and Black liberation movements, Pichon Battle founded the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy (GCCLP) that focused on equitable climate resilience in the Gulf South. Now she has expanded her vision into Taproot Earth, to include work in Appalachia, the global Black diaspora and geographies across the world with a focus on climate migration and Taproot's work around Global Climate Reparations. According to a 2022 report by the International Organization for Migration, in the US, anywhere from 4.2 to 13.1 million people could become victims of floods by the year 2100. It is the reality that Pichon Battle has been alerting us to for years — climate change isn’t looming, it’s here. With suffocating orange wildfire smoke, deadly heat waves and drenching rain; with hurricanes, floods and landslides — we have crossed what some call the change horizon. Can it also be a liberation horizon? Colette believes it can. Today’s program is devoted to her evolving understanding of how the crises of climate, migration, capitalism and over-policing are connected, and what is our work to do. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“If we choose to be our best selves in this moment, if we choose to work through fear in this moment, if we choose courage and each other, we can actually stop not just the oppression of my people, but the oppression of yours.” - Colette Pichon Battle
“What I need is white allies learning about whatever ethnicity, whatever cultural tradition they come from, and how did they live with the land and how do we put those things together? . . . Why aren't we fighting together for the sake of this planet?” - Colette Pichon Battle
Guest: Colette Pichon Battle, Esq.: Co-founder, Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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What difference can art make for people in prison? The state of Michigan spends $48,000 per prisoner every year — with little to no money going towards funding for prison education, art and rehabilitation programs. The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is an independent program of the University of Michigan that supports formerly incarcerated artists, facilitates creative arts workshops and even hosts an annual exhibition to showcase incarcerated artists’ work. PCAP was founded by William “Buzz” Alexander, the late husband of Janie Paul, the curator of PCAP and author of the book based on the project: “Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance”, out now via Hat and Beard Press. As you’ll hear in the program, the work of PCAP has built a vibrant community of artists inside and outside prison walls. Joining us for this conversation are Janie Paul and artist Yusef Qualls, known as Q. He was released from prison five months ago after being sentenced to life as a minor and serving 28 years. Danny Valentine is a formerly incarcerated artist also featured in the book, who credits PCAP for saving his life. What can incarcerated artists teach us about why humans make art and the power it holds? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on poets imagining Gaza.
“People in prison are treated as objects . . . [Art] is not just a hobby, it's a way for someone to stop being an object in someone else's world and to be the subject making choices, having pleasure and making something that is very valuable. “ - Janie Paul
“I lost uncles and aunts and cousins, my son's mother, girlfriends, best friends . . . Art was my way of going inside myself and talking about these things . . .” - Q (Yusef Qualls)
“This whole prison system is nothing but a form of slavery. It takes advantage of the socioeconomically challenged . . . If we keep pushing the truth out there through art and other forms, we can bring this lie to the common people . . . ” - Danny Valentine
Guests:
Janie Paul: Author, Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance; Emerita Professor of Art, University of Michigan; Curator, Prison Creative Arts Project
Q (Yusef Qualls): Former Juvenile Lifer & Incarcerated Artist
Danny Valentine: Formerly Incarcerated Artist
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Propaganda” featuring Brijean by Lindsey Olsen aka Salami Rose Joe Louis from her album Akousmatikous released on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label. And additional music included- "Steppin," "Beachhead," and "Ocean Point" by Podington Bear.
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From auto plants to Amazon warehouses, to Hollywood studios, pharmacies and hospitals, almost half a million workers have gone on strike so far this year. Many are celebrating this revival of labor power, but what does it mean for workers of color — often hardest hit — and least well treated even by traditional labor organizations? Worker rights and racial justice are linked, but mainstream media often fails to make the connection. In this “Meet the BIPOC Press” episode co-hosted by Laura Flanders and Sara Lomax, Co-founder of URL Media, we explore the diversity of today’s unionized workforce and their demands. What happens when media bring a race-smart angle to their reporting? Joining us are Queens, New York-based reporter Amir Khafagy, reporting on the intersection of labor and immigration at Documented; and News Editor Carolyn Copeland, who is tracking national labor coverage with her team at Prism.
“Whenever you're talking about unions, you're always talking about people of color because people of color are more likely to belong to a union . . . Union issues are always a racial justice issue.” - Carolyn Copeland
“We have this sense of the burly Trade Union white guy that sometimes votes Republican. But lately, what we've seen now is the trade unions have come to realize that the historical animosity they had, especially towards immigrant workers and Black and Latino workers, has actually hurt their movement.“ - Amir Khafagy
“There has been a generational concern in Philadelphia about the racial gap in access to union participation . . . A lot of Black and BIPOC workers have not been able to join some of the unions in Philadelphia, skilled trades, et cetera. And it's really created a racial hierarchy in the unions.” - Sara Lomax
Guests:
Carolyn Copeland: News Editor, Prism
Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented
Sara Lomax: Co-Founder, URL Media; President & CEO, WURD Radio
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “The Surge” by Sandunes featuring Ramya Pathuri, from their full length album The Ground Beneath Her Feet, released on Tru Thoughts records. And additional music included- "Steppin," "Beachhead," and "Ocean Point" by Podington Bear.
🎧 LOOKING FOR UNCUT INTERVIEWS? check our podcast feed the following week. Thanks to our sustaining members and their monthly support. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode “Josh Paul Reveals The Truth Behind US Arms Supply to Israel". It is made available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you.
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"We cannot be both against occupation, and for it. We cannot be both for freedom, and against it. And we cannot be for a better world, while contributing to one that is materially worse,” writes Josh Paul in his letter of resignation. After 11 years in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs — the entity most responsible for arms transfers to allies and partners — Paul quit October 18, over increased, “indeed expedited” arms sales to Israel. In this conversation, one of the first full-length interviews with Paul since his resignation, he sits down with Laura Flanders to discuss why he resigned, his concerns about how the weapons will be used, the unique way that Israel is treated when it comes to US arms sales and why the US approach to creating peace in the Middle East is clearly not working. US double standards and hypocrisy when it comes to human rights crimes, he says, are dangerous for all concerned. All that, plus a commentary for Laura on the war economy.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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In 1989, New York City declared itself a sanctuary city — a place where undocumented immigrants seeking asylum are safe from immediate deportation and eligible to receive city services. But living up to that promise is tougher than just passing a law. This year, New York City has received over 100,000 asylum seekers so far, including 15,000 unaccompanied minors. Most are from Latin America, where they face extortion from gangs, robbery, rape and LGBTQ+ persecution. The journey to the U.S. is deadly, but so is life back home. They set out by bus, train, and on foot through forests and the Rio Grande, often with babies and toddlers, to come to the U.S. In this episode of The Laura Flanders Show, produced in collaboration with the School of Labor and Urban Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY), hear the harrowing journeys and hopes of refugees coming to New York City — and the issues they face soon after they arrive — including trouble finding work, shelter, foster care placement, and legal battles. New York City is conflicted about their arrival, politicians say there are too many migrants, and far-Right extremists create a hostile and oftentimes dangerous environment. Stepping in is a growing network of volunteers and nonprofits comprised of social workers and lawyers on the ground and in the courts, who are working to give asylum seekers a welcome, shelter, and legal protection. New York City as we know it would cease to exist without migrants. Here are their stories.
[Translated from Spanish] “A lot of the gay people in Guatemala or Central America, they get murdered. They either get killed or they hide their homosexuality by pretending to be someone else. If they do that, they don’t get hurt, but if they dress like women, or if they present in a feminine way, they get attacked.” - Eswin
“We work with young people who have been raped, who have been tortured, who have been kidnapped — many times on the way from their country to the United States — who’ve been abandoned, who’ve been starved. They are coming with the continued desire to thrive in this country despite the trauma that they’ve endured.” - Angela Fernández
“Unaccompanied minors and immigrant children who are working are particularly vulnerable . . . They don’t speak the language, they may not know their rights. They may not know what kinds of agencies to go to or where they can get help.” - Terri Gerstein
“The people that we’re getting are all working-class families. They’re decent people . . . We should welcome everybody. We need the help.” - Father James Kelly
“The first thing that [migrants] ask is not water, food, it’s where can I find work. They don’t want handouts. They want to be able to provide for themselves.” - Power Malu
[Translated from Spanish] “. . . [Organized crime] began extorting people . . . Where I used to live, they killed a 13-year-old boy and a couple. I left my town of Tulcán. From there to Colombia. And from Colombia, we went through the jungle.” - Lady Mansilla
“It’s the volunteers that are on the ground receiving people in a respectful and human-centered way, and then they’re coordinating access to services for them on a case-by-case basis.” - Jamie Powlovich
“Going to foster care is an option that’s deemed better for a child because they have the opportunity to live a life that’s almost normal because you can go to school, you can have friends, you can go out, which they cannot do in detention. There aren’t enough spots in foster care for immigrant children right now.” - Marie-Cassandre Wavre
Guests:
Eswin: Asylum Seeker, Ecuador
Angela Fernández: Executive Director, Safe Passage Project
Terri Gerstein: Harvard Center for Labor & A Just Economy
Father James Kelly: Immigration Attorney, District 3 Immigration Services
Power Malu: Founder, Artists Athletes Activists
Lady Mansilla: Asylum Seeker, Ecuador
Jamie Powlovich: Executive Director, Coalition for Homeless Youth
Marie-Cassandre Wavre: Supervising Attorney, The Door
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Borikén Keys” by Nickodemus featuring MC Baby Power, aka Power Malu, featured in today’s episode. And additional music included- "Steppin," "Beachhead," and "Ocean Point" by Podington Bear.
Newsreel featured clips from MSNBC, NBC Nightly News and PBS News Hour
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode “Sonali Kolhatkar: “Rising Up” for Social Justice, With YES! Magazine". It is made available here as a podcast thanks to generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member supporter at LauraFlanders.org/donate
As the Israel/Hamas conflict continues, what is media’s role? You may know Sonali Kolhatkar from her drive-time show ‘Uprising with Sonali” and then “Rising Up With Sonali” on KPFK/Pacifica Radio and Free Speech TV, but it was her narrative storytelling with the women of RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, that Kolhatkar first made her national mark. Across the globe, reporting shapes political and cultural landscapes — and Kolhatkar believes that done right, storytelling can affect policy and advance social justice. She lays out examples in her new book from City Lights, “Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice”. An award winning independent journalist, Kolhatkar has joined forces with YES! Magazine as Racial Justice Editor and host of a new weekly, “YES! Presents: Rising Up With Sonali” which she calls an “anecdote to the doom and gloom of mainstream news.” In this unique conversation Kolhatkar and Flanders exchange notes, and share experiences covering the stories that others don’t. What’s changed, what’s changing in the media coverage of Palestinians and Israelis? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on intimacy and reporting.
Guest: Sonali Kolhatkar: Racial Justice Editor, YES! Magazine; Author, Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
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Here at The Laura Flanders Show we have a comprehensive John Jay Justice Fellowship fellowship program where participants work hands-on, gaining knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow, sharing expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by our Justice Capital Initiative fellow Camelia Achury, a student at John Jay College.
Description: The United States has incarcerated more than two million prisoners nationwide over the past decade. Survivors of violent crimes, like assault and domestic violence, suffer due to a lack of treatment and compensation which typically results in paying the price for the prison’s failure to deliver safety. For the past decade, the Common Justice Organization has been committed to telling the truth about violence. In New York City, they operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in adult courts. They aim to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those who are most impacted.
In this audio exclusive, John Jay College Justice Capital Initiative fellow Camelia Achury is joined by Emma Taverner, an intern working with the Common Justice Organization. Taverner has been advocating and recruiting advocates for victim compensation in hopes of passing bills to hold people accountable for harming others, break continuous cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and overall justice for survivors and their communities.
“Whenever you get a chance to be in that space where you're asked to say something, say something, because someone is definitely listening. We all have great ideas that shouldn't be shut down. It builds something with you.” – Emma Taverner
Guest: Emma Taverner- Intern, Common JusticeAt The Laura Flanders Show, we're dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program and CUNY John Jay College, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders Show's views or those of CUNY John Jay College.
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What can we learn from the experiences of people living on the frontlines of climate catastrophe? “There’s beautiful resistance out there,” says Colette Pichon Battle. She is a Louisiana native who began her work in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 when she and so many others lost their homes. A leading voice in climate justice and Black liberation movements, Pichon Battle founded the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy (GCCLP) that focused on equitable climate resilience in the Gulf South. Now she has expanded her vision into Taproot Earth, to include work in Appalachia, the global Black diaspora and geographies across the world with a focus on climate migration and Taproot's work around Global Climate Reparations. According to a 2022 report by the International Organization for Migration, in the US, anywhere from 4.2 to 13.1 million people could become victims of floods by the year 2100. It is the reality that Pichon Battle has been alerting us to for years — climate change isn’t looming, it’s here. With suffocating orange wildfire smoke, deadly heat waves and drenching rain; with hurricanes, floods and landslides — we have crossed what some call the change horizon. Can it also be a liberation horizon? Colette believes it can. Today’s program is devoted to her evolving understanding of how the crises of climate, migration, capitalism and over-policing are connected, and what is our work to do. Plus a commentary from Laura.
“If we choose to be our best selves in this moment, if we choose to work through fear in this moment, if we choose courage and each other, we can actually stop not just the oppression of my people, but the oppression of yours.” - Colette Pichon Battle
“What I need is white allies learning about whatever ethnicity, whatever cultural tradition they come from, and how did they live with the land and how do we put those things together? . . . Why aren't we fighting together for the sake of this planet?” - Colette Pichon Battle
Guest: Colette Pichon Battle, Esq.: Co-founder, Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Do You Actually Care by LifeIsOne. from the Climate Soundtrack Project, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The first in depth interview with former State Department’s director, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Josh Paul . COMING SOON - the 'Full Uncut Conversation' to be released here as a podcast.
"We cannot be both against occupation, and for it. We cannot be both for freedom, and against it. And we cannot be for a better world, while contributing to one that is materially worse,” writes Josh Paul in his letter of resignation. After 11 years in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs — the entity most responsible for arms transfers to allies and partners — Paul quit October 18, over increased, “indeed expedited” arms sales to Israel. In this conversation, one of the first full-length interviews with Paul since his resignation, he sits down with Laura Flanders to discuss why he resigned, his concerns about how the weapons will be used, the unique way that Israel is treated when it comes to US arms sales and why the US approach to creating peace in the Middle East is clearly not working. US double standards and hypocrisy when it comes to human rights crimes, he says, are dangerous for all concerned. All that, plus a commentary for Laura on the war economy.
“The impact of the operation may be to kill terrorists, but it will also raise another generation who has no confidence in the peace process . . . This is not a recipe for lasting peace.” - Josh Paul
Guest: Josh Paul: Former State Department Director, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Fear of an Equal Planet” by Warriors of the Dystotheque courtesy of the artist.. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
As the Israel/Hamas conflict continues, what is media’s role? You may know Sonali Kolhatkar from her drive-time show ‘Uprising with Sonali” and then “Rising Up With Sonali” on KPFK/Pacifica Radio and Free Speech TV, but it was her narrative storytelling with the women of RAWA, the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, that Kolhatkar first made her national mark. Across the globe, reporting shapes political and cultural landscapes — and Kolhatkar believes that done right, storytelling can affect policy and advance social justice. She lays out examples in her new book from City Lights, “Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice”. An award winning independent journalist, Kolhatkar has joined forces with YES! Magazine as Racial Justice Editor and host of a new weekly, “YES! Presents: Rising Up With Sonali” which she calls an “anecdote to the doom and gloom of mainstream news.” In this unique conversation Kolhatkar and Flanders exchange notes, and share experiences covering the stories that others don’t. What’s changed, what’s changing in the media coverage of Palestinians and Israelis? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on intimacy and reporting.
“. . . Solutions journalism can fuel a hope and a promise that if there are people here doing this about their problems, I can do the same.” - Sonali Kolhatkar
“. . . The world's attention is on the Palestinian people and Israelis . . . How do we center the complex humanity of people that we are told are totally different from one another?” - Sonali Kolhatkar
Guest: Sonali Kolhatkar: Racial Justice Editor, YES! Magazine; Author, Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “The Shadow Thief” by Nickodemus featuring Alsarah from the album Soul and Science courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode “Powerlands”: Indigenous Youth Fight Big Oil & Gas Worldwide. It is made available here as a podcast thanks to the generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member support at LauraFlanders.org/donate
Big Oil, Gas and mining companies are in the backyards of many Americans — but did you know that some of the same extractive corporations are also operating around the world? Colombia, the Philippines, Mexico, and the Standing Rock Reservation — ”resource colonization”, as today’s guest puts it, is a worldwide issue. But how often do we get the global picture? In the documentary "Powerlands", director Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso meets Indigenous communities across three continents and speaking seven languages, to explore the global resistance against corporations such as Peabody Coal and BHP Petroleum. In the film, she discovers that their struggles are connected; is what she’s tracing a trans-local and trans-generational Indigenous movement that is building? Our guests say Indigenous resistance across national borders can beat back corporate assaults on nature, people and our climate. Joining Laura for this Indigenous Peoples’ Day special are Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso and Kim Smith, both from the Diné (Navajo) Nation. Manybeads Tso is a self-described queer director and Smith is a community organizer who appears in the film. Plus a commentary from Laura on the Amazon monopoly — it takes one individual to hoard power, and many people to topple them down.
“We’re seeing this huge transcontinental movement that is forming in Oaxaca with wind power . . . The win that happened last October in Columbia, requiring mining corporations to clean up after themselves, that's huge for every place on the planet who is currently affected by mining . . .” Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso
“Standing Rock showed us what is to come, especially when you look at the police state, the military force and imperialism in this country . . . You're seeing it all over the world, [police] have all of this heavy machinery to take and kill what they see is in their path.” - Kim Smith
Guests:
Kim Smith (Diné): Community Organizer, Nihi Ké Baa (For Our Relatives) Mutual Aid; Co-Founder, Indigenous Goddess Gang Publication
Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso (Diné): Director, Powerlands; Award-Winning Filmmaker
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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At The Laura Flanders Show, we're dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, produced through The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders
- Antisemitism is the hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people, and it did not end with the Holocaust or other forms of institutionalized discrimination. Instead, antisemitic incidents in America have hit the highest level ever recorded by the Anti-Defamation League, and this age-old form of hatred is wreaking havoc on college campuses.
- The University of Wisconsin - Madison is usually a welcoming home to its 4,000 Jewish students. But on the first day of classes in September 2022, antisemitic chalkings marred the sidewalks of campus, targeting Jewish organizations and its members as “racist,” “genocidal,” and “having blood on their hands”. The university released an ineffective statement, sided with free speech, and left many Jewsh students feeling as though their own institution didn't support them.
- Abigail Handel, a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, was a first year student when this antisemitic event occurred. Now she has set out to answer the pressing question: Are American universities doing enough to combat antisemitism on campus? In this audio exclusive, Abigail takes us on a journey through understanding what antisemitism is, the damaging environment it has created for Jewish students, and what can be done to eradicate all forms of hate. Handel talks to Savannah Lipinksi, a rabbinite student at the The Jewish Theological Seminary, and Samuel Cross, the President of Rhodes College Hillel, to uncover the complex issue of modern antisemitism and the urgent need for proactive measures on campuses.
- “People are having a harder time recognizing antisemitism the further we get from the Holocaust and the more obvious manifestations of antisemitism that happened throughout the 19th and 20th centuries…This is why it is becoming increasingly important to call out the subtle attacks happening on university campuses.” - Abigail Handel
- Guests
- ● Savannah Lipinski, Former Student, UW Madison; Student, Jewish Theological Seminary
- ● Samuel Cross, Student, Rhodes College; President, Rhodes College Hillel
Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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Movement lawyer and organizer Andrea J. Ritchie’s forthcoming book is unlike anything she’s written before. In “Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies”, published by AK Press and out at the end of October 2023 as part of their Emergent Strategies Series, Ritchie has written a toolkit for organizers. Both visionary and practical, Ritchie believes we can live the “future” world we want, and offers actionable steps we can take to get there. A self-described “Black lesbian immigrant survivor,” Ritchie has been engaged since the 1980s in anti-violence, labor, and LGBTQ organizing, and in movements against state violence and for racial, reproductive, economic, environmental, and gender justice. In this wide-ranging conversation, Andrea J. Ritchie and Laura Flanders discuss what’s changed and what hasn’t after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, and the emergent strategies for abolition that we should all pay attention to. The Right has strategies too — and so far, they’re working. How do we create the necessary conditions that foster collectivity and liberation leading to increased public safety and well-being? All that, plus a commentary from Laura on the power we recognize, and the other sort too.
“Change happens by acting as though the future that you are dreaming of is present now. And then practicing that with people who share your vision and values and then bringing more and more people into the conversation.” - Andrea J. Ritchie
“[Emergent strategies are] a way of approaching a world that interrupts violence in all its forms and creates new possibilities that we can't imagine yet.” - Andrea J. Ritchie
Guest: Andrea J. Ritchie: Author, Practicing New Worlds: Abolition and Emergent Strategies; Co-Founder, Interrupting Criminalization
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “I Keeps It Moving” by David Anthony and Dani Vassar courtesy of Planet Hum Records and Pitch Control. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode featuring Rep. Ro Khanna & Lisa Graves calling out ALEC / The American Legislative Exchange Council . It is made available here as a podcast thanks to the generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member support at LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Episode Description: Many people have never heard of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC – but for 50 years, the group has been the driving force behind some of the most extreme policies in this country. Behind closed doors, ALEC brings corporate lobbyists and state politicians together to draft and vote on model bills that aim to free corporations from regulations, regardless of the impacts on people and the planet. Labor law, environmental law, health and safety, voting — no cause is off-limits. Our guests say ALEC and its wealthy pool of funders are a real threat, but there are ways to take action and progress has already been made. In 2023, a diverse coalition of groups, including Greenpeace, Color of Change, the Center for Media and Democracy and more, is calling out the anti-democratic impact of ALEC by using the hashtag #50YearsOfHarm. Congressman Ro Khanna of California's 17th Congressional District, a leading progressive in the House, and Lisa Graves, Executive Director of True North Research and President of the Center for Media and Democracy, two of the preeminent national watchdog groups investigating dark money, join Laura Flanders to unpack it all. And in her closing commentary Laura fills us in on the other side of the story in state houses: the Democrats' have their own project in place these days. But is it any match for ALEC?
“ALEC recognizes that on many of these issues, there's a 70, 80, 90% consensus against them and they're trying to distort the democratic process by the use of big money.” - Ro Khanna
“ I still believe that for many people, not all people, knowledge is power, facts matter, and knowing who the real special interests are behind this [legislation] can help expose and block them.” - Lisa Graves
Guests:
Lisa Graves: President of the Board, Center for Media & Democracy; Executive Director, True North Research
Ro Khanna: Congressman California's 17th District
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
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This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Big Oil, Gas and mining companies are in the backyards of many Americans — but did you know that some of the same extractive corporations are also operating around the world? Colombia, the Philippines, Mexico, and the Standing Rock Reservation — ”resource colonization”, as today’s guest puts it, is a worldwide issue. But how often do we get the global picture? In the documentary "Powerlands", director Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso meets Indigenous communities across three continents and speaking seven languages, to explore the global resistance against corporations such as Peabody Coal and BHP Petroleum. In the film, she discovers that their struggles are connected; is what she’s tracing a trans-local and trans-generational Indigenous movement that is building? Our guests say Indigenous resistance across national borders can beat back corporate assaults on nature, people and our climate. Joining Laura for this Indigenous Peoples’ Day special are Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso and Kim Smith, both from the Diné (Navajo) Nation. Manybeads Tso is a self-described queer director and Smith is a community organizer who appears in the film. Plus a commentary from Laura on the Amazon monopoly — it takes one individual to hoard power, and many people to topple them down.
“We’re seeing this huge transcontinental movement that is forming in Oaxaca with wind power . . . The win that happened last October in Columbia, requiring mining corporations to clean up after themselves, that's huge for every place on the planet who is currently affected by mining . . .” Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso
“Standing Rock showed us what is to come, especially when you look at the police state, the military force and imperialism in this country . . . You're seeing it all over the world, [police] have all of this heavy machinery to take and kill what they see is in their path.” - Kim Smith
Guests:
• Kim Smith (Diné): Community Organizer, Nihi Ké Baa (For Our Relatives) Mutual Aid; Co-Founder, Indigenous Goddess Gang Publication
• Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso (Diné): Director, Powerlands; Award-Winning Filmmaker
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “La Sarina” by Daniel French’s band Las Cafeteras. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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Thanks to our member supporters, this show remains free to millions on Public TV, community radio and as a podcast. If you’re already a member, please check your inbox for a special invite to register for a ‘members only’ ‘ask me anything virtual event’ taking place on October 4th at 8pm Eastern Time. It’s an opportunity for you to ask Laura anything about the show or her lifelong career as an independent journalist. Not a member yet? There’s still time to join us on October 4th. Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate, make a donation and we’ll send you an invite with all the details.
Description: Many people have never heard of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC – but for 50 years, the group has been the driving force behind some of the most extreme policies in this country. Behind closed doors, ALEC brings corporate lobbyists and state politicians together to draft and vote on model bills that aim to free corporations from regulations, regardless of the impacts on people and the planet. Labor law, environmental law, health and safety, voting — no cause is off-limits. Our guests say ALEC and its wealthy pool of funders are a real threat, but there are ways to take action and progress has already been made. In 2023, a diverse coalition of groups, including Greenpeace, Color of Change, the Center for Media and Democracy and more, is calling out the anti-democratic impact of ALEC by using the hashtag #50YearsOfHarm. Congressman Ro Khanna of California's 17th Congressional District, a leading progressive in the House, and Lisa Graves, Executive Director of True North Research and President of the Center for Media and Democracy, two of the preeminent national watchdog groups investigating dark money, join Laura Flanders to unpack it all. And in her closing commentary Laura fills us in on the other side of the story in state houses: the Democrats' have their own project in place these days. But is it any match for ALEC?
“ALEC recognizes that on many of these issues, there's a 70, 80, 90% consensus against them and they're trying to distort the democratic process by the use of big money.” - Ro Khanna
“ I still believe that for many people, not all people, knowledge is power, facts matter, and knowing who the real special interests are behind this [legislation] can help expose and block them.” - Lisa Graves
Guests:
Lisa Graves: President of the Board, Center for Media & Democracy; Executive Director, True North Research
Ro Khanna: Congressman California's 17th District
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Peel Back” by F-S-Q featuring Nona Hendryx, G Koop and O-Man from their Reprise Tonight L-P courtesy of Soul Clap Records. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Additional Audio Clip Included: "United States of ALEC" documentary by the Bill Moyers Company
The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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The following full uncut conversation is from our recent episode featuring Naomi Klein. It is made available here as a podcast thanks to the generous contributions from listeners like you. Thank you. Become a member today and you'll receive an invite to a 'Ask Laura Anything" event, October 4th 8pm Eastern Time, goto https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
Full Episode Description: Politics abhors a vacuum. Without credible explanations for the things that bewilder and exasperate us, people become susceptible to extremist conspiracy theories, hate and lies. So how does truth survive? In her brand new book, "Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World”, award-winning journalist Naomi Klein, (author of No Logo, The Shock Doctrine, et al), describes being confused with Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth, as Wolf morphed into a conspiracy-minded anti-vaxxer during the Covid pandemic. In an era of all important "personal brands", Klein became absorbed in the deep fake, double worlds surrounding and sometimes coming to represent her online. Right-wing conspiracies feed off Left-wing silences, she concludes. In this far-ranging interview from her home in British Columbia, Canada, Klein describes listening to hours and hours of conspiracist Steve Bannon's podcasts, and researching doppelgängers in history and literature, in order to uncover why we have shadow selves, and how disinformation and conspiracy theories gain power. Join Laura Flanders for this charming conversation as Naomi Klein challenges us to overcome divide-and-conquer individualism if we are ever to tackle our real-life, systemic crises. And Laura shares a few thoughts on learning from our elders about the pre-digital age.
“[I think that] the pressure we're putting on the self . . . is part of why we're seeing so many people crack. I don't think the self can support the amount that we are putting on it: It's our income. It's our retirement. It's our safety. It's our lifeboat . . . And it's an illusion because we cannot protect ourselves from the forces that we're up against . . . Our only hope of protection is through collective work and collective movement building.” - Naomi Klein
“Very often we think that the solution is deplatforming . . . What I've seen is that it's actually kind of supercharged the movement. People wear it as a badge of honor . . . I am less interested in how we control speech and much more interested in how we drain conspiracy culture of its energy, of its power.” - Naomi Klein
Guest: Naomi Klein Naomi Klein is the award-winning author of international bestsellers including This Changes Everything, The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, No Is Not Enough, and On Fire, which have been published in more than thirty-five languages. She is an associate professor in the department of geography at the University of British Columbia, the founding co-director of UBC’s Centre for Climate Justice, and an honorary professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers University. Her writing has appeared in leading publications around the world, and she is a columnist for The Guardian.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear. Also included are excerpts taken from the 'Book Trailer' for Naomi Klein's "Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World”
The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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From the sinking lands of California's Central Valley to the depleting aquifers nationwide, we're at a critical point: Americans are running out of water. In this episode of Meet the BIPOC Press, a monthly collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show and URL Media, we take a closer look at the US water crisis that is affecting many Americans, and putting communities of color especially at risk. How are over-extraction and climate change impacting our water supply? BIPOC media outlets are bringing these stories to the forefront, debunking myths about climate change and uplifting solutions to this urgent issue. Joining us for this conversation are Warigia Bowman, Professor at the University of Tulsa College of Law, and Andrew Hazzard, Climate Reporter at Sahan Journal, which is dedicated to reporting on communities of color in Minnesota. Co-host S. Mitra Kalita is co-founder of URL Media, a national network of Black and Brown community news outlets. Kalita is also the publisher of Epicenter-NYC, a newsletter based in Queens, New York. How do we turn the tide on this crisis, before our water sources run dry?
“We should change the food and the crops we grow, we should change what we eat. We should change how we view the role of agriculture in our society . . . Indigenous people are not well represented in academia or in industry for that matter, and they have already worked through some of these solutions.” - Warigia Bowman
“As a climate reporter, I think it's my responsibility not only to raise the fact that there are major issues facing our society due to global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels, but also to highlight that there are people that are working on solutions . . .” - Andrew Hazzard
“I think you cannot separate water from healthcare. You can't separate water from housing. You can't separate water from race and Indigenous communities . . . By centering people of color, instantly we're in solutions mode in terms of how we're presenting these issues.” - S. Mitra Kalita
Guests:
Warigia Bowman: Professor, College of Law, University of Tulsa
Andrew Hazzard: Climate Reporter, Sahan Journal
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media; CEO & Publisher, Epicenter-NYC
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: ‘Yéla Mama’ by Eat My Butterfly featuring Lass & Sibu Manaï, from the Climate Soundtrack album, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
🎧 LOOKING FOR UNCUT INTERVIEWS? check our podcast feed the following week. Thanks to our sustaining members and their monthly support.
The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Politics abhors a vacuum. Without credible explanations for the things that bewilder and exasperate us, people become susceptible to extremist conspiracy theories, hate and lies. So how does truth survive? In her brand new book, "Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World”, award-winning journalist Naomi Klein, (author of No Logo, The Shock Doctrine, et al), describes being confused with Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth, as Wolf morphed into a conspiracy-minded anti-vaxxer during the Covid pandemic. In an era of all important "personal brands", Klein became absorbed in the deep fake, double worlds surrounding and sometimes coming to represent her online. Right-wing conspiracies feed off Left-wing silences, she concludes. In this far-ranging interview from her home in British Columbia, Canada, Klein describes listening to hours and hours of conspiracist Steve Bannon's podcasts, and researching doppelgängers in history and literature, in order to uncover why we have shadow selves, and how disinformation and conspiracy theories gain power. Join Laura Flanders for this charming conversation as Naomi Klein challenges us to overcome divide-and-conquer individualism if we are ever to tackle our real-life, systemic crises. And Laura shares a few thoughts on learning from our elders about the pre-digital age.
“[I think that] the pressure we're putting on the self . . . is part of why we're seeing so many people crack. I don't think the self can support the amount that we are putting on it: It's our income. It's our retirement. It's our safety. It's our lifeboat . . . And it's an illusion because we cannot protect ourselves from the forces that we're up against . . . Our only hope of protection is through collective work and collective movement building.” - Naomi Klein
“Very often we think that the solution is deplatforming . . . What I've seen is that it's actually kind of supercharged the movement. People wear it as a badge of honor . . . I am less interested in how we control speech and much more interested in how we drain conspiracy culture of its energy, of its power.” - Naomi Klein
Guest:
Naomi Klein Naomi Klein is the award-winning author of international bestsellers including This Changes Everything, The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, No Is Not Enough, and On Fire, which have been published in more than thirty-five languages. She is an associate professor in the department of geography at the University of British Columbia, the founding co-director of UBC’s Centre for Climate Justice, and an honorary professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers University. Her writing has appeared in leading publications around the world, and she is a columnist for The Guardian.
🔹 Topics Covered:
1️⃣ Disinformation & 'Mirror World Platforms': Why are alternative platforms becoming hotbeds for conspiracy theories? How can we address the spread of disinformation? What happens when conspiracy-minded figures are deplatformed from mainstream social media?
2️⃣ Draining Conspiracy Culture: Why does conspiracy culture hold such allure, and how do we drain conspiracy culture of its power?
3️⃣ The Pressure Cooker of Capitalism: Naomi Klein dives into capitalism and how it encourages us to "optimize" ourselves.
4️⃣ Collective Movement Building: Why collective action, rather than individualistic solutions, is the way forward to solve systemic problems.
5️⃣ Digital Identity Vs Real World: How is our perception of others distorted in the digital realm, and what can we do about it?
6️⃣ The Power of Activism: Discussing real human experiences, activism and community building to transcend the digital divide. 7️⃣ Learning from Our Elders: The importance of engaging with older generations to understand that different lifestyles and systems are not just possible, but have existed.
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Connections” featuring lyrics by Reg E. Gaines and music by Calvin Gaines, courtesy of the artists. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper, Nady Pina, Jordan Flaherty
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As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis, we explore the urgent questions surrounding the extractive nature of capitalism and its impact on democracy and economic inequality. What are the consequences of “capital bias”, an economic and social system that prioritizes wealth and the wealthy at the expense of manufacturing, people and the planet? And in what ways is “wealth supremacy” as deadly as white male supremacy — and every other kind? In this episode, we sit down with Marjorie Kelly, author of the newly-released book “Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises”, and Edgar Villanueva, a member of the Lumbee people and Founder of the Decolonizing Wealth Project. We urgently need a spiritual revolution — could Indigenous perspectives offer alternative ways of thinking about wealth and community? All that, plus an update from Laura on a special collaboration between the Laura Flanders Show and the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature podcast.
“. . . Big capital is out there right now buying water rights . . . Communities are saying no . . . Water needs to be declared a public trust. You have these two completely different worldviews, which show us we can have a financialized world or we can have a democratic world . . .” - Marjorie Kelly
“. . . Capitalism was completely founded upon the enslavement of Black people in this country. That is the blueprint for our economy. I don't know how to take racism and harm out of that existing system without completely imagining a new system . . .” - Edgar Villanueva
Guests:
Marjorie Kelly: Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Democracy Collaborative; Author, Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises
Edgar Villanueva (Lumbee): Founder & Principal, Decolonizing Wealth Project
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Turn Me Around” by STR4TA featuring Theo Croker, from the ST4TASFEAR Remix Collection released on Brownswood Records Listen & Learn More. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
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How does the struggle for multicultural education and self-determination relate to book banning and the right-wing pushback against antiracist education today? In this back-to-school special, we look at the grassroots movement led by student activists with the support of some faculty to establish Africana Studies Departments and Puerto Rican Studies Departments at The City of New York, or CUNY’s Brooklyn College — one of the first in the country. Members of the Black League of African-American Collegians (BLAC) organized with other student groups like the Puerto Rican Alliance and the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) to force the implementation of the open admissions policy. These student-led actions in the late 1960s and early 1970s are the subject of the documentary film, Making the Impossible Possible, directed by Tami Kashia Gold & Pam Sporn and distributed by Third World Newsreel. Askia Davis and Antonio Nieves were part of the “BC 19”, a group of students who were arrested and incarcerated at Rikers jail for demanding open admissions and the establishment of the Africana Studies Departments and Puerto Rican Studies Department in the student-led takeover in 1969. Sonia Nieto is one of the “BC 44”, a former Brooklyn College faculty member who participated in the 1974 takeover. Learn more about this historic win from the former Brooklyn College students and faculty who were there on the frontlines.
“The desire was to transform education, not just to create departments, not just to open access, but to change the fundamental nature of the institutions. At Brooklyn College in 1968, I would say maybe every day [there] was a demonstration . . .” - Askia Davis
“These are the same issues that we were fighting for so many years ago . . . Things have improved somewhat, but in other ways, they have gotten worse because of right-wing interests and fear of losing power . . .” - Sonia Nieto
“You cannot be unwoke . . . If you are unwoke, that means that history will repeat itself and you will be victimized again. We want an education that tells us where we came from and what our contribution to America was.” - Antonio Nieves
Guests:
Askia Davis: Former Superintendent of Schools, Harlem, NYC; Former Deputy Regional Superintendent, Bronx, NYC
Sonia Nieto: Professor Emerita, Language, Literacy & Culture, College of Education UMass, Amherst; Member, National Academy of Education
Antonio Nieves: Director of Pharmacy, Caribbean Health Outreach; Founder, Puerto Rican Institute & the Afro American Institute, Brooklyn College
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Rumba Tobacco y Ron” by Nickodemus featuring Haydee Soul & The Candela Allstars, from his album Soul and Science released on Wonderwheel Recordings.. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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This year, Mother’s Day, May 14th coincides with the formal end of the National Covid-19 Emergency. Since its enactment in March 2020, emergency spending expanded healthcare coverage to some 15 million people who will now be disenrolled, and increased food stamp benefits, and post-partum coverage in many states. Poor parents will be taking a hit — but Guaranteed Income could be the solution. The Magnolia Mothers Trust in Jackson, Mississippi is the first in the country to provide Guaranteed Income of $1000 monthly to low-income families headed by a Black woman living in affordable housing. Joining Laura for this Mother’s Day special are Aisha Nyandoro who leads this program as the CEO of Springboard Opportunities, a nonprofit organization working with residents in affordable housing to help them reach their goals; Anquoindria Moore, a mother of three was a recipient of this cash relief from Magnolia Mothers and Dorian Warren, the Co-President of Community Change, that focuses on building the power of people most impacted by injustice. How does cash relief reduce poverty, and increase equity and security for families? All that, and a commentary from Laura on renewing, and renaming, the tax credit program.
“Clearly it is not only about the cash. I had the opportunity to meet some very wonderful people. I was also able to socialize with different women who were also in the same shoes as me or similar . . . The women there are not getting involved and then leaving you stranded.” - Anquoindria Moore
“When people have a little more breathing room, when they don't have to count every penny to pay bills . . . they actually have more time to get involved in our democracy and their communities and school board elections and town hall meetings . . . That is important for the promise of multiracial democracy in this country.” - Aisha Nyandoro
“We know that if we trust women in particular and give them agency, they will always do the right thing for their kids . . . What we're up against is basically ideologues and zombie ideas who are ignoring the evidence and the stories about the participants in these kinds of programs.” - Dorian Warren
Guests:
Anquoindria Moore: Recipient, Magnolia Mothers Trust
Dr. Aisha Nyandoro: CEO, Springboard To Opportunities
Dorian Warren: Co-President, Community Change
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings” by Secret Night Gang from their forth coming album “Belongs on a Place Called Earth” to be released on Brownswood Recordings. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The notorious Rikers, a 10-jail complex situated on an island in the East River of New York City, has become a national symbol and a symptom of our current approach to crime. The jail has over 6,000 inmates — the majority of whom are awaiting trial because they can’t afford bail — living in unconstitutionally inhumane conditions, a federal court once ruled. In October 2019, the New York City Council passed, and then Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law, a plan to permanently close Rikers and replace the jails with four borough facilities by August 2027. But the proposed closure has hit roadblocks — from the left, from the right, from the prison guards union and from concerned residents who live near where new jails would be built. Although many support the Rikers closure, there is little agreement as to how and when — or what should replace it. Why is it so difficult to make changes to our challenged carceral system? Joining Laura to discuss the local and national implications of this story are Journalist Nick Pinto, co-founder of Hell Gate, a worker-owned news outlet covering New York City, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who helped pass the law to close the jail. Elected Public Advocate last fall, he is now the prime sponsor of legislation that would ban solitary confinement in city jails.
“. . . The education that's necessary to bring the voting public along with this sort of change is difficult. It's especially difficult in the face of a concerted fear mongering campaign.” - Nick Pinto
“This is the first time I've seen a population of folks in the city and the state who are ready to receive a conversation that's holistic around public safety. And we're squandering it.” - Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Guests:
Nick Pinto: NYC Journalist & Co-Founder, Hell Gate
Jumaane D. Williams: New York City Public Advocate
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Front Line” featuring Puma Ptah by Eric Hilton, from the Farewell to Midnight EP released on Eighteenth Street Lounge Records. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The following is the entire conversation from our episode "Forging Alliances for Climate Action: A Conversation with Sierra Club's Ben Jealous." Please show your appreciation for our dedication to bringing you coverage on movements by becoming a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Monthly supporters receive early releases of our full uncut conversations. Thank you for your continued support!
In this enlightening conversation on climate change, Laura Flanders sits down with Ben Jealous, the dynamic leader of the Sierra Club, to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in the realm of climate change news. As we navigate the climate crisis in 2023, Jealous delves deep into the Sierra Club's transformative journey, shedding light on its historical figures and the organization's evolution towards inclusivity and environmental justice.
Drawing from personal narratives and the ongoing climate change debate, Jealous shares the inspiring story of his ancestor, Edward David Bland, emphasizing the power of collaboration across racial and political divides in the face of global warming. The conversation also touches upon recent environmental incidents like the chemical train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, underscoring the disparities in media attention and within our world news.
Jealous passionately speaks about the Sierra Club's innovative efforts, from wilderness outings to urban "Toxic Tours," highlighting the organization's commitment to connecting people with both nature and pressing urban environmental issues. This episode highlights the broader environmental movement's need to resonate with a diverse audience, offering solutions that not only address the climate crisis but also promise economic benefits and social change.
Laura concludes the conversation with insightful commentary on the environmental challenges that the Biden administration is facing, spotlighting the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy (SASS) as a beacon of hope for sustainability.
Join us for a deep dive into the world of environmental activism, the challenges we face, and the collaborative solutions that promise a greener, more equitable future in the face of the climate crisis.
“. . . We've got to show up to the American people with a vision that says we can build a better economy that lifts all boats. We have the technology, we have the resources, we have the demand, we have the will.” - Ben Jealous
Guest: Ben Jealous: Executive Director, Sierra Club
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included: "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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The following is the entire conversation from our episode "The Inspiring Battle for Cooper Square: Community Land Trusts and the Future of Affordable Housing." Please show your appreciation for our dedication to bringing you coverage on movements by becoming a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Monthly supporters receive early releases of our full uncut conversations. Thank you for your continued support!
Low income Americans face an acute housing shortage. But our guests have a victory to share. “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square" is a newly-released documentary telling the story of how a diverse group of New Yorkers, led by housing organizer Frances Goldin, fought a 50-year struggle against abandonment, white flight, violence, drugs and "Power Broker" Robert Moses to save a 12-block section of lower Manhattan from being destroyed. They created the first urban Community Land Trust (CLT), and thousands of homes and businesses were saved from speculation. The CLT established permanent low-income housing for Cooper Square residents. The film, which is out now from New Day Films, was directed and produced by our guests Kelly Anderson and Ryan Joseph, with Kathryn Barnier. Anderson and Joseph, along with historian Johanna Fernández join Laura to discuss the significance of Goldin, rabble rousing and the Cooper Square story for today. Plus, a commentary from Laura on “lost causes” that aren’t.
“The housing situation is only getting worse…We need policy solutions to address problems that were created through racist and classist policies to begin with.” - Kelly Anderson
“What [Frances Goldin] creates is a model for others to follow. And that is the notion that public lands should be connected to the idea of the public good, meaning that they can never be sold at a profit in the future by people who live there.” - Johanna Fernández
“[Frances Goldin] wanted to make sure that the movement was integrated from the start. And in doing so, she formed coalitions quickly between Blacks, Browns, Jews, Puerto Ricans . . . She was able to take the movement to City Hall because she had people in numbers.” - Ryan Joseph
Guests:
• Kelly Anderson: Producer/Director, “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square”
• Johanna Fernández: Professor, 20th Century US History & the History of Social Movements at Baruch College & the Graduate Center CUNY
• Ryan Joseph: Producer/Director, “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square”
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music Included: "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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Affirmative action's foes worked with conservative Chinese American organizations to sue two colleges over their admissions processes. The result was a victory for activists who have been trying to do away with affirmative action for years. What led to the June 29 decision by the Trump-packed Supreme Court finally to ban race-conscious affirmative action? In this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press” feature with URL Media, our guests fill in the blanks in the media coverage and correct some of the misconceptions about affirmative action, systemic racism, and how we got here. This time, Laura Flanders and co-host Sara Lomax of Philadelphia’s WURD Radio are joined by Washington DC-based journalist Brandon Tensley, the National Politics Reporter at Capital B News, a nonprofit newsroom based in Atlanta, and Claire Jean Kim, a political scientist and Asian American studies professor at UC Irvine in Southern California. Kim is also the author of the forthcoming book “Asian Americans in an Anti-Black World”. How will the recent Supreme Court decision affect diversity and fairness in US institutions, and what does solidarity with African Americans specifically look like in the US today?
“As someone who teaches about anti-Blackness and race, I can tell you how much that impacts the classroom to not have more diversity in the classroom . . . It affects the quality of education for everybody.” - Claire Jean Kim
“One of the professors I spoke to put it very clearly when I asked him, ‘What will the higher education landscape look like post affirmative action?’ He was like, we don't need to theorize, we don't need to sort of imagine it. We can look to where this has already happened . . . “ - Brandon Tensley
Guests:
Claire Jean Kim: Professor of Political Science & Asian American Studies, UC Irvine; Author, Asian Americans in an Anti-Black World (Cambridge University Press, 2023)
Sara Lomax: Co-Founder, URL Media; President & CEO, WURD Radio
Brandon Tensley: National Politics Reporter, Capital B News
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Sometimes I Wonder” by The Allergies from their full length album Tear The Place Up released on Jalapeno Records. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights, with a vision of inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. But ableism, or discrimination in favor of able-bodied people, persists, affecting the one in four Americans with a disability. What does ableism mean and why is it still a prominent problem? Anita Cameron and Keith Jones, leaders in the disability rights and disability justice movements, have answers.
Cameron, who has been arrested nearly 150 times, participated in the "Capitol Crawl" for the passage of the ADA in 1990 and, later in 2017, she was part of the widely-publicized Rotunda Takeover with the disability advocacy group, ADAPT, to protest proposed Medicaid cuts. Her influential writings shed light on topics like ableism in media and the intersection of ableism and mental health. She currently heads the Minority Outreach at "Not Dead Yet", an organization committed to fighting ableism, or discrimination veiled as physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia of persons with disabilities.
As an African-American activist, entrepreneur, and father living with cerebral palsy, Keith Jones advocates for quality independent living for persons with disabilities. He also strives for equal access to housing, education, and voting rights - for all. In addition to his human rights work, Jones is the founder of SoulTouchin’ Experiences and has earned an Emmy award for his song "Rising Phoenix," a documentary about the Paralympic Games. This far-ranging feature, timed to coincide with the signing of the ADA on July 25, 1990, concludes with a commentary by Flanders.
“The lives of people with disabilities are so regulated, we don't have true autonomy. I can guarantee you that the access to healthcare, reproductive rights and all of that, we disabled women have to fight for that access anyway.” - Anita Cameron
“They like to either say, you're disabled or you’re a woman, you're disabled or you're queer, you're disabled or you're Black. That's not the case. We are an intricate mosaic of identities.” - Keith Jones
Guests:
Anita Cameron: Disability Justice Activist; Director of Minority Outreach, Not Dead Yet
Keith Jones: Human Rights & Disability Justice Activist; President, SoulTouchin’ Experiences
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “So Hip Hop” by Fezo de Mad One featuring Toni Kickman courtesy of the artist and Soul Touchin’ Experiences. And additional music included- "In and Out" and "Steppin" by Podington Bear
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You can watch The Laura Flanders Show report on The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project on PBS stations across the nation, or on YouTube. In addition, we offer an audio version by subscribing to this free podcast or airing on community radio. Check our community radio listings for stations airing the show, and if your favorite community radio station is airing the program. If they are not, please let them know to add the show. More details are at LauraFlanders.org.
And my latest article for The Nation is now available, also on The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
The Laura Flanders Show is made possible by our listeners and viewers. Please become a sustaining member or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/donate
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Description: A bold experiment is taking place among Black farmers in the Southeast — a story of hope in an area with a history of plantation slavery, land theft and white violence. The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project is pioneering regenerative farming practices as a means to address systemic racism and make repair. This innovative project combines restorative economics, regenerative agriculture, and asset ownership as the path to address the harm done to Black farmers, and the environmentally harmful methods of rice production. In this exclusive report from The Laura Flanders Show, Laura Flanders reports on-location from Alexandria, Louisiana, where she meets Jubilee Justice Co-Founder and President Konda Mason, veteran civil rights crusader Shirley Sherrod and the Black farmers at the center of this story. Through knowledge sharing, collaboration and community support, this project endeavors to bridge the racial divide and foster a future rooted in justice and healing. Join us to discover how Jubilee Justice helps repair the damage from long-term racism and plant the seeds for a healthful and healing future.
“Restorative economics calls on us to first acknowledge the hurt and structural harm caused by economic systems of extraction and exploitation. It then requires us to engage in a conversation about repair.” - Nwamaka Agbo
“My goal is to not just grow organically and to be regenerative . . . but to do it in a way that's affordable so that everybody has access. Everybody has a right to good, nutritious food.” - Donna Isaac
“How can we balance all of the farming principles that we want to hold on to? How can we build soil health? How can we have a productive mill? . . . That’s the mission.” - Myles Gaines
“As Black farmers, we rarely own the land . . . And we are completely dependent upon a third party to say yes to my crop . . . What that mill represents is a vertical integration of their crop from growing it to milling it, to distributing it, and making their own decisions . . . We have to own the means of production.” - Konda Mason
“. . . It's not just the big guys who can come in and grow rice where it's not even healthy and feed it to all of us . . . We can pick our area, we can do it right, we can show care and love for each other, and that comes out in the food we provide.” - Shirley Sherrod
“We as a cohort have the deeds to this [rice mill]. It's going to be ours. If all else fails, we still have a building for people to come to, that they need . . . This building here is a stronghold for me and my heart.” - Bernard Winn
“Farmers are aging and their kids don't want to take [the farmland] over. So that land's going to go somewhere. Is it going to go to developers or is it going to go to people who care passionately about changing how the food that we eat is grown, for the betterment of society?” - Ken Lee
“. . . If you take care of the soil and if you farm regeneratively, you are going to not only get a better crop . . . but it's going to be more nutritious for the consumer and better for the environment. Regenerative is the future and we're totally committed to it.” - Caryl Levine
Guests:
Nwamaka Agbo: CEO, Kataly Foundation & Managing Director, Restorative Economies Fund
Donna Isaac: Farmer, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Myles Gaines: Head of Innovation & Experimentation, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Konda Mason: Founder & President, Jubilee Justice
Shirley Sherrod: Executive Director, Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education; Co-Founder, New Communities, Inc.; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Equity Commission
Bernard Winn: Operations Specialist & Mill Manager, Jubilee Justice Black Farmers Rice Project
Caryl Levine and Ken Lee: Co-Founders & Co-CEOs, Lotus Foods; Partners with Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Freedom and Progress” by Nicole Conte featuring Zara McFarlane from his full length album Umoja released on Far Out Recordings.
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What if there was a way to trade time and share skills with your neighbors in a way that met a range of needs without involving cash?
In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Mike Strode, the Founding Coordinator behind an innovative solution that offers just that: The Kola Nut Collaborative.
This Chicago-based initiative, operating since 2017, stands as a beacon of the solidarity economy, promoting timebanking as a means of social and economic transformation. Timebanking, distinct from traditional bartering, targets relationship-building over wealth accumulation, providing an alternative to profit-driven capitalist systems. Part of a growing new economy coalition, The Kola Nut Collaborative forges reciprocal networks of support and encourages a sharing economy.
In a timebank, time is treated as a currency, fostering fairness and enhancing community cooperation. Timebanking reshapes the conventional economic narrative and exposes participants to new economic thinking.
This enlightening conversation reminds us that there are multiple, co-existing economies within our society which transcend the confines of capitalism.
Tune in for more on timebanking, and how it just might work in your community.
“The notion of the lone entrepreneur funneling out on the boat is impossible. We get together by community. So starting a time bank involves you actually being in community.” - Mike Strode
“Solidarity economy is a post-capitalist framework. Ultimately we are still in capitalism . . . so until we rest ourselves from capitalism, we will continue to be very far from the solidarity economy.” - Mike Strode
Guest: Mike Strode, Founding Coordinator, Kola Nut Collaborative Timebank
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Fill My Cup” by POSY (pronounced Pose -ee) and Markell Holmes courtesy of Bastard Jazz Records.
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What kind of country do we want as Americans? Gerrymandered Red by the Republican minority, Texas is a testing ground for restrictive policies and ideologies that export themselves to the rest of the country. We follow up on our episode from last year, “Forget Everything You Know About Texas,” to mark the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door for states to ban or severely restrict the availability of abortion care. For this episode, we’ve reconvened a panel of organizers and activists in Texas to discuss what has (or hasn’t) changed on the abortion, trans and voting rights fronts, and the ongoing impact on women, girls, LGBTQ lives and democracy across the country. Our guests say that Texas may just be a predictor of how 21st-century change happens when people organize differently. They also acknowledge that the backlash has grown and are finding creative strategies to push back. Caroline Duble is the political director of Avow: Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy; Eesha Pandit is co-founder of the Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP) and Emmett Schelling is the director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). This July 4, we discuss whose rights are in the crosshairs, and what Texas can teach us all about movement strategy. Plus, a commentary from Laura.
“In order for these bans on healthcare to be enforced, they require policing and surveillance and criminalization. We need to look to the leadership of Black advocates, of people who have been fighting the carceral state for decades. They were warning us about the dangers of criminalization and over-policing and surveillance long before this abortion ban existed.” - Caroline Duble
“The legal and legislative responses are vital. They are however, in a state like Texas, harm reduction approaches . . . We're trying to protect people's rights, and that often looks like stemming a legislative tide rather than enacting proactive things that will actually protect us and our families and our vision for our state.” - Eesha Pandit
“This was horrifically bad. We saw a record number of Texans come out in full opposition, to oppose seeing medical care rolled back and families targeted, physicians targeted, especially in a post-pandemic world that we still live in.” - Emmett Schelling
Guests:
Caroline Duble: Political Director, Avow: Unapologetic Abortion Advocacy
Eesha Pandit: Co-founder, Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP)
Emmett Schelling: Executive Director, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “State of the Nation” by Bokani Dyer featuring Damani Nkosi from his album ‘Sechaba’ released on Brownswood Records.
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"It’s being called the Minnesota miracle, but Minnesota’s historic legislative session was no act of god."
The F-Word features timely commentaries by Laura Flanders
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It’s being called the Minnesota miracle, but Minnesota’s historic legislative session was no act of god.
Democrats in Minnesota wrote abortion rights into law and passed paid family and medical leave; they funded free breakfast and lunch for all k-12 students and passed protections for transgender people. Going forward, undocumented people will be able to get drivers' licenses and people released from prison or jail will be able to vote. There’s a one-time tax rebate, and a tax credit aimed at low income parents and a $1 billion investment in affordable housing including for rental assistance. Minnesotans passed stronger protections for workers seeking to unionize, banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ people and set a date by which the electric grid has to be carbon free. They tightened gun laws, loosened marijuana regs, and sent more money to nursing homes. That list’s probably still incomplete.
In a tweet Barack Obama commented: “If you need a reminder that elections have consequences, check out what’s happening in Minnesota.”
The stunning session is certainly proof that voting matters. The Democratic Farmers and Labor Party (DFL) owed its trifecta power this session to midterm elections in which they won not just the Governor’s mansion, but also majorities in both houses thanks to a one-vote majority in the state Senate and narrow victories by a handful of candidates, one of whom won by just 321 votes.
But voting alone won’t do it. As the beloved late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone knew, legislative action doesn’t happen without massive, ongoing organizing by strong coalitions. In this case, long time labor, environmental and social justice activists worked in coalition, the Wellstone way, sometimes for years. Minnesotans for Paid Family Medical Leave for example —a coalition of 70 labor, faith, and community groups—set their sights and worked to rally support for what they won this year for as much as a decade.
And not all majorities matter. Minnesota Democrats have held majorities before, but acted cautiously -- carefully conducting partisan calculus -- in the style of if you don’t mind me saying - Obama. Cautionary politics lost them the majority a decade ago. It’s taken that long to reboot.
In other words, Democrats in Minnesota learned the lesson that Democrats nationally should have learned from the Sen. Mansion experience Partisanship’s nice but principles are better.
Finally, Minnesota Democrats didn’t just win political capital. They spent it, and they spent it in a bold way, with time to have an impact on real people’s lives before the next elections to the Governor’s office or the state Senate.
There’s more to be learned from the Minnesota story. Let’s hope some learn it. But the biggest takeaway? Suffice to say, there are no miracles in politics.
You can catch Laura's conversation with activists in Texas about how they’re surviving abortion bans and trumped up trans laws this time on the Laura Flanders Show on PBS stations, community radio stations and as a podcast or online at Lauraflanders.org.
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As Pride Month continues, we explore the activism of drag queens and trans individuals who bore the brunt of the violence during the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and are still targets of violence and vitriol today. State legislators, so far this year, have proposed and in some cases passed, hundreds of bills that seek to restrict drag culture and queer self-expression. Proud Boys have harassed and threatened Drag Story Hour events across the country, even in the diverse borough of Queens, NY. In this episode of The Laura Flanders Show's monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura and co-host Mitra Kalita (co-founder of URL Media) are joined from North Carolina by Naomi Dix, an influential drag artist whose show in rural Moore County was disrupted by a sabotage attack on an energy substation — an attack that left 45,000 households and businesses in the dark for five days in December 2022. We're also joined by reporter Sam Zachar, the producer of a two-part podcast series for Epicenter-NYC on NYC's Drag Story Hours — what they are, and what they're up against.
“We never thought in a million years, especially drag artists of my generation, that we would have to be facing the same things and issues that our parents were telling us that they were having to face in the 50s and the 60s and the 70s and the 80s.” - Naomi Dix
“What we're seeing is an overlapping of the identities that our communities represent, and the approach to how we combat these forces. It's really powerful when we can say the counter protestors outnumber those who don't want us here.” - Mitra Kalita
“I think that Drag Story Hour as a whole gives us a great look and a microcosm of drag trans and queer worlds, because it represents how they're being attacked in terms of losing rights to exist safely, and the Proud Boys, specifically digging their heels into inflammatory, destructive and untruthful accusations against these communities.” - Sam Zachar
Guests:
Naomi Dix: Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media
Sam Zachar: Reporter, Podcast Producer, Epicenter-NYC
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Knockin’” by Nickodemus and Bad Colours featuring The Illustrious Blacks from Nickodemus’ Soul and Science Album, courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings.
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Holly Hughes and Esther Newton are radical in their fields and a couple for more than 30 years. In this Pride special, they talk with Laura about the anti-LGBTQ, anti-feminist backlash we're seeing today and their own experiences making ground-breaking work and surviving unfriendly times thanks to their queer kinship ties. Hughes is a writer and performer probably best known for being one of the artists targeted by the religious right in the culture wars of the 1990s. Esther Newton is a pioneering anthropologist and the subject of the recent documentary film ESTHER NEWTON MADE ME GAY, which explores her introduction to gay life in the 1950s and its impact on her field and her life’s work. Hughes and Newton are cultural icons, dog agility enthusiasts and without a doubt makers of history. What can this long-lived lesbian couple teach us about community survival? Tune in to find out why love, community and kinship are essential for all of our survival, plus a commentary from Laura.
“Some of the arguments that [the Republican Party] used 30 years ago, that we were supposedly attacking children and we were a cabal of child pornographers and pedophiles . . . They haven't really bothered to update it. They're concerned about a stigmatized group that begins to have the means to talk to a larger community.” - Holly Hughes
“Traditionally, primary ties were supposed to be ‘blood family.’ Gay people have built structures outside of that . . . There's always going to be gay and trans people because as an anthropologist, I'm aware that we're found all over the world in many, many cultures. It's not that they'll be able to stamp out the phenomenon, but they can do a lot of damage . . . We have to maintain those ties. This is critical.” - Esther Newton
Guests:
Holly Hughes: Performer & Writer; Professor, University of Michigan
Esther Newton: Professor of Anthropology, Founder & Leading Scholar LGBTQ Studies; Author, Mother Camp: Female Impersonators in America & My Butch Career: A Memoir
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Mirage” by WhatItDo Archive Group from their album ‘Palace of a Thousand Sounds’ released on Record Kicks.
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Pharmaceutical prices in the US are astronomically high and many vulnerable people can’t afford the drugs they need. Public ownership of drug manufacturing can break the private monopolies and save lives, but it’s going to take a lot of public pressure to make change. Today, we look at the progress that’s being made to tackle America’s killer drug price problem at the state, national and global level. The Biden administration’s agreement with manufacturer Eli Lilly to cap insulin prices at $35/dose is a step, but what would really make a difference would be to get private profit and monopoly patents out of the health business altogether. In the US, California is taking the lead. Advocates Dana Brown, Luis Gil Abinader and Kevin Wren join Laura to bring us an update – and in her closing, Laura shares some news about the impact of our investigative series from North Carolina.
“This has economic and social benefits for all of us . . . Having the public sector take a bigger role in the production of distribution of medicine historically starts to shift the balance of power.” - Dana Brown
“Our current model for vaccine research development and distribution globally is colonial in many ways, because big pharmaceutical companies have the ability to decide who gets vaccines, treatments, insulin and other pharmaceutical products, and when and at which prices.” - Luis Gil Abinader
“10% of the population has a chronic illness, and [pharmaceutical companies] are exploiting and extorting our need for this drug. It's coming to an end because people like me are rising up and talking about it and sharing our stories.” - Kevin Wren
Guests:
Dana Brown: Director, Health & Economy, The Democracy Collaborative
Luis Gil Abinader: Legal Scholar; Fellow, Georgetown University Law O'Neill Institute; Board Member, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM)
Kevin Wren: Queer Activist & Patient Advocate Chapter Leader, California #insulin4all; T1 International; Queer Activist & Patient Advocate, MA Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Class War” by Grammy Award winners Zion Train from their latest album Dissident Sound released on Universal Egg.
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We thought that last year would go down in history, but this year is even worse for the number of anti-trans bills introduced into state legislatures, and the successful passage of many of those bills. 549 proposed bills, banning books, medical treatment, even access to the bathroom were introduced in 2023. 73 of those anti-trans bills have already passed and the ACLU’s weekly tracker can barely keep score. As extremists crank up the volume on hate — trans people, especially trans women of color, are facing an onslaught of violence. As today’s guest points out, the people driving the anti-trans movement are the same as those leading the anti-abortion movement. Imara Jones is featured in this year’s “Time’s 100 Most Influential People” for her work to combat disinformation against trans people. She’s the producer of a podcast mini-series called “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality”. The final three episodes of the podcast will release this June and July. Jones is also the creator of “TransLash Media”, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling, and narrative project, which seeks to shift the culture, create empathy and save trans lives. In this episode, Laura asks her what impacts these restrictions and increased control have on all of us.
“We're already seeing doctors that treat trans people being targeted just like abortion doctors. That's a new thing that just happened this year.” - Imara Jones
“There's an understanding by the people, the politicians, the organizations, and the billionaires that trans people will be the next fight in the gender wars, after what they anticipate, and have anticipated for over a year, to be their victory on abortion rights.” - Imara Jones
Guest: Imara Jones: Founder and CEO, TransLash Media
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Making Sense Stop” by Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul from their new super synth-sonic album Tropical Dancer courtesy of Soulwax’s DeeWee Records.
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What is causing the Black maternal mortality epidemic, and what can be done to save Black lives? The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income nation in the world — and it is Black mothers who are dying at the highest rates. Black birthing people are three times more likely to die in childbirth, but about 84% of those deaths are preventable. For this episode of Meet the BIPOC Press with our partner URL Media, a network of Black and Brown owned and operated news outlets, Laura Flanders is joined again by co-host Sara Lomax of Philadelphia’s WURD Radio. They invite Marianne Fray, the CEO of Maternity Care Coalition and Kenya Hunter, the Atlanta Health Reporter for Capital B News, to discuss how Black women and birthing people are taking control of their pregnancies. Explore the community-centered responses that may lead to better pregnancy outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system.
“We all came into this world through some person and it is a miraculous thing. If we could spend a little time reflecting on that, and then set up ourselves or whomever chooses to have children with the best possible outcome.” - Marianne Fray
“There was a researcher from the University of Colorado, Boulder, who predicted a 21% jump in pregnancy-related deaths in the country if Roe v Wade was overturned. But that number then jumps to 33% when you're talking about Black women.” - Kenya Hunter
“. . . Birth was a business practice in many ways. Children were ripped from us. Black women were experimented on by the ‘father of gynecology,’ Marion Sims in the 1840s . . . I do think Black women are carrying a lot of historical trauma related to birthing and childbearing.”
Guests:
Marianne Fray: CEO, Maternity Care Coalition
Kenya Hunter: Atlanta Health Reporter, Capital B News
Sara Lomax: Co-Founder, URL Media; President & CEO, WURD Radio
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Time Shlime” by Rithma courtesy of Om Records.
It takes a village to move the microphone to stories that have real impact! Premium content awaits you! The latest is my full conversation with Angela M. Thorpe, Executive Director of the Pauli Murray Center. Thorpe was featured in our special field report, 'Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina.' Pauli Murray was a gender non-conforming, legal scholar and civil rights movement leader. Her legal work was ahead of its time then and more relevant than ever today. We know you will be just as inspired as we are here at The Laura Flanders Show! Our goal is to raise $20K for our Flanders Field Reporting Fund!
Here's the article I wrote for The Nation in conjunction to our latest special report from North Carolina on extreme racial Gerrymandering and Moore vs. Harper. It’s a case on the US Supreme Court docket that could give state lawmakers unchecked power over how elections are held — including who gets to vote.
Become a monthly supporter and you’ll receive my entire interview, along with all of our premium content from each week's episode. Please go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and become a monthly supporting member. Thank you!
Our field reporting is made possible by you! We do not take any corporate underwriting or government funding. We depend on you!
It's our May membership drive when we move the mic to you! By becoming a member your voice of support amplifies our coverage of forward thinking movement movers and shakers. Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
The notorious Rikers, a 10-jail complex situated on an island in the East River of New York City, has become a national symbol and a symptom of our current approach to crime. The jail has over 6,000 inmates — the majority of whom are awaiting trial because they can’t afford bail — living in unconstitutionally inhumane conditions, a federal court once ruled. In October 2019, the New York City Council passed, and then Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law, a plan to permanently close Rikers and replace the jails with four borough facilities by August 2027. But the proposed closure has hit roadblocks — from the left, from the right, from the prison guards union and from concerned residents who live near where new jails would be built. Although many support the Rikers closure, there is little agreement as to how and when — or what should replace it. Why is it so difficult to make changes to our challenged carceral system? Joining Laura to discuss the local and national implications of this story are Journalist Nick Pinto, co-founder of Hell Gate, a worker-owned news outlet covering New York City, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who helped pass the law to close the jail. Elected Public Advocate last fall, he is now the prime sponsor of legislation that would ban solitary confinement in city jails.
“. . . The education that's necessary to bring the voting public along with this sort of change is difficult. It's especially difficult in the face of a concerted fear mongering campaign.” - Nick Pinto
“This is the first time I've seen a population of folks in the city and the state who are ready to receive a conversation that's holistic around public safety. And we're squandering it.” - Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Guests:
Nick Pinto: NYC Journalist & Co-Founder, Hell Gate
Jumaane D. Williams: New York City Public Advocate
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Front Line” featuring Puma Ptah by Eric Hilton, from the Farewell to Midnight EP released on Eighteenth Street Lounge Records.
It's our May membership drive when we move the mic to you! By becoming a member your voice of support amplifies our coverage of forward thinking movement movers and shakers. Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
This Mother’s Day, May 14th coincides with the formal end of the National Covid-19 Emergency. Since its enactment in March 2020, emergency spending expanded healthcare coverage to some 15 million people who will now be disenrolled, and increased food stamp benefits, and post-partum coverage in many states. Poor parents will be taking a hit — but Guaranteed Income could be the solution. The Magnolia Mothers Trust in Jackson, Mississippi is the first in the country to provide Guaranteed Income of $1000 monthly to low-income families headed by a Black woman living in affordable housing. Joining Laura for this Mother’s Day special are Aisha Nyandoro who leads this program as the CEO of Springboard Opportunities, a nonprofit organization working with residents in affordable housing to help them reach their goals; Anquoindria Moore, a mother of three was a recipient of this cash relief from Magnolia Mothers and Dorian Warren, the Co-President of Community Change, that focuses on building the power of people most impacted by injustice. How does cash relief reduce poverty, and increase equity and security for families? All that, and a commentary from Laura on renewing, and renaming, the tax credit program.
“Clearly it is not only about the cash. I had the opportunity to meet some very wonderful people. I was also able to socialize with different women who were also in the same shoes as me or similar . . . The women there are not getting involved and then leaving you stranded.” - Anquoindria Moore
“When people have a little more breathing room, when they don't have to count every penny to pay bills . . . they actually have more time to get involved in our democracy and their communities and school board elections and town hall meetings . . . That is important for the promise of multiracial democracy in this country.” - Aisha Nyandoro
“We know that if we trust women in particular and give them agency, they will always do the right thing for their kids . . . What we're up against is basically ideologues and zombie ideas who are ignoring the evidence and the stories about the participants in these kinds of programs.” - Dorian Warren
Guests:
Anquoindria Moore: Recipient, Magnolia Mothers Trust
Dr. Aisha Nyandoro: CEO, Springboard To Opportunities
Dorian Warren: Co-President, Community Change
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings” by Secret Night Gang from their forth coming album “Belongs on a Place Called Earth," courtesy of Brownswood Recordings.
"It has often been said that the US South is the testing ground for American democracy, which makes it frustrating how little attention national Democrats and their media pals give to Southern politics.
A case in point is the decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court on April 28th, to reverse a series of election-related rulings that were handed down just months ago by the same court when it was dominated by Democrats."
-excerpt from the latest commentary by Laura Flanders...
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
You can hear that special report in our series on The War on Democracy by subscribing to this podcast feed or watch the show:
Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina Watch / Listen, Download and Subscribe to the PodcastAnd take a listen/watch our prior special reports in the series:
• The Forgotten Coup, January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy Watch / Download Podcast
• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection Watch / Download Podcast
• North Carolina: Courageous Conversations in a Climate of Fear Watch / Download Podcast
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
North Carolina has long been a battleground for democracy. So far, 27 people in the state have been indicted in connection with the effort to overturn the 2020 election on January 6th. No body of legislators has fought more fiercely to maintain Republican supermajority power in a demographically 50/50 state. On April 28, 2023, in a rare reversal of recent precedent, the new Republican majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court struck down a previous ruling that threw out gerrymandered voting maps. And in this term, the Supreme Court will decide on Moore v Harper, a case that could give state lawmakers unchecked power over how elections are held — and even who gets to vote. In this episode, Laura Flanders sits down with the NC Attorney General Josh Stein and Hilary Harris Klein, lead attorney on the North Carolina case along with veteran civil rights attorney and law professor, Irving L. Joyner to discuss what these cases mean for democracy and voters of color. What does a better vision of democracy look like? Durham is home to the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, named after the human rights activist whose work was integral to the Civil Rights Movement. Murray's legacy lives on today, inspiring organizers who are determined to "bring the promise of democracy to life," as Angela M. Thorpe, the center’s Executive Director, puts it. Serena Sebring, the Executive Director of Blueprint NC, shares what’s needed to build Murray’s vision of a multiracial democracy. What’s at stake? And who’s pushing back?
“North Carolinians do not want this gerrymandering . . . What the legislatures are trying to do here is not the people’s business. It is their own political entrenchment.” - Hilary Harris Klein
“You had 30 African Americans in the North Carolina General Assembly and all of that came crashing down in 2010 with the election of Republicans . . . Their first order of business was to attack the success that we had had in building up African American political power.” - Irving L. Joyner
“It's not just Raleigh, it's not just Charlotte. It's not even just Durham that matters, but it is Columbus County, it is Pasquotank Country. It is all of the people of North Carolina who must be welcomed into a democracy, if it is to be what it says it is.” - Serena Sebring
“This legislature has been elected time and time again under unconstitutional maps . . . It’s not a surprise they have these powers, because that’s what they’ve done, is manipulate [voting maps] to their advantage.” - Josh Stein
“I think Pauli Murray would be incredibly concerned with the way legislatures and states across the US are working to strip people, particularly Black people, of their voting rights.” - Angela M. Thorpe
Guests:
Hilary Harris Klein: Senior Counsel of Voting Rights, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Irving L. Joyner: Professor of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law
Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Josh Stein: Attorney General, North Carolina
Angela M. Thorpe: Executive Director, Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: "Wings" by Terry Callier courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records. Additional music, 'Steppin' & 'Electric Car' by Podington Bear. "Unsilenced" by Ketsa.
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
What does it mean to be a Muslim American in a society plagued by dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions? Hiba Ansari and Daria Mogahed share their insights on the challenges faced by this diverse community, highlighting the importance of good reporting, recognizing their contributions to America's history, and drawing parallels with the experiences of the Black community.
Listen in as Laura Flanders along with Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and fellow journalists S. Mitra Kalita and Dalia Mogahed from the URL Media Network discuss the Muslim community's role in America as co-builders, emphasizing the importance of centering joy and entertainment as well as engaging in civic activities. Explore the multifaceted world of Muslim Americans, their contributions, and aspirations, as our panelists stress the need for politicians to engage with them and never take their vote for granted.
"I grew up immediately post 9/11 in an Internet world where oftentimes the only people I was seeing on TV that might have looked a little bit like me or people in my family were usually victims of war . . . And that can perpetuate really harmful stereotypes, about Muslim women especially." - Hibah Ansari
"I've been covering the Muslim community in New York City pretty much since after 9/11. This has been my whole trajectory for my career. But I have never seen a moment like this." - Mitra Kalita
“Why would you wait for someone to welcome you in your own home? If we don't feel like this is ours and ours to build and ours to fight for, we will never be truly equal in this country.” - Dalia Mogahed
Guests:
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media
Hibah Ansari: Reporter, Sahan Journal
Dalia Mogahed: Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: The Jimpster remix of “Mba-Mba” by Sid Vaga & Nickodemus featuring Beni-Fadi , courtesy of Turntables on the Hudson Music. Additional music, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear.
Chapters:
(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans
(0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans (15 Minutes)
Challenges faced by Muslim Americans due to dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions are discussed, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim community and the need for good reporting to challenge stereotypes. The conversation explores Muslim Americans' civic engagement and political leadership strides, as well as the similarities between their experiences and those of the Black community, particularly regarding law enforcement and surveillance. The discussion concludes with the mainstreaming of Muslims, including a recent Minneapolis City Council ordinance allowing public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer five times a day.
(0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders (16 Minutes)
The Muslim community's role in America includes being co-builders and recognizing their contributions to the country's history. Mutual aid is a critical part of the Muslim community, as is centering joy and entertainment. The diverse community's voting habits indicate that politicians should engage with them and not take their votes for granted.
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop and explore its impact on the world with special guests Rosa Clemente, an award-winning organizer, journalist, and historian, and Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy. We discuss the origins of hip hop in the Bronx, its influence on politics, activism, music, art, dance, and fashion, and how it has changed the world. We delve into the urgent need to address the growing issue of violence in black neighborhoods during the 1980s, the importance of cultural media in connecting people, and the power of information in shaping the future. Join us as we reflect on hip hop's 50th anniversary and consider the potential lessons to be learned from the culture and its influence on movements like Black Lives Matter. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation!
“‘How [Hip Hop] changed the world?’ That's the tunnels and the roads that came out of the art form. How it got filled with the content to be able to make somebody think differently is the story of the execution and the elocution of rappers, DJs, break dancers, graffiti artists and activists.” - Chuck D
“Women continue to be erased, trans people continue [to be erased], LGBTQ people continue to be erased . . . Hip hop is critiqued solely as the place where these things happen. No, they're happening from the White House all over the world.” - Rosa Clemente
Guests:
Rosa Clemente: Independent Journalist & 2008 Green Party VP Candidate
Chuck D: Hip Hop Pioneer, Activist & Co-Founder, Public Enemy
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: Public Enemy’s “Bring in the Noise” performed by Brown-Out, from their album Fear of a Brown Planet, released on Fat Beats Records. Additional music included 'Steppin' by Podington Bear.
Chapters:
(0:00:03) - Fight the Power
(0:14:58) - Exploring Hip Hop and Social Change
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:03) - Fight the Power (15 Minutes)
In this episode, we explore the impact of hip hop on the world as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, with guests Rosa Clemente, an award-winning organizer, journalist, and historian, and Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy. We discuss the origins of hip hop in the Bronx, its influence on politics, activism, music, art, dance, and fashion, and how it has changed the world.
(0:14:58) - Exploring Hip Hop and Social Change (14 Minutes)
In this discussion, we delve into the urgent need to address the growing issue of violence in black neighborhoods during the 1980s, as well as the role of hip hop in raising awareness and sparking change. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural media in connecting people and the power of information in shaping the future. As we reflect on hip hop's 50th anniversary, we consider the potential lessons to be learned from the culture and its influence on movements like Black Lives Matter.
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
The Earth's temperature is rising at an alarming rate, and time is running out to change direction according to the IPCC. But veteran organizer/strategist Ben Jealous (formerly of the NAACP) sees history as being replete with examples of humans doing the unpredictable in history’s toughest moments. It’s that perspective, and those stories, compiled in his new book, that Jealous brings to his new job as head of the Sierra Club. The first African American to lead a “Big Green” environmental organization, Jealous explores his plans, the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and President Biden’s greenlighting of potentially catastrophic drilling projects in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. All that, and a few thoughts from Laura about hidden history and the heroic motley crew.
“. . . We've got to show up to the American people with a vision that says we can build a better economy that lifts all boats. We have the technology, we have the resources, we have the demand, we have the will.” - Ben Jealous
Guest: Ben Jealous: Executive Director, Sierra Club
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Ode to Nature” by Hover Fly from the Climate Soundtrack Project, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, a global initiative harnessing the power of dance music and DJ culture to power climate solutions and generate action.
Chapters:
(0:00:03) - Climate Change and Greed
(0:11:39) - Environmental Justice & Activism
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:03) - Climate Change and Greed (12 Minutes)
In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing the environmental movement in the United States, particularly in light of the Biden administration's recent decisions on oil and gas projects. Our guest, Ben Jealous, discusses his new role as the leader of the Sierra Club and how his background in civil rights activism informs his approach to environmental issues. We also discuss the importance of creating unlikely alliances to address climate change and promote a greener, more equitable future for all. As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, the need for bold climate action becomes increasingly urgent.
(0:11:39) - Environmental Justice & Activism (17 Minutes)
We dive into a conversation with Ben Jealous, civil rights leader and the first African American executive director of the Sierra Club. As the organization reckons with its own systemic racism and the racism of its founder, we discuss Jealous' plans for addressing these issues and his latest book, "Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing. " We also explore the Sierra Club's evolving role in supporting environmental justice communities, the importance of optimism in the face of the climate crisis, and the need for a broader political coalition to drive meaningful change for the environment'
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Low income Americans face an acute housing shortage. But our guests have a victory to share. “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square" is a newly-released documentary telling the story of how a diverse group of New Yorkers, led by housing organizer Frances Goldin, fought a 50-year struggle against abandonment, white flight, violence, drugs and "Power Broker" Robert Moses to save a 12-block section of lower Manhattan from being destroyed. They created the first urban Community Land Trust (CLT), and thousands of homes and businesses were saved from speculation. The CLT established permanent low-income housing for Cooper Square residents. The film, which is out now from New Day Films, was directed and produced by our guests Kelly Anderson and Ryan Joseph, with Kathryn Barnier. Anderson and Joseph, along with historian Johanna Fernández join Laura to discuss the significance of Goldin, rabble rousing and the Cooper Square story for today. Plus, a commentary from Laura on “lost causes” that aren’t.
“The housing situation is only getting worse…We need policy solutions to address problems that were created through racist and classist policies to begin with.” - Kelly Anderson
“What [Frances Goldin] creates is a model for others to follow. And that is the notion that public lands should be connected to the idea of the public good, meaning that they can never be sold at a profit in the future by people who live there.” - Johanna Fernández
“[Frances Goldin] wanted to make sure that the movement was integrated from the start. And in doing so, she formed coalitions quickly between Blacks, Browns, Jews, Puerto Ricans . . . She was able to take the movement to City Hall because she had people in numbers.” - Ryan Joseph
Guests:
Kelly Anderson: Producer/Director, “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square”
Johanna Fernández: Professor, 20th Century US History & the History of Social Movements at Baruch College & the Graduate Center CUNY
Ryan Joseph: Producer/Director, “Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square”
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Place Delight” featuring Patti Austen, from the Home Ground project produced by Stephen Hemmer.
Chapters Summary:
(0:00:03) - The Fight for Cooper Square
(0:10:35) - The Legacy of Cooper Square
(0:18:52) - Advocating for Affordable Housing
(0:28:32) - A Collective Effort
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:03) - The Fight for Cooper Square (11 Minutes)
In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Frances Goldin and the Cooper Square Committee's fifty-year fight to save a twelve-block stretch of lower Manhattan from abandonment, white flight, and the powerful developer Robert Moses. The documentary film 'Rabble Rousers: Frances Goldin and the Fight for Cooper Square' highlights this David vs Goliath battle, where a diverse group of New Yorkers came together to save thousands of homes and businesses from destruction. In 1970, they won approval for their alternate development plan, and today, a community land trust and mutual housing association are in place, providing affordable homes in the area.
(0:10:35) - The Legacy of Cooper Square (8 Minutes)
We delve into the factors that set the Cooper Square neighborhood apart from other communities threatened by Robert Moses' bulldozers, and how the 50-year battle for its survival succeeded. Key contributors to this success included collaborating with urban planner Walter Thabit to develop a vision for the community and securing control over the land. Additionally, the neighborhood's rich history of working-class politics and values, as well as its diverse and creative community, played a significant role in the victory. Today, the area is home to a diverse population and a range of minority-owned and woman-owned businesses, fostering a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.
(0:18:52) - Advocating for Affordable Housing (10 Minutes)
We discuss the concept of community land trusts, which involve communal land that cannot be sold for profit and should be connected to the public good. The conversation touches on the housing crisis, the role of land speculation, and potential remedies such as reparations for African Americans. Various ongoing initiatives in New York City are mentioned, including efforts to keep public land public and increase community control over land. The importance of collective action and persistence in housing struggles is highlighted, emphasizing the need for a movement organized around the public good. The legacy of Frances Goldin serves as an inspiring example of successful organizing and advocacy for housing rights.'
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
In this episode, I dive deep into discussions on the state of the banking system and the economy, touching on topics such as the stress in the banking system, the implications of the recent Silicon Valley Bank situation, and the challenges faced by central banks in reducing inflation. We also explore the rise of nationalism in politics and its impact on policy decisions, the increasing influence of money in the political landscape, and the potential consequences of a plutocratic society. Additionally, we delve into the role of international institutions like the IMF and the World Bank in addressing global issues and the challenges they face in democratizing decision-making. In the second part of the episode, we explore the challenges facing modern society, including low birth rates, wage stagnation, and labor market issues. We discuss the potential influence of Europe's more cooperative economic models, as well as the importance of rational argument and finding alternative solutions to current problems. Join me for this fascinating and insightful conversation with my sister and guest, Stephanie Flanders, head of economics and government at Bloomberg. It's an episode you won't want to miss!
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Music In the Middle: “Saints and Sinners” by Bluey of Incognito from his solo album Life Between the Notes released on Shanachie Records.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Latest stress in the banking system. Internationalism.
(0:05:32) - Economic Statecraft & Globalization. Subsidy wars? IMF & China.
(0:8:20) - What happens to Democracy when so much money is so much and so concentrated? Heading to a Plutocracy?
(0:12:15) - Music Break
(0014:40) Silicon Valley Bank, what happened? State of the banking system. Alternatives to the banking system.
(00:17:24) - What can be done to create better checks and balances.
(00:19:50) - How profit margins factor from EU to US. Birth Rates and the Economy.
(0:24:00) - What is the story the future will tell about now?
(00:25:40) - Laura's closing commentary
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
In this episode, Laura explores the unorthodox documentary "Sell By Date" by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones. We discuss the complex issues of sex, power, race, and our economy through the lens of various characters played by Jones herself. The film features interviews with real people both in and out of the sex industry, offering diverse perspectives on the subject matter. We also dive into the challenges and experiences faced while creating the documentary, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the potential for a healthier understanding of sexuality and power dynamics in society. Join Laura and Sarah Jones as they navigate these thought-provoking topics and more in this insightful conversation.
Guest: Sarah Jones, Tony Award-winning Solo Performer, Writer, Comedian & Activist; Director & Star, Sell/Buy/Date
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
This podcast includes an endorsement for Best of the Left, with host Jay! Tomlinson. We think you'll dig it too!
Music In the Middle: “Sold Out” by Ultra Naté from her new album Ultra courtesy of Blufire and Peace Biscuit.
Additional Music: "Many Hands & "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Sex and Power Dynamics
(0:11:07) - Sex Work and Society
(0:23:22) - Sex, Gender, Marginalization
(0:27:04) - Women in the Workplace
(0:32:28) - Marginalization of Women
(0:41:57) - What About Moonlight?
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Sex and Power Dynamics (11 Minutes)
In this episode, we explore the unorthodox documentary by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones, titled "Sell By Date" The film delves into topics such as sex, power, race, and our economy and examines these complex issues through the lens of various characters played by Jones herself. The documentary also features interviews with real people both in and out of the sex industry, offering diverse perspectives on the subject matter. Alongside Jones, the film includes appearances from celebrities like Rosario Dawson and Bryan Cranston.
(0:11:07) - Sex Work and Society (12 Minutes)
We discuss the challenges and experiences faced while creating the unorthodox documentary "Sell By Date," a film by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones. The film aims to bring complex conversations about social justice and the sex industry to a wider audience, while also addressing the backlash faced from various groups. We also explore the difficulties encountered while navigating the commercial aspects of the entertainment industry and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Finally, we touch on the benefits of healing from stigma, shame, and secrets, and the potential for a healthier understanding of sexuality and power dynamics in society'
(0:23:22) - Sex, Gender, Marginalization (4 Minutes)
We dive into the importance of access to reproductive health and abortion, as well as the need to challenge societal norms around female sexuality. The conversation touches on the double standards that exist and the potential consequences of slut-shaming and stigma. The discussion also includes the perspective of a Bronx taxi driver who joined the journey and highlights the organization A Call to Men, which aims to address the negative effects of toxic masculinity on both men and women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest dialogue around these topics and dismantling oppressive hierarchies in the sex industry'
(0:27:04) - Women in the Workplace (5 Minutes)
We explore the idea of expanding the concept of "Sell By Date" into other forms of content, such as podcasts and anthology series, to address various societal issues, including climate change, gun violence, and healthcare. We discuss the potential for future generations to look back on our current moment and see how far we have come in terms of policy and cultural attitudes. Additionally, we touch on the portrayal of women and sex in the media and the importance of honest connection and conversation in the age of social media'
(0:32:28) - Marginalization of Women (9 Minutes)
We explore the portrayal of women on screen and discuss the narrow boxes in which certain women have been placed. The conversation touches upon stereotypes, over sexualization, and the lack of humanity given to women in media. We also discuss the horror virgin dichotomy and the complex nature of women's roles in society today. Furthermore, we examine intersectionality and the impact of marginalization on women's access to choices in a democratic society. Finally, we consider the potential emergence of a COVID-era character and the importance of global conversations about freedom and liberation'
(0:41:57) - What About Moonlight? (1 Minutes)
We delve into the poetic and evocative imagery of moonlight, exploring its symbolism in moments of vulnerability, fear, and desire for freedom. The conversation navigates through the emotional landscape of seeking solace and release, asking the poignant question: what about the moonlight?'
Episode Keywords:
Sarah Jones, Sell By Date, Documentary, Sex Industry, Power Dynamics, Marginalized Voices, Sexuality, Social Justice, Reproductive Health, Toxic Masculinity, Women in Media, Stereotypes, Intersectionality, Honest Dialogue, Cultural Attitudes, Female Sexuality, Double Standards, Stigma, Oppressive Hierarchies, Moonlight Symbolism
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
Rosa Parks is best known to Americans as a national treasure — the little old lady who sat down on a bus and “ended racism.” What we lose in that depiction is what happened before and afterward, which is to say most of the story of Park’s lifetime of activism. Soledad O'Brien, the award-winning journalist and producer, has just executive produced the first ever full-length documentary on the Civil Rights icon, titled “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.” based on the book by Jeanne Theoharis, and directed by Yoruba Richen and Johanna Hamilton. The film tells a much fuller story of the woman best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film is also being used to create a curriculum for K-12 students. Laura welcomes back Soledad for this revealing conversation on Parks, her legacy, and what the media got wrong. Why is it essential to dispel the myths and to fully understand the role that strategic organizing played in the actions of Rosa Parks, and the implications for her life, and ours today?
“Who knew Rosa Parks was a fan of the Black Panthers? Who knew Rosa Parks was as much of a fan of Malcolm X as she was of Dr. King? What does it say about this vision we had of Rosa Parks, where everybody knows her and yet even Hollywood celebrities can't identify this woman who's called the mother of the movement.”
“I talk about mistakes I made all the time. I don't mind. I'm happy to, I did them. They exist on tape somewhere. It's okay, let's fix it. Let's get better from it. I think we just need more introspection.”
Guest: Soledad O’Brien, CEO of Soledad O'Brien Productions; Award-winning Journalist, Producer & Philanthropist; Executive Producer, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
Chapters (full conversation)
00:00:00 Introduction to the program.
00:01:37 How did the new documentary about Rosa Parks story come together? They discuss some highlights from her untold story especially as an activist. She embraced change by any means necessary. Shockingly you'll learn that the 'mother of the movement' was destitute and often ignored. What it means when we only get a partial picture of a person's body of work in the civil rights movement.
00:12:05 They discuss the challenges of being a journalist in these times. What is good journalism especially when covering the run up to an election? With regard to Maggie Haberman's book "Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump, and the Breaking of America", what does the role of 'access' play, and who does it serve? Ask yourself 'what's the framing?'
00:17:55 They discuss covering politics in these times and share advice as two seasoned journalists. The difference between spinning a story and overtly lying. Why it's important to highlight hypocricy.
00:20:09 They discuss the book the documentary is based on and the telling of a more complex story beyond the headlines. How was it possible that she was the mother of the movement, yet destitute. How women were left out of the narrative when it came to the work in the civil rights movement.
00:23:50 The discussion pivots to the topic of 'city and community development projects,' and the challenges in these times with regard to race relations. How do you make sure your city is serving you?
00:28:00 Activism is a long game! There's a curriculum that accompanies the documentary film. The author of the book the documentary is based on, and others are taking the documentary and the greater story of Rosa Parks to public schools across the country. What's next for Soledad O'Brien and her production company?
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Join Laura and Gina for this impactful conversation on combating anti-Asian hate. A new documentary on PBS, Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March, spotlights the movement to turn grief into action and address the challenges that exist when it comes to prosecuting anti-Asian hate crimes. Executive producer Gina Kim is an Emmy-nominated producer, and the film features narration from actress Sandra Oh, original music by Jon Batiste and is directed by Titi Yu.
“Out of the hate crimes that were being prosecuted against Asian Americans, only 3% ended in a conviction, which is incredibly low.” - Gina Kim
“. . . People aren't just lying down and saying, ‘This is what it is.’ They're fighting back and protecting their communities.” - Gina Kim
Guest: Gina Kim, Emmy-nominated Producer & Executive Producer, Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
This podcast includes an endorsement for Best of the Left, with host Jay! Tomlinson. We think you'll dig it too!
Music In the Middle: “Home” by Academy and Grammy Award-winner, Jon Batiste, and Grammy nominated Cory Wong. It’s an original score they produced for the documentary film “Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March”
Additional Music: "Many Hands & "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Chapters (full conversation)
00:00:00 Best of the Left podcast endorsement from Laura
00:03:01 Height of the Covid 19 pandemic spikes violence against the Asian community. Laura shares a clip from the documentary. Gina shares some historical perspectives on Asian Hate in America. Connection between Asian communities in Atlanta and San Francisco
00:10:04 Hate crime legislation challenges when applied to the Asian community and speaking out.
00:12:47 Re-introduce guest & subject.
Music in the Middle: “Home” by Academy and Grammy Award-winner, Jon Batiste, and Grammy nominated Cory Wong.
00:15:33 The myth of Asian Americans as the model minority. Statistics related to the Asian American community and breaking down stereotypes. Movement building and the challenges for organizers in the Asian American Community in Atlanta, Georgia. The story of the first Asian American State Senator elected in Georgia, the growing voting block and changing demographics.
00:21:39 They discuss some grassroots initiatives keeping AAPI Americans safer; The real fears Asian Americans face. Gina shares details in bringing together their documentary film crew made up of predominantly Asian Americans, and the difficulties they faced personally working on the documentary together.
00:27:18 Laura’s closing commentary on the effects of racism, and hate language, currently and historically especially for Asian Americans facing a spike in hate crimes.
00:28:54 Outro including more information, how you can support the show, show credits and major funders.
00:30:09 FIN
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Laura and guest, Abigail Disney, ask how long can corporations sustain the “American Dream” at the expense of their workers. Is the American Dream dead? While most Americans are earning less than their parents and economic mobility is on the decline, the median net worth of the top 10 billionaires in the world has nearly tripled over the last decade. Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy Disney, one of the founders of Disney, discovered that some employees were earning one two-thousandth of the earnings of CEO Bob Iger. She wrote to Iger, testified in Congress and ultimately made a film, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.” Abigail underscores the need to tax the top 1%, speaks out against corporate greed and calls out the policies and values that created such gaping inequality at Disney and across the business world. Abigail Disney is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, and an activist. The film, co-directed with Kathleen Hughes is available for streaming now.
“There was a woman who played Winnie the Pooh for many years . . . six days a week, who died in her car. That was really a galvanizing moment for a lot of the folks that I spoke to, because the wrongness of this was all concentrated in this one moment.” - Abigail Disney
“Absent collective bargaining, we are all subject to the tender mercies of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Collective bargaining is the only way workers have to democratically represent their own interests in the workplace.” - Abigail Disney
Guest: Abigail Disney, Documentary Filmmaker & Social Activist; Co-Director & Producer, The American Dream & Other Fairy Tales; Founder Fork Films; Producer & Host "All Ears"
Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.
This podcast includes an endorsement for Best of the Left, with host Jay! Tomlinson. We think you'll dig it too!
Music In the Middle: “Black Fros Black Gold - All You Zombies Dig the Luminosity” by Burnt Sugar, The Arkestra Chamber from their ‘Twentieth Anniversary Mixtapes: Groiddest Schizznits, Volume 3’.
Additional Music: "Many Hands & "Steppin" by Podington Bear
Chapters (full conversation)
00:00:00 Best of the Left podcast endorsement from Laura
00:05:40 Gaping disparities between the Disney Corporation and employees at Disney theme parks; it’s personal for Abigail Disney.
00:08:43 From the founders to the current CEO, Abigail Disney investigates, and reflects on what happened
00:13:27 Shifting the status quo toward justice, civil rights, assault on unions, wage disparities, capitalism
00:21:37 Re-introduce guest & subject.
Music in the Middle: “Black Fros Black Gold - All You Zombies Dig the Luminosity” by Burnt Sugar, The Arkestra Chamber from their ‘Twentieth Anniversary Mixtapes: Groiddest Schizznits, Volume 3’
00:24:13 Gap between have’s and have not’s, what to do? Money in politics
00:28:00 Hope for the future addressing injustices and inequities. Raising wages vs raising taxes. Auditing, the tax code.
00:37:00 Reconstruction, shared dreams, well being and accomplishments.
00:41:00 Woke Capitalism, fruits of labor, aspirations
00:44:46 Closing commentary from Laura on history, anxiety and change
00:46:37 FIN
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!
This podcast includes an endorsement for Best of the Left, with host Jay! Tomlinson. We think you'll dig it too!
Description / Introduction: 2022 will go down in history for the number of anti-trans bills introduced into state legislatures. Over 300 bills banning books, medical treatment, even access to the bathroom, have been introduced so far. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court seems poised to overturn Roe vs. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion (note: interview was recorded Spring 2022). As extremists crank up the volume on hate — trans people, especially trans women of color, are facing an onslaught of violence. Today’s guest, Imara Jones, has been featured on the cover of Time Magazine and POLITICO’s 2021 “Recast Power List.” She’s the producer of a podcast mini-series called “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality” and the creator of “TransLash Media”, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling, and narrative project, which seeks to shift the culture, create empathy and save trans lives. In this episode, Laura asks her what impacts these restrictions and increased control have on all of us.
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - The Anti-Trans Hate Machine
(0:15:18) - Trans Resistance & Money
(0:21:10) - The Struggle for Trans Rights
(0:36:45) - Supporting Community Media
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - The Anti-Trans Hate Machine (15 Minutes)
Laura Flanders discusses the anti-trans backlash seen in the US in 2021, and continues to be on the rise. Her guest is Imara Jones, founder and CEO of TransLash Media, a platform journalism project which seeks to shift the culture and save lives. Jones speaks about the 'anti-trans hate machine' which has been funded by billionaires, such as Betsy DeVoss, and organizations like the Heritage Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Focus on the Family.
(0:15:18) - Trans Resistance & Money (6 Minutes)
This conversation centers around the cultural and political aspects of the TransLash Media Project. It is mentioned that while there has been progress made in terms of trans visibility, there is also a growing anti-trans backlash. It is pointed out that the anti-trans movement is heavily funded and organized, while trans organizations are vastly underfunded. It is discussed that mutual aid and local resistance are promising elements of the hope for trans people. Finally, it is noted that helping people access gender affirming care in places where it is becoming increasingly difficult is also important'
(0:21:10) - The Struggle for Trans Rights (16 Minutes)
This conversation discussed the growing recognition of the overall threats to the trans community and the importance of brave trans youth and their families speaking up and speaking out. The discussion then shifted to the need for progressive movements to think beyond elections and focus on sustainability, as well as how to invert leadership and resources. Finally, the conversation highlighted the importance of individual stories of quiet bravery and the need to rework the way social justice movements think and organize themselves. The episode concluded with an encouragement to check out TransLash and the reminder that 'bodies are the first side of liberation.'
Episode Keywords: TransLash Media, Anti-Trans Backlash, Mutual Aid, Local Resistance, Gender Affirming Care, Trans Visibility, Trans Rights, Social Justice Movements, Progressive Movements, Sustainability, Inverting Leadership, Quiet Bravery, Patreon Partners, Commercial Media, Betsy DeVos, Heritage Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom, Focus on the Family
Shownotes created by https://podium.page
The police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis generated a significant amount of conversation and coverage, while the killing of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán in a Georgia state police raid just weeks later has gotten considerably less attention. This time in our monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura Flanders and Sara Lomax of URL Media talk with two journalists who have been reporting on these stories for local Black-led outlets. Is there anything in their response that might deepen how we think about power and race, racism, police and public safety? Our guests are Gavin Godfrey, Atlanta editor at Capital B, and Report for America corps member Brittany Brown, a reporter at MLK50: Justice Through Journalism where she covers criminal justice and labor in Memphis.
“. . . We saw national media parachute into Memphis really covering the flashpoint moment that this was for the city . . . At MLK50, we're really focused on highlighting the continuing efforts that are going on every week.” - Brittany Brown
“I think what separates our coverage from local coverage in the city is that we are trying to find out how this affects the people that are the most affected. Most of [the] local news is talking to officials, law enforcement officials, and then getting a couple of quotes and clips from protestors without a lot of context.” - Gavin Godfrey
“Our communities need to have outlets . . . that are coming from the ground up and from our people. I'm really grateful that there is a new wave of Black media outlets that are doing the work in Atlanta, in Memphis, in Philadelphia, all over the country . . .” - Sara Lomax
Guests:
Brittany Brown: Criminal Justice & Labor Reporter, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Gavin Godfrey: Atlanta Editor, Capital B
Sara Lomax: Co-Founder, URL Media; President & CEO, WURD Radio
The Show is listener and viewer supported. That's thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Chapters:
(0:00:00) - Covering Police Killings in the US
(0:09:51) - Self-Care in Trauma Reporting
(0:20:52) - The Legacy of Systemic Police Violence
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:00) - Covering Police Killings in the US (10 Minutes)
This episode of Meet The BiPOC Press with URL media focuses on two events that occurred weeks apart in different parts of the US and how they connect. The first is the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis after a traffic stop, and the second is the killing of queer environmental activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán in Atlanta during a police raid. The conversation covers the quantity of coverage these stories have received, the proposed ninety million dollar police training complex in the Walloni forest, the response of the public and the ongoing efforts of activists and community organizers.
(0:09:51) - Self-Care in Trauma Reporting (11 Minutes)
This episode of the Laura Flanders show focuses on the two recent police-involved killings of Tyre Nichols in Memphis and Manuel Esteban Paez Terán in Atlanta. The conversation addresses the calls for more training and how the proposed police training center in Atlanta has sparked fear in the predominantly black community. The roundtable also discusses the power dynamics of police brutality when officers are black as well as the importance of trauma-informed reporting and setting boundaries for self-care.
(0:20:52) - The Legacy of Systemic Police Violence (9 Minutes)
This discussion focused on the events in Memphis over the past year, including the election of the first Democratic District Attorney in decades and the swift response to the misconduct of police officers. Questions were raised about the role of democracy and consent in this response, in addition to the issue of public safety. The conversation then shifted to the survey conducted by the mayor on the proposed COPC City training center, in which 69% of the population were against it. The participants discussed the need to ask better questions, and to listen to the people in order to facilitate a dialogue towards a solution.
Description: “Reckoning” is the new best-selling book from V (formerly Eve Ensler), author of “The Vagina Monologues” and founder of V-Day/One Billion Rising, the global movement to end violence against all women, gender-expansive people, girls, and the earth. Reckoning, writes V, is “the antidote to fascism”. In this Women’s History Month special, which includes performances by V and Laurence Olivier Award-winning actress and Tony nominee, Noma Dumezweni, Laura speaks with V about why she changed her name, her long history working for peace, the current pushback against teaching African American history, and the abortion she had at the age of 23 when she was living in a halfway home. What is the reckoning we need, and where can it lead us? What happens if we do NOT reckon?
“. . . There was no way I could bring up a child, and that child would've been destroyed. I realized that I could make a decision not to have that child. That was literally the first time in my life that I went and I made a choice about my own body.” - V (formerly Eve Ensler)
“We are living in a patriarchal paradigm . . . but it wasn't always here . . . It requires imagination for all of us to say, is this racist, patriarchal paradigm, the paradigm we choose to live in for eternity? Or do we want to live in a different paradigm and are we going to struggle to dismantle it? - V (formerly Eve Ensler)
Guest: V (formerly Eve Ensler), Award-winning Playwright, Author & Founder V-Day & One Billion Rising; Best-selling Author, Reckoning, The Apology
The Show is listener and viewer supported. That's thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Chapters:
(0:00:01) - Reckoning
(0:10:06) - Bodily Autonomy and Reclaiming
(0:22:11) - Rising Up
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:01) - Reckoning (10 Minutes)
This chapter begins with a discussion about the importance of reckoning in today's world. Vee, the author, activist and playwright, formerly known as Eve Ensler, explains how changing her name was a key step in her own reckoning process. She then goes on to discuss how lack of reckoning leads to the repeating of terrible things that have already occurred in the past, particularly in terms of war and violence against women, trans people, and non-binary people. Vee then talks about the role of solidarity and how it is a place of belonging.
(0:10:06) - Bodily Autonomy and Reclaiming (12 Minutes)
This chapter of the podcast discusses the importance of bodily autonomy for women and the importance of imagining alternatives to the patriarchal paradigm that has been in place for the past 17,000 years. Tony nominee, Noma Dumezweni performance is featured and discussed, as is V's own experience with abortion. V talks about how her abortion was the first autonomous decision she made about her own body, and how it changed her life. The conversation then moves to how to reckon with the continued stealing of bodily autonomy from women and how to respond.
(0:22:11) - Rising Up (8 Minutes)
This conversation discusses the importance of creating a positive, revolutionary world in which people can turn their pain into power. Through the example of City of Joy, a revolutionary center in the Congo, the conversation delves into the power of creating a space where people can discover their divine power. It then turns to the biblical story of Eve, retelling it to show her as a brave character. The conversation then asks what is the state of the rising of people around the world, particularly those in Afghanistan, Iran, Congo, and Palestine.
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In this podcast episode, I discuss how Black and Brown-owned media outlets are growing with Mitra Kalita, co-founder of URL and publisher of Epicenter NYC, Alexandra Martinez, senior news reporter at Prism, and Malak Silmi of Outlier Media. We also explore the federal impact on local communities and how access to the morning-after pill, the pandemic, and small business have been affected. Additionally, we discuss the rise of right-wing extremism and the complexities of the migrant influx into New York City. We also touch on the importance of coming together for collaboration and using the language of the impacted communities for reporting. Lastly, we thank the participants for their contributions and collaboration to this podcast.
Guests:
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media; CEO & Publisher, Epicenter-NYC
Alexandra Martinez: Senior News Reporter, Prism
Malak Silmi: Reporter, Outlier Media
Chapters:
(0:00:01) - BiPOC Media Outlets
(0:14:53) - Federal Impact on Local Communities
(0:30:03) - Siloing and the Right-Wing Red Wave
(0:41:59) - Coming Together for Collaboration
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:01) - BiPOC Media Outlets (15 Minutes)
Meet the BiPOC Press' focuses on the growth of URL Media, a national network of black and brown-owned media outlets. Mitra Kalita, co-founder of URL and publisher of Epicenter NYC, Alexandra Martinez, senior news reporter at Prism, and Malak Silmi of Outlier Media each shared their perspectives on the stories that will be driving news coverage in the coming year. Topics discussed included the economy, housing, finance, politics, reproductive justice, voting rights, public health and more. The conversation also focused on the use of the term 'BiPOC'
(0:14:53) - Federal Impact on Local Communities (15 Minutes)
This conversation examines how the current climate of emergency and lack of federal funding has impacted local communities across the US. Topics discussed include the FDA's recent approval of the abortion pill, the unequal access to the morning-after pill among different states, and how the pandemic has impacted small businesses and public health. The participants also discussed how different methods of reporting are being used to capture local meetings and to disrupt false narratives, as well as the anti-gay protests that have been occurring in cities across the country. They emphasize the importance of centering the solutions from the impacted communities and using the language they want to use.
(0:30:03) - Siloing and the Right-Wing Red Wave (12 Minutes)
This conversation focuses on the growing number of anti-trans bills, anti-abortion bills, and the rise of right-wing extremism across the United States. The participants discuss how they are covering these issues in their reporting and how they are reaching new audiences in an age where social media algorithms are increasingly limiting visibility. They also explore the complexities of the migrant influx into New York City and how the public services are struggling to provide support. It is discussed how media must be cautious when covering these stories and how trust and honest reporting is key to connecting with the communities affected by these issues'
(0:41:59) - Coming Together for Collaboration (0 Minutes)
This conversation focused on the mayor's visit to El Paso at the New Year and his announcement that eight thousand people have come into New in the past year. The participants discussed the significance of this influx of people and the collaboration between them in the monthly round table. The conversation ended with the speaker thanking the participants for their contribution and collaboration to the podcast'
Key Words:
BiPOC Media, URL Media, Mitra Kalita, Epicenter NYC, Alexandra Martinez, Prism, Malak Silmi, Outlier Media, Federal Impact, Local Communities, Morning-After Pill, Pandemic, Small Business, Right-Wing Extremism, Migrant Influx, New York City, Collaboration, Language of Impacted Communities, Economy, Housing, Finance, Politics, Reproductive Justice, Voting Rights, Public Health, Abortion Pill, Anti-Trans Bills, Anti-Abortion Bills, Social Media Algorithms, El Paso, Round Table
What role did Warrior Women play in the Wounded Knee Occupation, and the American Indian Movement (AIM)? This February 2023, as we mark the 50th anniversary of the occupation, Laura speaks with two Indigenous women activists, a mother-daughter duo, who have been involved in the Red Power movement their entire lives. Madonna Thunder Hawk, Oohenumpa Lakota and Lakota Matriarch, Marcella (Marcy) Gilbert, Lakota/Dakota/Nakota, with Elizabeth Castle, co-director of the documentary Warrior Women, have co-organized the Warrior Women Project, an oral history archive that’s the first of its kind. Hear how the project, and an interactive exhibit set to open this month, are finally putting a spotlight on Indigenous women at the frontlines of the movement.
“What the Warrior Women Project is doing is keeping that empowerment moving forward, and offering it to others. It teaches our reality of who we are within the United States, so that we don't disappear, so that we don't melt into the melting pot.” - Marcy Gilbert, Lakota/Dakota/Nakota
“The connections in the Red Power Movement days are the same today. It's all about land. Indigenous land struggles all over the planet, wherever colonization happened and is happening, has always been a land struggle. Whether it's in Northern Ireland, or here in our territory, the Dakota, Lakota territory, or Palestine, it's an Indigenous struggle, and it always starts with the land.” - Madonna Thunder Hawk, Oohenumpa Lakota and Lakota Matriarch
Guests:
Madonna Thunder Hawk (Oohenumpa Lakota), Lakota Matriarch; Co-Organizer, Warrior Women Project
Marcella Gilbert (Lakota/Dakota/Nakota), Lifelong AIM Member; Co-Organizer, Warrior Women Project
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Are we too distracted to think? The answer is worse than you’d expect. In his latest book, New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari says we’re all the victims of attention theft and the consequences are catastrophic, for our personal lives and our democracy. Adults in the workplace focus on a task for 3 minutes on average, and that number is declining. “We've got so many crises we need to deal with that require sustained focus and attention on the part of the citizenry,” Hari tells Laura, but our focus has been stolen by companies out to make a profit. “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again” was named one of the best books of 2022 by many publications and is out in paperback this month. In this wide-ranging conversation, Johann and Laura discuss how we got here, what structural changes we need, and how we need to stop beating ourselves up. It's not our fault we can't focus, says Hari, but we do need our minds back if we want society to function. All that and a commentary from Laura on Luddites.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here on Patreon (no membership required). Sign up for our newsletter at https://LauraFlanders.org to receive links to the show notes, and more.
"Saket Soni is a brilliant labor organizer. He's also a talented storyteller. His first book, The Great Escape, A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America, tells the gripping, can't-put-it down tale of one of the largest human trafficking schemes in modern US history and how 500 Indian-born workers brought their corporate exploiters to account...."
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“THE GREAT ESCAPE: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America” tells the story of one of the largest human trafficking schemes in modern American history and how the traffickers were finally held to account. Saket Soni was the co-founder of The New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice in the post-Katrina years. Today he’s the founder and director of Resilience Force, a project that comes directly out of his experience working with the men in this book. The U.S. is experiencing a labor shortage, and climate catastrophe will increase the need for disaster recovery workers. How can we build the resilient workforce we need, with the rights and equity workers deserve? Join Laura and Saket for this urgent conversation on the future of labor.
“The workers in this book, though I didn't know it at the time, were the first of a growing workforce that I call the resilience workforce. Workers who rebuild after hurricanes, floods, fires, and other disasters. As climate change has proceeded . . . this workforce has grown and it's still largely immigrant, largely undocumented and very vulnerable.”
"What we are really trying to do at Resilience Force is build this million-strong, massive, skilled workforce. We need to rebuild American cities, but also build a new social fabric in America."
Guest:
Saket Soni: Author, THE GREAT ESCAPE: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America; Founder & Director, Resilience Force
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Season 3, Episode 341- “The Future is Disabled” with Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Writer, Disability/Transformative Justice Movement Worker; Author, The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes and Mourning Songs
Description: “At the core of my work and life is the belief that disabled wisdom is the key to our survival and expansion,” shares Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, a writer, disability, and transformative justice movement worker. Laura speaks with Leah about her newly-released book of essays, The Future is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes, and Mourning Songs. The book, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, an independent queer of color-led press, was written during the pandemic and documents two years of “disabled” isolation. Among the grief and despair came essential organizing from the Disability Justice movement — and we should all take notice. And what about joy? Disabled pleasure activism, disabled art and culture-making brought hope in a time of crisis. Leah has joined Laura twice previously to talk about their work and read their poetry. In her new book, Leah asks: What if, in the near future, the majority of people will be disabled—and what if that’s not a bad thing?
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here on Patreon.
What are the stories that will be driving news coverage in the coming year for communities of color and our network partners in the media that serve them? In this 2023 preview for our monthly Meet the BIPOC Press roundtable with URL Media, we consider issues involving the economy, community investment, reproductive justice, local government, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, the aftermath of COVID, and more. How will our partners be reporting the stories — and angles — that matter most? Laura is joined by Mitra Kalita, the publisher of Epicenter-NYC, a newsletter based in Queens, New York, and the co-founder of URL Media, a network of Black and Brown community news outlets; Alexandra Martinez, Senior Reporter with Prism, whose reporting on such topics as immigration and the affordable housing crisis also appears in VICE, CNN, and other outlets; and Malak Silmi, the local government reporter for Outlier Media, a Detroit-based service journalism organization with a mission to empower Detroit residents to hold landlords, municipal government, and elected officials accountable for longstanding problems. What are some of their stories?
“I think this is the year that much of mainstream America is accepting that we are either in or about to enter our recession. I think for communities of color, we've been there for the last year. You're seeing this with demand at food pantries, utilities, housing. One of the things I'm proudest of is that we covered the explosion of food insecurity.” - S. Mitra Kalita
“[At] Prism, we are a BIPOC-led newsroom . . . So that allows us to bring nuance to the reporting that we do. Without that nuance, you really can't have honest, truthful storytelling.” - Alexandra Martinez
“With our Documenters program, we employ citizens from across the city and the state to go into these local meetings, whether virtually or in person, and simply document . . . This has helped serve a lot of reporters as well as a lot of citizens.” - Malak Silmi
Guests:
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media; CEO & Publisher, Epicenter-NYC
Alexandra Martinez: Senior News Reporter, Prism
Malak Silmi: Reporter, Outlier Media
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Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Description: In 2020, the authorities at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (better known as Angola, for the former plantation on which it stands) shut down a play in the middle of a performance. What happened in that audience of incarcerated men that got guards so concerned? That’s the subject of “Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison," (2023 Oscar Short-Listed) a new MTV documentary directed and edited by Cinque Northern (My Name is Pauli Murray) and produced by Catherine Gund. Award-winning actress and writer, Liza Jessie Peterson, (HBO’s Def Poetry, Ava Duvernay’s 13th), whose one-woman show was shut down that day, and Norris Henderson, a former inmate who'd worked with her to bring the show, join Laura to reflect on the intersection of art and politics, incarceration and economics, and the work of VOTE, the criminal justice reform group Henderson founded upon his release. What difference can a play make? Watch and see.
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The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
Twenty-three minutes. That’s how long it takes for your brain to refocus after shifting from one task to the next. Check your email, glance at a text, and you’ll pay for what’s called a “switch effect.”
“We’ve fallen for a mass delusion that our brains can multi-task. They can’t,” author Johann Hari found out in researching his latest book. We’re paying a price for our stolen ability to focus and maybe that’s one of the reasons we’re falling for autocrats and punting on solving the world’s grievous problems.
Can we spare a few minutes to focus on Luddites? Read people’s historian Peter Linebaugh, or Jacobin writer, Peter Frase; check out a Smithsonian Magazine’s feature by Clive Thompson -- and you’ll find that Luddites weren’t backward thinking thugs, but rather, skilled craftspeople whose lives were about to be wrecked.
Textile cutters, spinners and weavers, before factories came along, those British textile workers enjoyed a pretty good life. Working from home, they had a certain amount of autonomy over their lives. The price for their products was set and published. They could work as much or as little as liked. Come the early 1800s – war and recession - and machines and factories threatened all of that. The Luddites – a made up name - didn't start by breaking machines. They started by making demands of the factory owners to phase in the technology slowly. Some proposed a tax on textiles to fund worker pensions. They called for government regulation. Relief from the harms and a fair share of the profits from progress. It was only when they were denied all of that that they started breaking stuff up.
Today, the big U.S. social media companies are facing lawsuits. On January 6th, Seattle Public Schools sued TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, SnapChat, and YouTube for their negative impact on students’ mental and emotional health. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments next month over the protections the tech industry enjoys under law when their algorithms intentionally push potentially harmful content for profit.
What would breaking the machines look like in our time? I don't know. But if Hari’s right, it’s not just the quality of our lives that’s in danger. It’s the state of our minds that’s at stake.
You can hear this week's show, via this podcast feed, with Johann Hari or catch Laura's full uncut conversation that includes, Noam Chomsky, the subject of his next book -- a man with no problem with focus it seems -- through a patreon subscription to theLFShow
Are we too distracted to think? The answer is worse than you’d expect. In his latest book, New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari says we’re all the victims of attention theft and the consequences are catastrophic, for our personal lives and our democracy. Adults in the workplace focus on a task for 3 minutes on average, and that number is declining. “We've got so many crises we need to deal with that require sustained focus and attention on the part of the citizenry,” Hari tells Laura, but our focus has been stolen by companies out to make a profit. “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again” was named one of the best books of 2022 by many publications and is out in paperback this month. In this wide-ranging conversation, Johann and Laura discuss how we got here, what structural changes we need, and how we need to stop beating ourselves up. It's not our fault we can't focus, says Hari, but we do need our minds back if we want society to function. All that and a commentary from Laura on Luddites.
“The nice people are muffled, the angriest people are amplified . . . Imagine that applied to a whole country. Except you don't have to imagine it, because we are living it.” - Johann Hari
“We are not medieval peasants begging at the court of King Zuckerberg for a few little crumbs of attention from his table. We are the free citizens of democracies and we own our minds. If we follow the scientific evidence, we can take our minds back if we want to.” - Johann Hari
Guest- Johann Hari, Bestselling Author, “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again”
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
The Show is listener and viewer supported thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Historian Howard Zinn would have turned 100 in 2022. His monumental work, A People’s History of the United States, published in 1980, continues to have an impact today. For Zinn’s’ centennial we explore what made his model of history different with three guests who were influenced by his bottom-up approach: Anthony Arnove worked with Zinn throughout the latter part of his life, and wrote the introduction for the 35th-anniversary edition of Zinn’s classic work; Jamaican poet, performer and writer Staceyann Chin performed in The People Speak, a documentary film based on A People's History; and Imani Perry, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University who just won the National Book Award for Nonfiction for her own bottom-up history: South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation. What lessons can we take from Howard Zinn’s model of history for this time?
The Laura Flanders Show is made possible by listeners like you! We do not take advertising or government funding. Please become a member today for as little as $3 a month.Patreon supporters receive early access to listen and download the full uncut conversation from our weekly show.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here on Patreon in our posts.
Is the American Dream dead? When Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of one of the founders of Disney, received a message from a worker at Disney’s flagship theme park, she discovered that some employees were earning one two-thousandth of the earnings of CEO Bob Iger. She wrote to Iger, testified in Congress and ultimately made a film, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.” In one scene she asks a group of workers, “How many of you know someone that works at Disney that sleeps in their car?” Abigail underscores the need to tax the top 1%, speaks out against corporate greed and calls out the policies and values that created such gaping inequality at Disney and across the business world. The median net worth of the top 10 billionaires in the world has nearly tripled over the last decade while most Americans are earning less than their parents and economic mobility is on the decline. Abigail Disney is an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, an activist and the granddaughter of Roy Disney who co-founded the company with Walt. The film, co-directed with Kathleen Hughes is available for streaming now. Laura and Abigail ask how long can corporations sustain the “American Dream” at the expense of their workers.
“There was a woman who played Winnie the Pooh for many years . . . six days a week, who died in her car. That was really a galvanizing moment for a lot of the folks that I spoke to, because the wrongness of this was all concentrated in this one moment.” - Abigail Disney
“Absent collective bargaining, we are all subject to the tender mercies of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Collective bargaining is the only way workers have to democratically represent their own interests in the workplace.” - Abigail Disney
Guest:
Abigail Disney: Documentary Filmmaker & Social Activist; Co-Director & Producer, The American Dream & Other Fairy Tales; Founder Fork Films; Producer & Host "All Ears"
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
The Show is listener and viewer supported thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Our Patreon supporters receive early access to listen and download the full uncut conversation from our weekly episodes.
Description: In 2020, the authorities at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (better known as Angola, for the former plantation on which it stands) shut down a play in the middle of a performance. What happened in that audience of incarcerated men that got guards so concerned? That’s the subject of “Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison," a new MTV documentary directed and edited by Cinque Northern (My Name is Pauli Murray) and produced by Catherine Gund. Award-winning actress and writer, Liza Jessie Peterson, (HBO’s Def Poetry, Ava Duvernay’s 13th), whose one-woman show was shut down that day, and Norris Henderson, a former inmate who'd worked with her to bring the show, join Laura to reflect on the intersection of art and politics, incarceration and economics, and the work of VOTE, the criminal justice reform group Henderson founded upon his release. What difference can a play make? Watch and see.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here on Patreon.
“At the core of my work and life is the belief that disabled wisdom is the key to our survival and expansion,” shares Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, a writer, disability, and transformative justice movement worker. Laura speaks with Leah about her newly-released book of essays, The Future is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes, and Mourning Songs. The book, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, an independent queer of color-led press, was written during the pandemic and documents two years of “disabled” isolation. Among the grief and despair came essential organizing from the Disability Justice movement — and we should all take notice. And what about joy? Disabled pleasure activism, disabled art and culture-making brought hope in a time of crisis. Leah has joined Laura twice previously to talk about their work and read their poetry. In her new book, Leah asks: What if, in the near future, the majority of people will be disabled—and what if that’s not a bad thing?
“When I say the future is disabled, I mean that as disabled people . . . we are imagining, in the worst conditions, futures where not only do we exist but we are thriving, we are in leadership and we are sharing the tools that everyone's going to need to survive.” - Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Guest:
Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha: Writer, Disability/Transformative Justice Movement Worker; Author, The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes and Mourning Songs
Full conversation & show notes are available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
The Show is listener and viewer supported thanks to you! Please donate and become a member.
Become a member! We are forward thinking, ad free, independent media thanks to you, our members! Become a member at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Description: What if there was a way to trade time and share skills with your neighbors in a way that met a range of needs without involving cash? Since 2017, the Kola Nut Collaborative has operated Chicago’s only open platform, time and skills exchange, otherwise known as a timebank. Part mutual aid and community organizing, members come together to hear each other's needs and share what they have to offer. Founding coordinator Mike Strode speaks with Laura about the changes he has seen in his community, how people are showing up for others, and what it takes to build a *solidarity economy. Tune in for more on timebanking, and how it just might work in your community.
“The notion of the lone entrepreneur funneling out on the boat is impossible. We get together by community. So starting a time bank involves you actually being in community.”
“Solidarity economy is a post-capitalist framework. Ultimately we are still in capitalism . . . so until we rest ourselves from capitalism, we will continue to be very far from the solidarity economy.”
Guest:
Mike Strode: Founding Coordinator, Kola Nut Collaborative Timebank; Program Manager at the Open Collective Foundation
The U.S. Solidarity Economy Network defines a “solidarity economy” as an alternative framework for economic development grounded in practice of principles such as: solidarity and cooperation; multi-dimensional (or intersectional) equity; social and economic democracy; sustainability; pluralism; and people-planet first.*
Enjoy the full uncut conversation from our episode "Survival Guide for Humans Learned from Marine Mammals" featuring Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Poet, Independent Scholar & Activist and author of “Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” published by AK Press as part of adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy Series.
Episode Description: Are you drowning? The start of the school year can be stressful for parents, teachers and students. And this summer hasn’t been smooth sailing for many of us either — with extreme temperatures, a global pandemic and other crises. How do we take a breath? Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ UNDROWNED: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, draws on the practices of marine mammals — they are the experts, after all, in not drowning. (The harbor seal can slow its breath to about four beats per minute!) The book landed her the prestigious 2022 Whiting Prize for nonfiction, and now she is working on a biography of Audre Lorde. Plus, she is bringing people together through Soul Sanctuary, retreats that center a Black, feminist and queer vision. Join Laura and Gumbs for a conversation on how we can all practice “another way to breathe.” Music featured in the middle of the radio show and podcast is the title track of Samora Pinderhughes’ “Transformation Suite”.
There are show notes available to further delve into the conversation here .
Guest: Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Poet, Independent Scholar & Activist, author of “Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” published by AK Press as part of adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy Series
Become a member! We are forward thinking, ad free, independent media thanks to you, our members! Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Enjoy the full uncut conversation from our episode 'Meet the BIPOC Press Roundtable: Abbott Elementary Teaches Us All' featuring co-hosts from URL Media S. Mitra Kalita & Sara Lomax-Reese; and guests Joyce M. Abbott, Educator & Climate Manager Philadelphia School District ducator & Abbott Elementary Namesake; Sheryl Lee Ralph, Leading Actor for ABC Comedy Series ‘Abbott Elementary’ & Activist
Description: Can you remember the last time when the challenges that inner city public school teachers face were the subject of a popular TV series? Abbott Elementary — which has just been renewed for a second season on ABC — does just that. The Philadelphia school on TV is fictional, but the challenges it faces are all too real. Closely based on the school that series creator (and star) Quinta Brunson attended, and especially her experiences with Ms. Abbott, her 6th grade teacher, the show combines art, education and activism. On this month’s Meet The BIPOC Press with URL Media, real-life educator Joyce Abbott joins acclaimed actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph from the series, to discuss what the show's success shows us about this moment, when educators, especially teachers of color, are leaving the profession in droves. Can a TV show help stem the tide, shift the culture and change policy? Among her many accolades, Ralph starred in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Is quality education for all, a dream? Laura Flanders and co-hosts Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese don't think it should be.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Guests:
Joyce M. Abbott: Educator & Abbott Elementary Namesake
Sheryl Lee Ralph: Actress & Activist
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host): CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Become a member! We are forward thinking, ad free, independent media thanks to you, our members! Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
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Show Description: Historian Howard Zinn would have turned 100 in 2022. His monumental work, A People’s History of the United States, published in 1980, continues to have an impact today. For Zinn’s’ centennial we explore what made his model of history different with three guests who were influenced by his bottom-up approach: Anthony Arnove worked with Zinn throughout the latter part of his life, and wrote the introduction for the 35th-anniversary edition of Zinn’s classic work; Jamaican poet, performer and writer Staceyann Chin performed in The People Speak, a documentary film based on A People's History; and Imani Perry, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University who just won the National Book Award for Nonfiction for her own bottom-up history: South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation. What lessons can we take from Howard Zinn’s model of history for this time?
“. . . [Howard Zinn] was extremely clear on the importance of anti-racist education, so he would be absolutely in solidarity with people associated with critical race theory . . . who are just trying to do basic education about the history of racism . . .” - Anthony Arnove
“This book is only beginning to uncover what really happened throughout history . . . a hundred years from now, new truths will come forward and be recorded in new ways. New enlightenments will come to us, and new truths will land on us in different ways.” - Staceyann Chin
“Even as there are devastating events and all of this injustice, you actually can feel hopeful. That's incredibly important . . . that you give people a sense of possibility and a desire to invest in freedom.” - Imani Perry
Guests:
• Anthony Arnove: Editor, Voices of a People’s History of the United States; Director, The People Speak; Editor, Director & Producer, Voices
• Staceyann Chin: Poet, Performer, & Activist, The People Speak
• Imani Perry: National Book Award Nonfiction, South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation; Professor, African American Studies, Princeton University
Many questions remain about the recent attack on North Carolina’s electrical grid, which left tens of thousands of citizens unsettled, frightened and without power or heat for days. Officials say it was a “malicious” and “intentional” attack, but who is responsible for this destruction of vital infrastructure, and what was their motive? In a growing climate of fear and political intimidation, many residents in North Carolina — the most militarized state in the union, where law enforcement officials are active in paramilitary groups such as the Oathkeepers and a white sheriff was recently re-elected despite making racist remarks about Black employees — are deeply concerned and had begun organizing a multi-racial coalition to respond. One example is a series of revelatory “Courageous Conversations.” In this episode, Laura joins one such conversation, featuring Curtis Hill, the head of the Columbus County NAACP and leader of the recall of Jody Greene; Keith Rivers, his counterpart in Pasquotank County; Serena Sebring, the Executive Director of Blueprint NC, the largest coalition of grassroots groups in the state; and writer and organizer Mab Segrest, one of the country’s leading right-wing researchers who is also a consultant with Blueprint. How can community safety be ensured in this moment? It will take courage from us all.
“This is a full assault on everybody's rights in America. I believe that we have the power as individuals to transform our communities, one person at a time, having real courageous conversations, empowering each other, understanding and being a leaning voice.” - Curtis Hill
“That percentage of people that are extremists, we can put them in a box and let people know that they are not the ones running this country. We're not going anywhere.” - Keith Rivers
“The questions of sheriff accountability, or responsiveness to the needs of community, which include COVID-19, disaster relief, safety — I know that Black people have to have a seat at that table and be able to express the needs of our communities.” - Serena Sebring
“I want the conversation about white courage, and what I learned is white courage is really Black and Brown courage . . . I would invite people into these conversations to take risks, because you would get your life.” - Mab Segrest
Guests:
Curtis Hill, President, NAACP Columbus County, NC
Keith Rivers: President, NAACP Pasquotank County, NC; Director, Sunshine Station
Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Mab Segrest: Writer, Organizer & Consultant Blueprint NC
Help us kick off this holiday season with your good vibrations! Here at the Laura Flanders Show we rely on you, our hive of listeners, to buzz about the show! Hit the subscribe button for this podcast, if you haven’t already, and if you’re subscribed via apple podcasts, please rate us and write a review. Thanks in advance to all you busy bees for buzzing about the show and helping us grow! We are listener supported media, become a member today! https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Many questions remain about the recent attack on North Carolina’s electrical grid, which left tens of thousands of citizens unsettled, frightened and without power or heat for days. Officials say it was a “malicious” and “intentional” attack, but who is responsible for this destruction of vital infrastructure, and what was their motive? In a growing climate of fear and political intimidation, many residents in North Carolina — the most militarized state in the union, where law enforcement officials are active in paramilitary groups such as the Oathkeepers and a white sheriff was recently re-elected despite making racist remarks about Black employees — are deeply concerned and had begun organizing a multi-racial coalition to respond. One example is a series of revelatory “Courageous Conversations.” In this episode, Laura joins one such conversation, featuring Curtis Hill, the head of the Columbus County NAACP and leader of the recall of Jody Greene; Keith Rivers, his counterpart in Pasquotank County; Serena Sebring, the Executive Director of Blueprint NC, the largest coalition of grassroots groups in the state; and writer and organizer Mab Segrest, one of the country’s leading right-wing researchers who is also a consultant with Blueprint. How can community safety be ensured in this moment? It will take courage from us all.
“This is a full assault on everybody's rights in America. I believe that we have the power as individuals to transform our communities, one person at a time, having real courageous conversations, empowering each other, understanding and being a leaning voice.” - Curtis Hill
“That percentage of people that are extremists, we can put them in a box and let people know that they are not the ones running this country. We're not going anywhere.” - Keith Rivers
“The questions of sheriff accountability, or responsiveness to the needs of community, which include COVID-19, disaster relief, safety — I know that Black people have to have a seat at that table and be able to express the needs of our communities.” - Serena Sebring
“I want the conversation about white courage, and what I learned is white courage is really Black and Brown courage . . . I would invite people into these conversations to take risks, because you would get your life.” - Mab Segrest
Guests:
Curtis Hill, President, NAACP Columbus County, NC
Keith Rivers: President, NAACP Pasquotank County, NC; Director, Sunshine Station
Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Mab Segrest: Writer, Organizer & Consultant Blueprint NC
Help us kick off this holiday season with your good vibrations! Here at the Laura Flanders Show we rely on you, our hive of listeners, to buzz about the show! Hit the subscribe button for this podcast, if you haven’t already, and if you’re subscribed via apple podcasts, please rate us and write a review. Thanks in advance to all you busy bees for buzzing about the show and helping us grow! We are listener supported media, become a member today! https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In 2020, the authorities at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (better known as Angola, for the former plantation on which it stands) shut down a play in the middle of a performance. What happened in that audience of incarcerated men that got guards so concerned? That’s the subject of “Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison," a new MTV documentary directed and edited by Cinque Northern (My Name is Pauli Murray) and produced by Catherine Gund. Award-winning actress and writer, Liza Jessie Peterson, (HBO’s Def Poetry, Ava Duvernay’s 13th), whose one-woman show was shut down that day, and Norris Henderson, a former inmate who'd worked with her to bring the show, join Laura to reflect on the intersection of art and politics, incarceration and economics, and the work of VOTE, the criminal justice reform group Henderson founded upon his release. What difference can a play make? Watch and see. Music Spotlight features “Hope” by Samora Pinderhughes featuring Elena Pinderhuges, Nio Norwood and Jehbreal Jackson from Pinderhuges’ album Grief. The album is also part of The Healing Project a multi-disciplinary project created and developed by Samora Pinderhughes.
“That moment when she started telling that story, people started reconciling with their own situations. Like, ‘Oh, she's talking about me. That was similar to my circumstance.’ The bigger picture of the prison industrial complex, they got it. That this is a plantation by every definition of a plantation, you're working the field from sun up to sun down.” - Norris Henderson
“The time I spent with the incarcerated adolescent boys at Rikers Island really ignited something in me . . . I couldn't understand why more artists were not ringing the alarm and screaming about this human rights crisis.” - Liza Jessie Peterson
Guests:
Norris Henderson: Founder & Executive Director, VOTE (Voice of the Experienced)
Liza Jessie Peterson: Writer, Actress, Poet, Educator; Playwright & Performer, The Strange Patriot
Help us kick off this holiday season with your good vibrations! Here at the Laura Flanders Show we rely on you, our hive of listeners, to buzz about the show! Hit the subscribe button for this podcast, if you haven’t already, and if you’re subscribed via apple podcasts, please rate us and write a review. Thanks in advance to all you busy bees for buzzing about the show and helping us grow! We are listener supported media, become a member today! https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"What makes the obsession with polling so problematic is that it ignores the way that polls, even when they're right, are bad for our politics. Polls shrink our options, over-determine policy, and distract us from real life."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
(full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow) When it came to the midterms, mainstream white pundits got a lot wrong that local, Black, Brown and BIPOC media got right, and they're still missing many important stories. That's the message from this roundtable of journalists we call Meet the BIPOC Press, a monthly feature of the Laura Flanders Show. What do the money media’s hits and misses tell us about what journalists need to be doing better — or differently — in the weeks and months ahead? For this conversation, Laura is joined by S. Mitra Kalita, the publisher of Epicenter-NYC and co-founder of URL Media, a network of Black and Brown community news outlets that partners with the Laura Flanders Show every month; Habib Rahman, the cofounder of TBN24, the first Bangladeshi 24/7 live television channel in the US, and Stephanie Williams, the executive editor of the IE Voice and Black Voice News serving Southern California. How did their outlets meet the needs of their constituents and voters? Some of the answers are pretty surprising.
"Mainstream media is covering misinformation and they're covering the polls. They're not really covering abortion, climate change, your garbage pickup, your kid's PTA.” - S. Mitra Kalita
“We have a small network, TBN24. Compared to MSNBC or CNN or Fox we are minute, but they don't understand the power of local journalism, local stations and the influence that we have on the local people.” - Habib Rahman
“Looking within our communities we should be reading the pulse of what's happening there, and if it's contrary to the polls, we should use our voices and speak up and say, that's not what we're seeing in my community, regardless of what the polls say.” - Stephanie Williams
Guests:
S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media; CEO & Publisher, Epicenter-NYC
Habib Rahman: Co-Founder, TBN24, Bangladeshi Global Digital TV
Stephanie Williams: Executive Editor, IE Voice & Black Voice News
Help us kick off this holiday season with your good vibrations! Here at the Laura Flanders Show we rely on you, our hive of listeners, to buzz about the show! Hit the subscribe button for this podcast, if you haven’t already, and if you’re subscribed via apple podcasts, please rate us and write a review. Thanks in advance to all you busy bees for buzzing about the show and helping us grow! We are listener supported media, become a member today! https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Pilgrims, Indians, the myth of the grateful colonized person — it’s been at the core of a persistent but false Thanksgiving narrative that has distorted the true relationship between Indigenous Peoples and white colonizers dating back to Plymouth Rock. As many of us observe Thanksgiving and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the new federal holiday, Judith LeBlanc, executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance, reminds us that “people are questioning.” In the midst of a national reckoning with white supremacy and colonial history, Indigenous people are demanding a new relationship with DC — honoring the traditional, legal, and moral rights of Native nations. In 2021, a group of Native organizers invited Laura to travel with a 25-foot totem pole from the Lummi Nation in Washington State to Washington D.C. stopping for ceremonies in communities under threat and gathering messages for the Biden-Harris administration. In DC they held a historic meeting with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. In this episode, we hear what happened in that meeting, how Native movements are changing, among other myths, the Thanksgiving story, and where a Red Road to the future might lead us — if we followed it. November is National American Indian Heritage Month.
“. . . When Native peoples are taking a stand, whether it’s no DAPL at Standing Rock or the Keystone XL Pipeline . . . it’s not just a Native American issue. We’re defending the water and the land for tens of millions of Americans.” - Crystal Echo Hawk
“Laws and policies were written without considering Indigenous communities’ challenges or their strengths . . . Today and every day, we break barriers to those institutions and systems that were designed to keep us out.” - Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland
“We're hoping this Thanksgiving, people take a look at what has happened in this country when it comes to reckoning with systemic racism . . . We bring the idea that we're all in relationship.” - Judith LeBlanc
Guests:
Crystal Echo Hawk: IllumiNative, Founder & CEO
Judith LeBlanc: Director, Native Organizers Alliance
Mari Margil: Executive Director, Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights
Anahkwet/Guy Reiter: Executive Director, Menīkānaehkem Community Rebuilders
Faith Spotted Eagle: Ihanktonwon Dakota Elder & Brave Heart Society Kunsi Member
The show is made possible by listeners like you. Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Members Receive early access to the full uncut conversation and more.
"Win, lose or draw, the allure of the “white working class voter” never dulls for big D Democrats."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
Were grassroots activists able to defend democracy in 2022? For this post-election roundtable, Laura convenes organizers to discuss some of the critical takeaways from this year’s election. What have grassroots activists on the frontlines of our democracy learned from this significant midterm election when so many of their issues have been weaponized — from criminal justice, the Native vote, women’s self determination and racism. Laura is joined by Sakira Cook, the Co-Interim Vice President of Color of Change, who works to overhaul the criminal justice system and safeguard democracy; Jacqueline DeLeón is an enrolled member of the Isleta Pueblo and is an attorney with the Native Rights Fund where she helped lead field hearings across Indian Country on Native American voting rights, and Heidi Sieck, the co-founder of #VOTEPROCHOICE and an organizer in the reproductive rights and feminist movement for over 30 years. Democrats had high expectations on how the GOP’s rollbacks on many fronts would mobilize voters. What worked, and what didn’t?
“We don't have residential mail delivery to many of our homes. We don't have working roads when the election is in November, during the wintertime . . . These types of absurd realities are exploited when you have laws that are designed to make it more difficult for Native Americans specifically to vote.” - Jacqueline DeLeón
“The amount of mobilization that abortion was inspiring voters was underestimated and unsupported at scale . . . We knew that this was an activating issue, and we also saw across the board a failure to invest in mobilizing folks that were really angry about this.” - Heidi L. Sieck
“The people do not support the things that [extremists] support. They have to try every tactic, changing the laws . . . These are things that should not be happening in our democracy." - Sakira Cook
Guests:
Sakira Cook: Co-Interim Vice President, Color of Change & Senior Director of Government Affairs
Jacqueline DeLeón (Isleta Pueblo) Is-Let-a: Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
Heidi L. Sieck: Co-founder/CEO, #VOTEPROCHOICE
The show is made possible by listeners like you. Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Members Receive early access to the full uncut conversation and more.
Episode Description (Full Episode Notes)- Can a predominantly white state legislature overturn the votes of a predominantly Black city? Larry Krasner, Philadelphia’s District Attorney was elected in 2017 on a reform agenda and has been targeted by a GOP backlash ever since. This October, on the last day of business before the 2022 midterms, Republican State Rep. Martina White filed articles for impeachment. If the initiative wins a majority in the GOP-dominated state house, Krasner will have to stand trial in the Senate. To discuss the effort to impeach Krasner, the threat posed to democracy, and how, despite the news reporting, Krasner’s reform initiatives work, Laura is joined by the D.A. himself, along with Sara Lomax-Reese of URL Media and Charles Ellison, host of WURD Radio's ‘Reality Check’ program. How has the GOP weaponized the issue of violence to smear criminal justice reform and the Democrats pushing for change? And what is being done about the disregard being shown to Black voters who voted heavily for the DA and largely continue to support Krasner’s work? And Laura’s closing commentary on how the story’s being covered — or not.
“This is a direct effort by Republicans and the rest of the state to erase the vote of Philadelphians. If they get away with the district attorney, then that means they can erase the votes for mayor, and they can erase the votes for president, or city council or for any other elected official.” - Larry Krasner
"What we need to look out for here is that when the party that cannot win in a particular place is finding ways to erase its votes, this is the end of democracy." - Larry Krasner
Guests:
Charles D. Ellison (Co-Host): Executive Producer/Host, “Reality Check” on WURD
Larry Krasner: District Attorney, Philadelphia, PA
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
The show is made possible by listeners like you. Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Members Receive early access to the full uncut conversation and more.
Full Episode Notes are available HERE
Sarah Jones, Tony Award-winning performer and comedian, is making a different kind of documentary. She calls it an ‘unorthodoc’ about sex, power, race, and our economy and how you even talk about such things in today's polarized and commercial media world. "Sell/Buy/Date” expands on Jones' acclaimed 2016 off-Broadway solo production of the same name. She plays herself in the film along with four different characters that she's created, as well as real people whom she interviews, including people in the sex industry with an array of opinions about it. You will see activists of all kinds alongside celebrities. Rosario Dawson and Bryan Cranston make an appearance. And of course, there's Sarah's own mom. The film, produced by Meryl Streep, is in some theaters now and starts streaming November 8 on Amazon Prime. Join Laura, Sarah, and a few unexpected guests for this honest (and hilarious) conversation.
“We think of the sex industry as the oldest profession. It's really more like the oldest conversation we're not having in an honest way, about something that affects us all as human beings.” - Sarah Jones
“I love the expression, 'hurt people hurt people, but free people free people.' I'd love to see all of us across the gender continuum [free ourselves] around this very tricky topic of capitalism and sex and where they merge.” - Sarah Jones
Guest: Sarah Jones, Tony Award-winning Solo Performer, Writer, Comedian & Activist; Director & Star, Sell/Buy/Date
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You can catch my interview with award-winning reporter Soledad OBrien about how she recommends reporting on liars, through subscribing to this free podcast of the Laura Flanders Show, or catch the program on hundreds of PBS stations. Go to LauraFlanders.org for more information.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
What happened in Georgia in 2020? The election of two Democrats to the Senate from that state handed the presidency to Joe Biden and control of Congress to the Democrats. This was no flash in the pan, but rather the result of decades of organizing. Ray McClendon and Steven Rosenfeld, the editors of a new book, call it the ‘Georgia Way.’ “The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections” is an oral history intended to both record the strategies used in Georgia to turn out overlooked voters, and how to spark civic involvement across the US. Andrea Miller, the Executive Director of the Center for Common Ground, People Demanding Action weighs in on the strategizing in Virginia. Hear Laura and guests unpack what’s happening in Georgia and key states across the US ahead of the midterm elections and 2024. And get Laura’s two cents on election deniers.
“What is most needed right now is for people to understand that this election is not about policy, but it's about those who believe in democracy and those who want to see us move to a more authoritarian form of government.” - Ray McClendon
“People are going to need to be poll workers. They are going to need to be monitors. They are going to need to be outside, reporting any problems they see. We're reading about groups training people to challenge voters.” - Andrea Miller
“Andrea and Ray have taken the time to try to talk to people first, not on the eve of the election, but beforehand to try to get a sense of, “What are you really concerned about?” I know that sounds so simple and obvious, but it's really not done in these statewide and national campaign committee-driven efforts. - Steven Rosenfeld
Guests:
Ray McClendon, Editor, The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections; Political Action Committee Chair, NAACP Atlanta, Georgia
Andrea Miller, Founding Board Member & Executive Director, Center for Common Ground; Executive Director, People Demanding Action
Steven Rosenfeld, Editor, The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections; Editor & Chief Correspondent, Voting Booth: Independent Media Institute
The show is made possible by listener and viewers like you. Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Members Receive early access to the full uncut conversation.
Rosa Parks is best known to Americans as a national treasure — the little old lady who sat down on a bus and “ended racism.” What we lose in that depiction is what happened before and afterward, which is to say most of the story of Park’s lifetime of activism. Soledad O'Brien, the award-winning journalist and producer, has just executive produced the first ever full-length documentary on the Civil Rights icon, titled “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.” based on the book by Jeanne Theoharis, and directed by Yoruba Richen and Johanna Hamilton. The film tells a much fuller story of the woman best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film is also being used to create a curriculum for K-12 students. Laura welcomes back Soledad for this revealing conversation on Parks, her legacy, and what the media got wrong. Why is it essential to dispel the myths and to fully understand the role that strategic organizing played in the actions of Rosa Parks, and the implications for her life, and ours today?
“Who knew Rosa Parks was a fan of the Black Panthers? Who knew Rosa Parks was as much of a fan of Malcolm X as she was of Dr. King? What does it say about this vision we had of Rosa Parks, where everybody knows her and yet even Hollywood celebrities can't identify this woman who's called the mother of the movement.”
“I talk about mistakes I made all the time. I don't mind. I'm happy to, I did them. They exist on tape somewhere. It's okay, let's fix it. Let's get better from it. I think we just need more introspection.”
Guest:
Soledad O’Brien, CEO of Soledad O'Brien Productions; Award-winning Journalist, Producer & Philanthropist; Executive Producer, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks
Full Episode Notes are available to Patreon members and non-members. We are listener and viewer supported media. Patreon members receive early access to the full uncut conversation at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow For more ways to donate go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Hey Boomers: When it comes to the climate crisis, are you the problem, the solution or both? In this episode Laura sits down with acclaimed author and environmental activist Bill McKibben and author Akaya Windwood to find out what's required from all of us to solve the climate crisis. McKibben was the founder of 350.org. He's the author of “The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened.” Windwood is co-author of the newly-released book “Leading with Joy: Practices for Uncertain Times.” The two recently launched Third Act, a new environmental group inviting people over 60 to join the movement. The group embraces getting old, taking responsibility and throwing the full weight of the boomers generation at the climate crisis. Can cutting up our credit cards and organizing to withdraw funds from the big banks funding climate destruction make the impact we need? Explore the steps we can take now to ensure a livable and equitable future for all generations.
“I kept hearing people say, ‘It's up to the next generation to solve these problems.’ That's ignoble and impractical . . . They lack the structural power by themselves to make the changes that we need.” - Bill McKibben
“I've been talking with a number of young folks over the years. Because I thought, ‘It's time for us to step back, right?’ . . . They're actually saying, ‘No, that's not what we want you to do. We don't want you to step aside or step back. What we want you to do is step beside us.’” - Akaya Windwood
Guests:
Bill McKibben, Environmentalist, Founder 350.org & Third Act
Akaya Windwood, Author, Leading with Joy: Practices for Uncertain Times
IN PERSON BENEFIT EVENT & LIVESTREAM...Join us October 16th, 2022, in Callicoon, New York, where we’ve been filming the show for the past several years. Laura will be in conversation with Bill McKibben live and with a performance by Taina Asili. Details, including ticket information, are at LauraFlanders.org
The event is hosted by Catskill Mountainkeeper, an organization empowering environmental justice communities throughout the region toward a 100% clean and just energy future. The event is sponsored by Catskill Provisions Pollinator Spirits, a woman led company that donates a portion of their proceeds to support the Bees.
Again, it is a fundraiser! While we are on PBS, we are not funded by PBS. We are listener and viewer supported media. We couldn’t do this show without you. We remain independent of government and corporate funding. And if you can’t join us, there’s information on how you can donate and become a member supporter at LauraFlanders.org.
In March 2021, a 21-year-old man murdered eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia. The act of violence was one of the most dramatic assaults in a wave of anti-Asian hate that surged during COVID. For many, the tragic events became a galvanizing moment, reigniting a sense of collective identity and political engagement within Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) communities. A new documentary on PBS, Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March, spotlights the movement to turn grief into action and address the challenges that exist when it comes to prosecuting anti-Asian hate crimes. Executive producer Gina Kim is an Emmy-nominated producer, and the film features narration from actress Sandra Oh, original music by Jon Batiste and is directed by Titi Yu. Join Laura and Gina for this impactful conversation on combating anti-Asian hate.
“Out of the hate crimes that were being prosecuted against Asian Americans, only 3% ended in a conviction, which is incredibly low.” - Gina Kim
". . . People aren't just lying down and saying, ‘This is what it is.’ They're fighting back and protecting their communities.” - Gina Kim
Guest: Gina Kim, Emmy-nominated Producer & Executive Producer, Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March
Celebrate changemakers with us in beautiful Callicoon, NY! We're hosting our first in-person fundraiser with food, drinks, a live performance from Taína Asili and a Q&A and book signing with environmentalist Bill McKibben. Find more information and tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8de6vn
"How do you spark alarm, inform the public, prod people to act, if the media aren’t covering the news, political fundraisers griped to the press this week....It’s a problem social movements in the US have faced for decades, of course, and met none of the same sympathy from the press."
For independent reporting on grassroots change makers around the world and right here in the US, every week, catch the Laura Flanders Show on a public television station near you, or subscribe to the free podcast. This week, Sara Lomax Reese and S Mitra Kalita, co-founders of URL Media, report on the intersections between Black and Indigenous power movements. You can watch, listen and subscribe, at lauraflanders.org.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
How do Black and Indigenous communities intersect? This special feature for Indigenous People’s day explores the forces that have both facilitated and thwarted collaboration and movement-making among Black and Indigenous people in the United States. Exploitation of Black and Indigenous people was integral to the founding of this country, but the nature of that exploitation wasn’t exactly the same. Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax Reese of URL Media return for this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press”. Their guests are Levi Rickert, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, founder and publisher, Native News Online and Dr. Kyle T. Mays from the Saginaw Chippewa Nations, Afro-Indigenous scholar and author of An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States. Mays asks: “How can we imagine and put into praxis a world in the aftermath of settler colonialism and white supremacy?”
“It’s imperative to not only center blackness, but also to center Indigenous peoples because upon whose land were African Americans exploited? This is Indigenous land.” - Dr. Kyle T. Mays
“We need to keep the gas pedal on getting Congress to appropriate the proper level of funding. We still have some of the highest levels of disparity when it comes to health disparity and lack of housing. A third of the people on the Navajo nation do not have running water or electricity. These are Third World living conditions, and this is what our native people are still living with.” - Levi Rickert
Guests:
Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) Publisher & Editor, Native News Online; Author of Visions for a Better Indian Country: One Potawatomi Editor’s Opinions
Kyle T. Mays, Ph.D. (Saginaw Chippewa Nation)Associate Professor UCLA, Departments of African American Studies, American Indian Studies & History; Author, An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Tickets are on sale now for our first in-person fundraiser! Show your support for the LF Show in Sullivan County, NY, where the show is produced. Plus, environmentalist Bill McKibben will be there for a live Q&A and book signing! Find more information and tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/419711015947
Can a novel become a catalyst to help us address impending climate disaster? That’s one question posed by the legendary Kim Stanley Robinson, in his best-selling novel The Ministry for the Future, which begins with millions of Indians dying from temperatures that send people cramming into lakes to cool off — where they literally poach to death. The book has been praised by everyone from Barack Obama to the Dalai Lama and seems to be turning even bureaucrats and bankers' heads. In his work, Robinson creates space for the possibility of change, possible worlds of equity, not only for survival but for justice and a liveable future. Call it speculative fiction, sci-fi, even “cli-fi”, The Ministry for the Future is a blueprint for transformation and pushes us to think not just about how close to the end we might be. If 20 million people in India died in a heatwave today would that be enough to force humanity to act? Join Laura and Stan for this conversation on how we can all imagine change and work to preserve our planet. Music featured in the middle of the podcast: “False Alarm” by Ryan Amador and Alixa Garcia, and produced by Brad Kemp, courtesy of the artist.
“I'm seeing people responding to my novel, which is just a story, because they want that story. What I'm seeing now is that the 2020s will be a time of intense action and it will mean intense conflict, but good things can come of it.”
“I think it's a problem being noticed more and more — that we value the present much more than future generations, who are sure to come if we don't wreck everything.”
GUEST: Kim Stanley Robinson, a multi-award winning, NY Times best selling Science-Fiction novelist; author of over 20 books, including the The Ministry for the Future, Mars trilogy, Aurora, New York 2140 and his most recent, The High Sierra: A Love Story; named a Hero of the Environment by Time magazine.
BECOME A MEMBER: It’s our members that have kept this show available to hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers like you, but it takes a lot of funds to keep the show flowing nationally. We do not take corporate or government underwriting, we rely on you. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our team, by becoming a patron partner or for more ways to donate go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
"Even more than democracy, the language of freedom vs tyranny has characterized this year’s mid-term election campaigns."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
(Full Episode Notes are at Patreon.com/theLFShow) Salman Rushdie praised A.M. Homes’ latest novel, The Unfolding as, “A terrific black comedy, written almost entirely in pitch-perfect dialogue, that feels terrifyingly close to the unfunny truth.” In this episode, A.M. and Laura discuss political fiction, women writers and the unraveling of American democracy. Homes is an American writer best known for her novel The End of Alice, about a convicted child molester and murderer and Music for Torching, about the run-up to a school shooting. The Unfolding, written in the decade before the January 6th Insurrection, is similarly anticipatory. It follows a Republican donor plotting a mob assault on Washington. It was published this September 6th. Also included, a clip of a solidarity reading at the New York Public Library in support of Rushdie. And a commentary from Laura on the reality journalism of the late Barbara Ehrenreich. Music featured in the middle of the podcast: “Miracle” by Ultra Naté from her new album “Ultra” courtesy of Peace Biscuit.
Guest, A.M. Homes: Author of over 30 books including The Unfolding; recipient of the 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction;contributing editor to Vanity Fair and BOMB Magazine, and appears regularly in several publications including, The New York Times, Harpers, Art Forum and The New Yorker. She also writes for film and television including writing the adaptation for Showtime of her first novel JACK. She teaches in the Creative Writing Program at Princeton University.
*Books by A.M. Homes:
“The Unfolding” , Find More About the Book Here
“This Book Will Save Your Life”, Find More About the Book Here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
It’s our members that have kept this show available to hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers like you, but it takes a lot of funds to keep the show flowing nationally. We do not take corporate or government underwriting, we rely on you. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our team, by becoming a patron partner or for more ways to donate go to LauraFlanders.org/donate
Are you drowning? The start of the school year can be stressful for parents, teachers and students. And this summer hasn’t been smooth sailing for many of us either — with extreme temperatures, a global pandemic and other crises. How do we take a breath? Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ UNDROWNED: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, draws on the practices of marine mammals — they are the experts, after all, in not drowning. (The harbor seal can slow its breath to about four beats per minute!) The book landed her the prestigious 2022 Whiting Prize for nonfiction, and now she is working on a biography of Audre Lorde. Plus, she is bringing people together through Soul Sanctuary, retreats that center a Black, feminist and queer vision. Join Laura and Gumbs for a conversation on how we can all practice “another way to breathe.” Music featured in the middle of the radio show and podcast is the title track of Samora Pinderhughes’ “Transformation Suite”.
“This is an offering towards evolution, towards our evolution, towards the possibility that instead of continuing the trajectory of slavery, entrapment, separation, and domination, and making our atmosphere unbreakable, we might instead practice another way to breathe.” - Alexis Pauline Gumbs
“The context of undrowning, breathing in unbreathable circumstances is what we do every day, in the choke hold of racial, gendered, ableist capitalism. We are still undrowning. And by we, I don't only mean people like myself whose ancestors specifically survive the middle passage.” - Alexis Pauline Gumbs
GUEST:
Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Poet, Independent Scholar & Activist, author of “Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” published by AK Press as part of adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy Series
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
(This full conversation is from the episode 'Ibram X. Kendi: How to Make America Antiracist?')
The fight over what can and can’t be taught in schools is shaping up to be one of the most controversial issues in a pivotal mid-term election year. White voters are being mobilized to ban books, censor honest discussions of US history and current day racism, and organize against a fake spectre of “critical race theory” being taught in schools. So what is to be done? In this episode, Laura and co-hosts Sara Lomax-Reese and Mitra Kalita interview Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, one of the most visible and vocal proponents of anti-racist education. Dr. Kendi shot to prominence with his 2019 New York Times bestseller How to be an Antiracist, making a name for himself as one of the most renowned antiracist scholars in the country and winning a MacArthur “genius” grant in 2021. His latest picture book, the New York Times bestseller Antiracist Baby, has made headlines, even being held aloft by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) at the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. How does the reaction against antiracist education hurt us all?
Guests
Ibram X. Kendi, Director, Boston University Center for Antiracist Research
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host), CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the entire library of FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS from the weekly podcasts. The show is listener supported and originates as a TV Show airing weekly on over 300+ PBS stations across the U.S. and on 50+ community radio stations.
Crip Camp is a Peabody Award-winning documentary from Netflix and Higher Ground Productions that tells the story of Camp Jened, a summer camp in the 1960s where disabled youth could be themselves. The film follows several former campers who went on to be leaders of the Disability Rights Movement. Laura speaks with the directors and producers of Crip Camp about how they are using the film to advance the next step in the revolution: Disability Justice, a movement that centers the leadership of disabled queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. If the inclusive culture of Camp Jened could help transform American society in the second half of the 20th century, what could a truly intersectional Disability Justice Movement change for us all today? Plus thoughts from Laura on interdependence. (note: legacy show, repost)
Guests:
Andraéa LaVant, Impact Producer & President, Chief Inclusion Officer of LaVant Consulting Inc.
Jim LeBrecht, Co-Director Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, Peabody Winner & Oscar Nominated Film, Co-Director of Crip Camp
Nicole Newnham, Co-Director Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, Peabody Winner & Oscar Nominated Film, Co-Director of Crip Camp
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
(This full conversation is from the episode 'Linda Villarosa- the Dobbs Decision: a Death Sentence for Black Women?' released July 11th, 2022)
Is the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health a death sentence for women of color? The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only creates an abortion disaster for millions of Americans, it also exacerbates a maternal healthcare crisis that’s alreadly deadly for women of color. African American women are shockingly likely to die or almost die — in pregnancy and childbirth, New York Times contributor Linda Villarosa discovered, and that’s true regardless of their health, education and wealth. What’s their future now that more women will be forced to carry more babies to term against their will? Linda Villarosa’s new book is Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation. She’s also a professor at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York with a joint appointment at City College.
Music Spotlight in the Middle of the Podcast: “Arteries” by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation from his latest album The Lost Dialect released on Montserrat House.
Guest:
Linda Villarosa, Author, Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives & On the Health of Our Nation. New York Times contributor
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the entire library of FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS from the weekly podcasts. The show is listener supported and originates as a TV Show airing weekly on over 300+ PBS stations across the U.S. and on 50+ community radio stations.
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, imperiling all women’s freedoms, and creating a new pipeline to prison for the vulnerable just as the world is learning how counterproductive most incarceration - solutions are. Today’s guests argue that things could have been very different. If the white dominated “choice” movement had paid closer attention to all women’s choices, or lack thereof; If anti-violence advocates had rejected criminalization and incarceration as a solution to the violence in women’s lives. Things could have been different, our guests argue, if a different part of the US women’s movement had gained more attention - attention it is beginning to get now. There has always been such a movement, they know, because they were there. Today we talk to Black abolitionist feminist Beth Richie and Queer southern feminist Suzanne Pharr have worked together, for abolition, feminism, and a systemicly different world for forty years. What have they learned? And what is their message for us now, when so much hangs in the balance?
Guests
Suzanne Pharr, Co-founder, Southerners on New Ground. Author, Transformation: Toward a People’s Democracy
Beth Richie, Director, Institute for Research on Race & Public Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago. Author, Compelled to Crime: the Gender Entrapment of Black Battered Women & Abolition. Feminism. Now.
note: this program was recorded January 2022 prior to the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade.
(This full conversation is from the episode 'Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset' released June 13th, 2022)
Low wages, precarious jobs, shuttered Main Streets and bleak futures — do towns have a way out of poverty that doesn't involve begging and bribing outside employers to invest? From Cleveland, Ohio to Preston, England and Scotland, some local governments are experimenting with investing public resources locally in community-held businesses, and public health. They’re calling this approach Community Wealth Building, and it’s gaining traction around the world. Most recently, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has included money for Community Wealth Building in the Biden Administration's National Strategic Plan. In today’s episode, we explore the spreading of Community Wealth Building and its impact on the well-being of individuals and communities so far. How are these models working where others have failed, and is now the time to take Community Wealth Building to a whole new scale?
Guests:
Ted Howard: Co-founder & President, The Democracy Collaborative
India Pierce Lee: Senior Vice President, Program at the Cleveland Foundation
Neil McInroy: Advisor of Community Wealth Building, Scottish Government
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the entire library of FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS from the weekly podcasts. The show is listener supported and originates as a TV Show airing weekly on over 300+ PBS stations across the U.S. and on 50+ community radio stations.
Many of the world’s most successful businesses began as someone’s good idea. But the path from startup to conventional financial success typically involves going public, prioritizing shareholders’ interests, and ultimately selling to a giant conglomerate whose intentions are far from the original mission of the business’s founders. In this episode, Laura interviews guests who say this conventional path of success is desperately in need of an overhaul. Why must new and innovative ideas come to market through old and undemocratic platforms? What if rather than selling out, successful businesses became community assets that put ownership and governance in the hands of workers and even consumers? Could a startup become a means of building community wealth, economic justice, and accountability over our technology? Our guests explain how. (note: legacy show, repost)
Guests:
Pia Mancini, Co-Founder & CEO, Open Collective
Lauren Ruffin, Co-Founder, Crux
Nathan Schneider, Assistant Professor of Media Studies & Director Media Enterprise Design Lab, University of Colorado Boulder
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
(This full conversation is from the episode 'Greenpeace at 50: The Climate Crisis is a Fight Not an Argument' released April 18th, 2022)
In this special feature for Earth Day, we focus on just one group: Greenpeace, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The environmental group has been in the headlines again, confronting Russian oil tankers in many ports. They've attracted lots of attention and scored many victories in the years they've been in existence. But it's not enough. The climate crisis is more urgent than ever, the world's not on track to get off fossil fuels in the time we need, and the most vulnerable are paying the heaviest price. In this special, we spend the program with the leadership of Greenpeace, including co-executive Directors, Annie Leonard and Ebony Twilley Martin, the first African American woman to head a "Big Green" group. The changes the group has made to embed racial justice and equity across their organization are going to take time, they admit, but without them, they'll never shift the power structure that's proven so intransigent up to this point. What's it going to take to shift power internally, avoid false solutions, and make the sort of transformation we need, as a nation, and as a group? They say there is no choice. The changes they’re making now are essential. We can't bring about a greener, more equitable future with shortcuts.
Music Featured in the Middle of the Podcast: Humpback Mix of “Hope Bay ” by Dazzle Drums, from the Climate Soundtrack project, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, where producers from around the world were asked to create original music from a ‘climate sample pack’ of field recordings gathered during years of Greenpeace expeditions and activism across the globe.
Guests
Tefere Gebre, Chief Program Officer, Greenpeace USA
Annie Leonard, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
Ebony Twilley Martin, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the entire library of FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS from the weekly podcasts. The show is listener supported and originates as a TV Show airing weekly on over 300+ PBS stations across the U.S. and on 50+ community radio stations.
The last US soldier to leave Afghanistan returned home this August, but private security personnel long outnumbered US troops in that war, and the for-profit business of training guns-for-hire is booming -- literally -- in the backyards of many rural Americans. In this special episode, The Laura Flanders Show travels to the tiny town of Hoffman in Richmond County, NC, where residents live next to a loud private training ground.They have real concerns about who is receiving training there and why, especially after the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol. Laura interviews Hoffman’s Mayors and one of the County Commissioners who approved the permit for Oak Grove Technologies’ tactical training site. They regret that approval now. And we travel to nearby Hoke County, where a diverse coalition of local stakeholders — and an all-POC County Commission — were able to stop the expansion of Reservoir International, another training outfit seeking to expand its footprint near the county seat of Raeford. “The latter is an example of the power of community organizing,” says Serena Sebring of Blueprint NC. Blueprint is partnering with a statewide network of veteran ant-racist, anti-militia organizers to pool information and lift up local strategies for making communities safer.
“I don't think it's worthwhile for the county period. And it's really not good for the town of Hoffman. [We need to tell these private paramilitary training groups that]. We don't need you anymore… Go back to the military, go back to camp McCall, go back to Fort Bragg... Don't let the civilians takeover military. We don't need it. “
Don Bryant
Guests
Donald Bryant, Richmond County Commissioner
Tommy Hart, Mayor Hoffman, NC
Daniel Kelly, Mayor Pro Tempore, Hoffman, NC
Danielle Purifoy, Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography, UNC Chapel Hill
Harry Southerland, Chairman, Hoke County Board of Commissioners
Christina Davis McCoy, Former Executive Director, North Carolinians Against Racist and Religious Violence
Jim Davis, Former Sheriff, Hoke County, NC
Serena Sebring, Executive Director, BluePrint NC
NOTE: This podcast originally aired Fall of 2021. Listen to our most recent episode as a follow up: 'The Forgotten Coup, January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy'
Forty percent of those who get abortion services in the U.S. are African Americans. Would you know it from the media coverage of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe vs Wade? S. Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese of URL Media join Laura for this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press” to consider what has changed in the coverage — and the organizing — around reproductive justice in the years since Roe. Are abortion seekers of color still a sidebar in reporting or has journalism finally reached a tipping point on inclusion? What difference are BIPOC-owned-and-operated media making in this moment, to our understanding of what's been lost, and to the debate over what is needed now? Our hosts are joined by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, from Queens, NY, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, Democratic Nominee for the Pennsylvania Statehouse from Pittsburgh.
“Abortion is not about life. It is about power and control over our bodies.” - Jessica González-Rojas
“The strategy to protect abortion access in our nation was misguided. We were not protecting Roe to the degree that it needed and that while it provided basic constitutional protections it was always the floor for basic human rights . . . Black women, folks of color and poor abortion seekers have been living in a post-Roe world for years.” - La’Tasha D. Mayes
Guests
Jessica González-Rojas: Assemblymember, District 34 in Queens, NY; Former Leader, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
La’Tasha D. Mayes: Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Founder & Former CEO, New Voices for Reproductive Justice
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Your support makes it possible for us to continue uplifting the hard work of community organizers like you heard today who’s work benefits us all. It takes a lot to keep this reporting available to millions on public television, community radio and as a podcast. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join today as a monthly contributor, or go to LauraFlanders.org/donate for more options. Thanks for listening!
Prosecutors are immensely powerful, especially now, after the overthrow of Roe. They decide which cases to bring, what charges to make and what sentences to ask for. Until this year, only internal committees could investigate misconduct, even after hundreds of exonerations and allegations of abuse. After years of grassroots effort, New York now has an independent commission, but the process was hard, and there's still no power to punish. In this episode, reporter Kizzy Cox reports on how New York's new Independent Commission on Prosecutorial Misconduct came to be, and Laura talks with Andrea James, executive director for the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, and Sakira Cook, Co-Interim Vice President at Color of Change, about what prosecutors can do, or not do, especially when it comes to implementing new abortion bans.
“I'm not trying to indict every district attorney, I'm sure that there's probably some good ones who really go to work to do their job and be fair, but for those [that don’t], there should be a system in place, to make those bad District Attorneys terrified to do anything wrong.” –Roger Clark, Community Activist, Vocal-NY
“Reform is a high priority for us in our movement to reimagine safety in America and redefine, or transform, the way that the criminal legal system operates in our country.” –Sakira Cook, Co-Interim Vice President, Color of Change
“What's the appropriate accountability for somebody that locked you up for 25 years, and took away your whole life?…This commission is the right thing to do. I’m proud of it” –Derrick Hamilton, Co-founder, Family & Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted
“Commissions are absolutely necessary because who else, but the people who are most directly affected—the people like myself who have been to a prison, the people like Sakira, who have family, who they have been caring for and loving who have been in prisons for decades—who else can raise these issues and expand the dialogue about what's necessary?” –Andrea James, Executive Director, National Council for Incarcerated & Formerly Incarcerated Women & Girls
Guests:
Bill Bastuk, President, It Could Happen to You
Sakira Cook, Co-Interim Vice President, Color of Change
Roger Clark, Community Activist, Vocal NY
Nick Encalada-Malinowski, Civil Rights Campaigns Director, Vocal NY
Derrick Hamilton, Co-founder, Family & Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted
Andrea James, Executive Director, National Council for Incarcerated & Formerly Incarcerated Women & Girls
David Soares, District Attorney, Albany County, NY
Your support makes it possible for us to continue uplifting the hard work of community organizers like you heard today who’s work benefits us all. It takes a lot to keep this reporting available to millions on public television, community radio and as a podcast. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join today as a monthly contributor, or go to LauraFlanders.org/donate for more options. Thanks for listening!
Season 3, Episode 307: Congressman Jamie Raskin On January 6th: After a Failed Coup, a Successful One?
(Full conversation from the episode released May 16th) The January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, intended to stop the certification of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America, “was as close to fascism as I ever want to see our country come,” says Jamie Raskin, Democratic Congressman from Maryland. And he should know -- Raskin is a Constitutional scholar as well as a long-time law school professor, and in the hours after the assault on the Capitol, he was chosen to head up the second impeachment investigation of Donald Trump. He’s also a member of the House Select Committee currently investigating the January 6 attack, now set to hold publicly televised hearings next month. "The political scientists tell [us] that the key indicator of a successful coup is a recently failed coup where the coup plotters can diagram the deficiencies in the incumbent regime," says Rep. Raskin. In this exclusive interview, Raskin talks with Laura about the strengths and weaknesses in US democracy and how best to address them now.
Guest:
Jamie Raskin, Congressman (D-MD), Member Jan. 6 House Select Committee; author of *“Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy”
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:
- • AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward Watch / Listen or Listen to the Full Conversation
- • Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection Watch / Listen
- • Countering the Coup: From the Grassroots Up Watch / Listen
- • Democratizing Democracy: Redistricting by the People Watch / Listen
- • Lisa Graves: How Extreme Wealth Is Harming Our Democracy Watch
Related Articles and Resources:
• Jamie Raskin: Why It’s Been So Hard to Nail Trump, by Start Making Sense & Jon Wiener, The Nation, Listen Here
• Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol Find Information Here including the latest updates.
• The Jan. 6 Committee’s Consideration of Criminal Referral, Explained, by Luke Broadwater, New York Times, Read Here
• The Dems Are Totally Useless Against the Trumpian GOP Onslaught, by Ralph Nader, Sheerpost, Read Here
Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:
“Fear of an Equal Planet (Scrimshire remix)” featuring Abby Oliviera, by Warriors of the Dystotheque’s from their upcoming album “Anthropause” soon to be released on the Republic of Music record label courtesy of the artist. Listen and Read More
"'It would be easier for people to understand what could have happened on January 6th in DC, if they knew what actually happened on November 10th, in 1898, in Wilmington,' Cedric Harrison told me"
Get the related episode HERE: The Forgotten Coup, January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
Could a successful coup happen in the US? The ongoing Congressional hearings into the events of January 6 show that just a handful of election officials in several key states stood between Donald Trump and the overturning of the 2020 elections. While the insurrection unfolded, many Americans watched in shock, believing nothing like this had ever happened in United States history. But it has happened before — more than a century ago in Wilmington, North Carolina when an armed mob removed a democratically-elected government by force, and turned a majority-Black town into a citadel of white supremacy. In this episode, we look at the parallels between that coup and the events in DC and visit the rural county of Columbus in the south west of North Carolina where a self-described former Oath Keeper acquired a massive arsenal of decommissioned military hardware in 2018 soon after taking office after a contested election. Laura also meets the residents and leaders from across the state who are clear that the future of multi-racial democracy in America is being decided in out-of-the way towns like theirs. What do the rest of us need to know about what's happening there?
Guests:
Sonya Bennetone, Director, National Black Leadership Caucus Southeastern Region
Rosa Bolden, Community Organizer
Carol Caldwell, Community Organizer
Deborah Dicks Maxwell, President, NAACP North Carolina
Cedric Harrison, Founder, Wilmington in Color
Lewis Hatcher, Former Sheriff, Columbus County, NC
Curtis Hill, President, NAACP Columbus County, NC
Marcus Norfleet, Former Commissioner Candidate, Columbus County, NC
Keith Rivers, President, NAACP Pasquotank County, NC
Serena Sebring, Executive Director, Blueprint NC
Mab Segrest, Writer, Organizer & Consultant Blueprint NC
Jeremy Simmons, Community Organizer
Your support makes it possible for us to continue uplifting the hard work of community organizers like you heard today who’s work benefits us all. It takes a lot to keep this reporting available to millions on public television, community radio and as a podcast. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join today as a monthly contributor, or go to LauraFlanders.org/donate for more options. Thanks for listening!
Is the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health a death sentence for women of color? The overturning of Roe v. Wade not only creates an abortion disaster for millions of Americans, it also exacerbates a maternal healthcare crisis that’s alreadly deadly for women of color. African American women are shockingly likely to die or almost die — in pregnancy and childbirth, New York Times contributor Linda Villarosa discovered, and that’s true regardless of their health, education and wealth. What’s their future now that more women will be forced to carry more babies to term against their will? Linda Villarosa’s new book is Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation. She’s also a professor at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York with a joint appointment at City College.
“If we think of the end of Roe v. Wade, as the end of abortion only, that is way too limited. Abortion is not a single issue. Abortion is a constellation of having no access to abortion, it is about reproduction and even healthcare at this point, broadly and not narrowly.” - Linda Villarosa
“The Black feminist demand hasn't changed. It's those three elements: the right to have a child, the right not to have a child and the right — if you choose to have a child — to have a safe, healthy environment.” - Linda Villarosa
Guest:
Linda Villarosa, Author, Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives & On the Health of Our Nation
We are listener & viewer sponsored. Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast.
"Birth, earth, indigenous rule, even the “demos” of government itself… Kavanaugh and his crew seem to have something against bodies they can’t control, be they human or governmental."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
150 years after Congress established Yellowstone National Park, it remains the jewel of a system that comprises some 400 national parks. But for Indigenous Americans, the history is bitter. Thousands were forced to leave, families were massacred, and the Army was brought in to exclude Native Americans. Today, as droughts, floods and fires threaten the parks, many are calling for Indigenous control. Indigenizing the National Parks wouldn’t just be morally and legally right, but it just might be what saves the parks for future generations. Wes Martel of the Eastern Shoshone, and Valerie Grussing, Executive Director of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers — fill Laura in on a recent Inter-Tribal Gathering that examined this question. Should non-Indigenous people even go to Yellowstone? Laura asks, and what do Indigenous people want for the future?
“We're in this together for reconciliation and healing. When one of us isn't whole, then none of us are whole. It impacts all of us — the healing that needs to happen to address generational trauma.” - Valerie Grussing
“We must let people know we're still here. We're going to be here forever. And we want our rightful place in this, this country's economic and social picture.” - Wes Martel
Guests:
Valerie Grussing, Executive Director, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
Wes Martel, Eastern Shoshone/Northern Arapaho; Senior Wind River Conservation Associate, Greater Yellowstone Coalition-Ft. Washakie Office
We are listener & viewer sponsored. Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast.
Whether it’s Buffalo, NY, Uvalde, TX or Philadelphia, PA — we are witnessing an unprecedented wave of terror at the muzzle of a gun. But all mass shootings are not covered in the same way. What determines the nature of the coverage? And what is the media getting wrong — or right — on gun violence reporting? In this episode, Laura Flanders welcomes back Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese of URL Media, a network of independently owned and operated Black and Brown media outlets, for this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press.” Our returning guest Michelle García is a Texas-based journalist whose searing reporting in the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting honed in on the structures of militarization that devalue the lives of local residents.
“I'm not here to humanize anybody. I'm here to understand what forces are dehumanizing people and to look that in the face.” - Michelle García
“When you are surrounded by people, the adults, the politicians describing your home as a war zone, as unlivable and peddling images of violence — does it not potentially normalize violence itself?” - Michelle García
Guests:
Michelle García, Journalist & Author
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media
We are listener & viewer sponsored. Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast.
When the news broke of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, it was chilling to many people to learn that 40 percent of that small city’s budget was allocated to public safety - a budget allocation that utterly failed to keep the children and teachers at Robb Elementary school safe. What might have been a better way to spend that city’s precious funds? After Uvalde, and in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd, residents of many US cities asked that same question. They’re turning to a tool called participatory budgeting that gives residents and taxpayers real decision-making power over their cities’ budgets. It’s already spread to more than 7,000 cities around the world. This week, Laura speaks with Shari Davis and Kristania De Leon, co-directors of the Oakland and NYC based Participatory Budgeting Project, and Shaun Glaze, research director of the Black Brilliance Research Project in Seattle. Participatory budgeting makes a real difference, they say, and at a moment when US democracy itself is hanging by a thread, the experience of participating in budget-making is beginning to validate people’s belief in voting. Could this model bring power to people where they live?
“Participatory budgeting is about transforming the relationship that people can have with government and with community-led decision making so that we make really good, fiscally responsible decisions that reflect community spending priorities.” - Shari Davis
“How do we actually start to move in a way that allows us to meet our needs together, build relationships and see value in the collective?” - Kristania De Leon
“Communities have this expertise. They know what they need. Let's make sure that we are honoring that expertise and turning that into action.” - Shaun Glaze
Guests:
Shari Davis, Co-Executive Director, Participatory Budgeting Project
Kristania De Leon, Co-Executive Director, Participatory Budgeting Project
Shaun Glaze, Research Director, Black Brilliance Research Project
We are listener & viewer sponsored. Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast.
Low wages, precarious jobs, shuttered Main Streets and bleak futures — do towns have a way out of poverty that doesn't involve begging and bribing outside employers to invest? From Cleveland, Ohio to Preston, England and Scotland, some local governments are experimenting with investing public resources locally in community-held businesses, and public health. They’re calling this approach Community Wealth Building, and it’s gaining traction around the world. Most recently, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has included money for Community Wealth Building in the Biden Administration's National Strategic Plan. In today’s episode, we explore the spreading of Community Wealth Building and its impact on the well-being of individuals and communities so far. How are these models working where others have failed, and is now the time to take Community Wealth Building to a whole new scale?
“There's something in the spirit of this that frankly can appeal to both liberals and conservatives. It's really about making a place for our community, and making it a healthy place.” - Ted Howard
“If we do not fix this issue . . . we're going to continue to see the kind of poverty, the disinvestment, the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer, and this is just unacceptable.” - India Pierce Lee
“This is not just a small pilot project here and there. This is about rewiring the economic system for social, economic and ecological justice.” - Neil McInroy
Guests:
Ted Howard, Co-founder & President, The Democracy Collaborative
India Pierce Lee, Senior Vice President, Program at the Cleveland Foundation
Neil McInroy, Advisor of Community Wealth Building, Scottish Government
We are listener & viewer sponsored. Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast.
2022 will go down in history for the number of anti-trans bills introduced into state legislatures. Over 300 bills banning books, medical treatment, even access to the bathroom, have been introduced so far. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court seems poised to overturn Roe vs. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion. As extremists crank up the volume on hate — trans people, especially trans women of color, are facing an onslaught of violence. Today’s guest, Imara Jones, has been featured on the cover of Time Magazine and POLITICO’s 2021 “Recast Power List.” She’s the producer of a podcast mini-series called “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality” and the creator of “TransLash Media”, a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling, and narrative project, which seeks to shift the culture, create empathy and save trans lives. In this episode, Laura asks her what impacts these restrictions and increased control have on all of us.
“We're already seeing doctors that treat trans people being targeted just like abortion doctors. That's a new thing that just happened this year.” - Imara Jones
“There's an understanding by the people, the politicians, the organizations, and the billionaires that trans people will be the next fight in the gender wars, after what they anticipate, and have anticipated for over a year, to be their victory on abortion rights.” - Imara Jones
Guests:
Imara Jones: Founder and CEO, TransLash Media
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Can you remember the last time when the challenges that inner city public school teachers face were the subject of a popular TV series? Abbott Elementary — which has just been renewed for a second season on ABC — does just that. The Philadelphia school on TV is fictional, but the challenges it faces are all too real. Closely based on the school that series creator (and star) Quinta Brunson attended, and especially her experiences with Ms. Abbott, her 6th grade teacher, the show combines art, education and activism. On this month’s Meet The BIPOC Press with URL Media, real-life educator Joyce Abbott joins acclaimed actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph from the series, to discuss what the show's success shows us about this moment, when educators, especially teachers of color, are leaving the profession in droves. Can a TV show help stem the tide, shift the culture and change policy? Among her many accolades, Ralph starred in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Is quality education for all, a dream? Laura Flanders and co-hosts Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese don't think it should be.
“The teachers, even though they get the school training, the college training, I don't think anything can prepare you for when you go into the classroom. We’re still in the pandemic, all the trauma with the civil unrest — it's a lot, and you have to be willing to invest a lot of time and a lot of energy.” - Joyce M. Abbott, Educator & Abbott Elementary Namesake
“There is something going on in the psyche of America when we would rather preach injustice, when we would rather tell our children a skewed view of the world. Something is going on in America and the good people, the wise people, must rise up and do better for each other, for all of us to keep the dream of the great United States of America alive.” - Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actress & Activist
Guests:
Joyce M. Abbott: Educator & Abbott Elementary Namesake
Sheryl Lee Ralph: Actress & Activist
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host): CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host): Co-Founder, URL Media
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Decades of discrimination have left millions of African Americans shut out of the housing market and at risk of being targeted by predatory lenders and exploitative loans. But capital collectives pool resources and reduce individual risk and can be a way for low-income Americans to buy into a home. One example is the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative, in Oakland, CA which stepped in to do what developers would not, and make permanent housing available for low-income African Americans and other discriminated-against people of color. Can cooperation and shared stewardship be a route to realizing the “American Dream” that has been sold to so many, so effectively, for so long? Or do we need a different, shared dream to address the racial housing-wealth gap in the 21st century?
Guests:
Najaah Yasmine Daniels: Community Manager, Inclusive Capital Collective
Jessica Gordon-Nembhard: Ph.D. Professor, John Jay College City University of New York
Noni D. Session: Co-Founder and Executive Director, East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at Patreon HERE. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"A Supreme Court assault on reproductive equity, another racist slaughter, and more Palestinian death. It’s a lot...."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
The January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, intended to stop the certification of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America, “was as close to fascism as I ever want to see our country come,” says Jamie Raskin, Democratic Congressman from Maryland. And he should know -- Raskin is a Constitutional scholar as well as a long-time law school professor, and in the hours after the assault on the Capitol, he was chosen to head up the second impeachment investigation of Donald Trump. He’s also a member of the House Select Committee currently investigating the January 6 attack, now set to hold publicly televised hearings next month. "The political scientists tell [us] that the key indicator of a successful coup is a recently failed coup where the coup plotters can diagram the deficiencies in the incumbent regime," says Rep. Raskin. In this exclusive interview, Raskin talks with Laura about the strengths and weaknesses in US democracy and how best to address them now.
“There were a number of moments when we could have lost it all. And we want people to see precisely what happened and how close we came.” - Jamie Raskin, Congressman (D-MD), Member Jan. 6 House Select Committee
Guest: Jamie Raskin, Congressman (D-MD), Member Jan. 6 House Select Committee
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION for this podcast on the Thursday, following this podcast episode release on Monday. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The American Right is embracing a dangerous extremism, challenging elections, packing courts and aligning with Hungarian prime minister and Putin-ally Victor Orbán. In the midst of a climate catastrophe, with a majority on the Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the House preparing to hear from the select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection, what is at stake and how did we get here? Can the process of shrinking democracy work in reverse? In this episode, Laura speaks with Lisa Graves, a lawyer and researcher who has advised every branch of the federal government. And we’ll air an exclusive clip of a speech from Jan. 6 Committee member, Rep. Jamie Raskin. Will extremism continue to build momentum in the US or can it be stopped?
“What's at stake is our democracy and our freedom to pursue our dreams . . . ” Lisa Graves, Executive Director & Editor-in-Chief, True North Research
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION for this podcast on the Thursday, following this podcast episode release on Monday. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Something exciting is happening in McDowell County, West Virginia. There, in what used to be coal country, the American Federation of Teachers is leading a project called Reconnecting McDowell. It's a program initiated over a decade ago by Gayle Manchin, wife of now Senator (then Governor) Joe, and it makes you think long and hard about her husband."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
McDowell County, West Virginia, in the heart of what used to be coal country, is one of the most impoverished counties in the US — a place that embodies the challenges facing many American areas in transition. But something new is happening there; it’s called Reconnecting McDowell, a multi-partner effort, led by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Can education be the driver of local economic and social development in one of the poorest places in the US? What if the best anti-poverty program is investing in teachers and children? In this episode, for May 1, a traditional labor holiday around the world, we take a look at Reconnecting McDowell and speak to some of the beneficiaries. Drawing on some of the labor movement’s earliest traditions, could this partnership between local drive and national commitment provide a model for the future?
“I feel like we are coming back to serve and coming back to plant seeds in an area where we have let our seeds and the grass wither and go dry. It's time to quit looking for the grass that's greener on the other side and actually plant seeds.” - Nadia Johnson, Communities in School Coordinator, Mount View High School, Welch, WV
“We have to start with the little mom and pop shop that hires two or three people. And then you have another little mom and pop shop that hires two or three people. And we keep going with that momentum.” - Harold McBride, Mayor of Welch, McDowell County, WV
“What we've learned here is that the first action is not to point fingers. The first action is not to blame. The first action is to come together and figure out what we need to do, who needs to do it, and whose voice has to be heard.” - Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Guests
Nadia Johnson, Communities in School Coordinator, Mount View High School, Welch, WV
Harold McBride, Mayor of Welch, McDowell County, WV
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION for this podcast on the Thursday, following the podcast episode release on Monday. We are listener & viewer sponsored. The show airs on 300+ Public Television households across the U.S., on over 40 community radio stations and as a podcast. Become a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Complete episode notes, research and reading list and related episodes are at Patreon
The fight over what can and can’t be taught in schools is shaping up to be one of the most controversial issues in a pivotal mid-term election year. White voters are being mobilized to ban books, censor honest discussions of US history and current day racism, and organize against a fake spectre of “critical race theory” being taught in schools. So what is to be done? In this episode, Laura and co-hosts Sara Lomax-Reese and Mitra Kalita interview Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, one of the most visible and vocal proponents of anti-racist education. Dr. Kendi shot to prominence with his 2019 New York Times bestseller How to be an Antiracist, making a name for himself as one of the most renowned antiracist scholars in the country and winning a MacArthur “genius” grant in 2021. His latest picture book, the New York Times bestseller Antiracist Baby, has made headlines, even being held aloft by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) at the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. How does the reaction against antiracist education hurt us all?
“What's at stake is joy. I mean, at the end of the day, one of the net effects of racism aside from people literally losing their lives is misery.” - Ibram X. Kendi, Director, Boston University Center for Antiracist Research
Guests
Ibram X. Kendi, Director, Boston University Center for Antiracist Research
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host), CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION for this podcast on the Thursdays, following the podcast release on Mondays. Please become a Patreon Supporter and support independent media as we kick off our 3rd season on Public Television with a reach of over 3 million households across the U.S.
Description: Red, Republican, anti abortion, anti trans — Texas has certainly been a testing ground for backlash policies and politicians, and that could be what’s happening now, but could it also be a bellwether of a different sort? Why is the reactionary backlash and the resistance to it that’s happening in Texas vital for the rest of the country? Our guests today say that their state could be a predictor of how 21st century change happens, when people organize differently. What do people who don't live there have wrong about Texas and what do Texans see as the path to "reclaiming" their state?
“This is about love. Abortion is about love for yourself. It's about love for the family that you want to create. One of the most important things that we can do right now to change the trajectory of abortion rights is to just unapologetically declare how pro-abortion we are.” - Aimee Arrambide, Executive Director, AVOW
“This isn't a state of overwhelmingly reactionary people. It's a state where overwhelmingly reactionary people have run the show for so long that most folks say, you know, I just don't want to participate anymore.” - Greg Casar, Texas Congressional Democratic nominee
“The story of Texans fighting for their own civic self-determination in the face of some pretty horrifying gerrymandered odds is, I think, the story of Texas. And I think it's the story of the South too.” - Eesha Pandit, Co-founder, Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP)
“One point of frustration for me is when people are like, well, forget Texas, right? And then you have the same progressives saying trans lives matter. Texas has the second highest population of transgender people in this country. So if you say trans lives matter, then that includes the trans lives in the state.” - Emmett Schelling, Executive Director, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
Guests:
Aimee Arrambide, Executive Director, AVOW
Greg Casar, Texas Congressional Democratic nominee
Eesha Pandit, Co-founder, Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP)
Emmett Schelling, Executive Director, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
A culture of snitches? '...We describe it as horrifying when it’s happening in Putin's Russia, but just how different, really, is Texas?'
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
In this special feature for Earth Day, we focus on just one group: Greenpeace, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The environmental group has been in the headlines again, confronting Russian oil tankers in many ports. They've attracted lots of attention and scored many victories in the years they've been in existence. But it's not enough. The climate crisis is more urgent than ever, the world's not on track to get off fossil fuels in the time we need, and the most vulnerable are paying the heaviest price. In this special, we spend the program with the leadership of Greenpeace, including co-executive Directors, Annie Leonard and Ebony Twilley Martin, the first African American woman to head a "Big Green" group. The changes the group has made to embed racial justice and equity across their organization are going to take time, they admit, but without them, they'll never shift the power structure that's proven so intransigent up to this point. What's it going to take to shift power internally, avoid false solutions, and make the sort of transformation we need, as a nation, and as a group? They say there is no choice. The changes they’re making now are essential. We can't bring about a greener, more equitable future with shortcuts. Earth Day is April 22.
"Even though we have scientists and marine biologists and people who know how to climb and hang off of skyscrapers . . . We can't do it alone. We need to work with lots and lots of people” - Annie Leonard, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
“It’s time to innovate. It's time to be creative. It’s time to imagine the world without fossil fuels, and it is possible.” - Ebony Twilley Martin, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
People think the fossil fuel industry just pollutes our climate. That's not all they do. They also pollute our politics—to the tune of almost $150 million in the last major election alone. - Tefere Gebre, Chief Program Officer, Greenpeace USA
Guests
Tefere Gebre, Chief Program Officer, Greenpeace USA
Annie Leonard, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
Ebony Twilley Martin, Co-Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION featured in this podcast. Please become a Patreon Supporter and support independent media as we kick off our 3rd season on Public Television with a reach of over 3 million households across the U.S.
Patreon supporters receive early access to listen and download the full uncut conversation from our weekly episodes.
The latest peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war may lead to an eventual ceasefire but not before displacing millions and damaging the air, water and land of what was known as the bread basket for the world. This week, we’ve assembled a roundtable of human rights advocates from Ukraine, Russia & the United States to discuss the ongoing conflict and who highlight models of local resistance and support. Our guests have been working for democracy in Ukraine, Russia, and the US for years and partnering with efforts across the world. What do Ukrainian and Russian comrades see as possible pathways to peace and justice, and what does global solidarity look like? What happens next will have long lasting impacts on all of us.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation is available here at Patreon.
Guests:• Phyllis Bennis, Director, New Internationalism Project-Institute for Policy Studies (IPS); Fellow of the Institue for Policy Studies in Washington; Author of several books published by Interlink Publishing
• Anastasiya Leukhina, Trainer, Facilitator and Consultant. Lecturer, visiting Professor at the Kyiv School of Economics
• Dmitri Makarov, Human Rights Defender, Council Member Moscow Helsinki Group
*Highlight of Books by Phyllis Bennis:• Before & After: U.S. Foreign Policy and the September 11th Crisis, read more here
• Challenging Empire: People, Governments and the UN Defy U.S. Power, read more here
• Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, A Primer, read more here
• Understanding the US-Iran Crisis, A Primer, read more here
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Here at The Laura Flanders Show we are in partnership with the John Jay Justice Fellowship program, where participants work hands-on gaining first hand knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions where participants work hands-on gaining first hand knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow sharing their expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills, and more. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by John Jay Justice fellow Adelle Villarente, a sociology and Spanish language student.
Podcast Description: Filipino nurses account for a small number of nurses in the U.S., but their impact on the American healthcare system is anything but miniscule. So when it came to light that about 31.5% of Filipino nurses died from COVID-19, Filipinos everywhere joined together in a sense of bayanihan or solidarity and community between all Filipinos. In contrast, mainstream media were quick to report on the tragedy instead of finding solutions for frontline workers. As we pass through the two year anniversary of the initial wave of COVID-19 in the U.S., how much has changed since then and what actions can we take to ensure the health and safety of Filipino nurses and healthcare workers at large?
Adelle Villarente, a Filipino and daughter of nurses herself, watched her parents and relatives risk their lives while working at the hospital in 2020. With the help of folks from her community, Adelle speaks with Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, professor, chairperson, and past president and executive director of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. And we also heard from two Filipino registered nurses who came to the U.S. in the 90’s (who have asked to remain anonymous). Both identified actionable models of change for our nurses, and especially for our Filipino nurses, so they can be better cared for and protected in the U.S. healthcare system.
GUESTS:
- Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, Professor; Chairperson; former President and Executive Director of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, PhD, RN, APN, NE-BC, CNE, FAAN
- *Registered nurse using the alias Joaquin Villanueva
- *Registered nurse using the alias Rowena dela Cruz
*Choose to remain anonymous
MUSIC CREDITS:
All music was produced by Chad Crouch of Podington Bear/Sound of Picture, Creative Commons License
1) Triste ( Album: Duets)
2) Massive (Album: Driving)
3) Dappled Light (Instrumental) (Album:Field Report Vol. XVIII- Marshall Park (Instrumental))
4) Madrone (Instrumental) (Album: Field Report Vol. XIX- Kelley Point (Instrumental))
5) Transient (Album: Piano II - Felt)
6) Reagan ( Album: Indie Pop Instrumentals
7) Twilight Grandeur (Album: Inspiring)
For more information on our John Jay Justice Fellowship associate program, please email us at info@LauraFlanders.org
Red, Republican, anti abortion, anti trans — Texas has certainly been a testing ground for backlash policies and politicians, and that could be what’s happening now, but could it also be a bellwether of a different sort? Why is the reactionary backlash and the resistance to it that’s happening in Texas vital for the rest of the country? Our guests today say that their state could be a predictor of how 21st century change happens, when people organize differently. What do people who don't live there have wrong about Texas and what do Texans see as the path to "reclaiming" their state?
“This is about love. Abortion is about love for yourself. It's about love for the family that you want to create. One of the most important things that we can do right now to change the trajectory of abortion rights is to just unapologetically declare how pro-abortion we are.” - Aimee Arrambide, Executive Director, AVOW
“This isn't a state of overwhelmingly reactionary people. It's a state where overwhelmingly reactionary people have run the show for so long that most folks say, you know, I just don't want to participate anymore.” - Greg Casar, Texas Congressional Democratic nominee
“The story of Texans fighting for their own civic self-determination in the face of some pretty horrifying gerrymandered odds is, I think, the story of Texas. And I think it's the story of the South too.” - Eesha Pandit, Co-founder, Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP)
“One point of frustration for me is when people are like, well, forget Texas, right? And then you have the same progressives saying trans lives matter. Texas has the second highest population of transgender people in this country. So if you say trans lives matter, then that includes the trans lives in the state.” - Emmett Schelling, Executive Director, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
Guests:
Aimee Arrambide, Executive Director, AVOW
Greg Casar, Texas Congressional Democratic nominee
Eesha Pandit, Co-founder, Center for Advancing Innovative Policy (CAIP)
Emmett Schelling, Executive Director, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION featured in this podcast. Please become a Patreon Supporter and support independent media as we kick off our 3rd season on Public Television with a reach of over 3 million households across the U.S.
Civil society must demand peace and diplomacy over war and killing as a global community.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
The latest peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war may lead to an eventual ceasefire but not before displacing millions and damaging the air, water and land of what was known as the bread basket for the world. This week, we’ve assembled a roundtable of human rights advocates from Ukraine, Russia & the United States to discuss the ongoing conflict and who highlight models of local resistance and support. Our guests have been working for democracy in Ukraine, Russia, and the US for years and partnering with efforts across the world. What do Ukrainian and Russian comrades see as possible pathways to peace and justice, and what does global solidarity look like? What happens next will have long lasting impacts on all of us.
“The Ukrainian war is a global war. It's not just a territorial conflict, and I think we all have to understand that.” -Anastasiya Leukhina
“We still need citizen mobilization. We still need transnational connections . . . there is hope in us realizing that failure, looking at the roots of it and building on the great things that are happening, despite all the horror that's going on.” -Dmitri Makarov
“There won't be civil society present at the table until we have a civil society that is more of a presence in demanding it. That diplomacy must be real, not just a slogan. We need real mobilization.” -Phyllis Bennis
Guests:
Phyllis Bennis, Director, New Internationalism Project-Institute for Policy Studies
Anastasiya Leukhina, Lecturer, Kyiv School of Economics
Dmitri Makarov, Human Rights Defender, Council Member Moscow Helsinki Group
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION featured in this podcast. Please become a Patreon Supporter and support independent media as we kick off our 3rd season on Public Television with a reach of over 3 million households across the U.S.
Making the future while surviving a war. In humanity’s never ending war stories, combat makes the news, but the macho gaze misses the complex reality and tends to ignore the role of women in war. To switch things up, we refocus the lens, with two of the award winning film makers behind the hit series, Women War and Peace II, that aired on Public Television in March of 2019 and continues to serve in shifting the narrative around women and war.
Guests:
-Gini Reticker, Director, The Trials of Spring, Executive Producer, Women, War and Peace II
-Julia Bacha, Director, Naila and the Uprising, Creative Director, Just Vision Media
Our Patreon partners support this free podcast with a contribution of whatever size, every month, and help keep all of our programming free, on tv, radio, and as a podcast. We have so much in store for you as we kick off our new 2022 season, and that’s thanks to you and all our patron partners. Your support is crucial. Become a part of our Patreon Supporters at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Laura reports from “He Sapa‘’, the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota where NDN Collective is reclaiming ancestral lands to address homelessness, addiction and violence against Native Americans. Catalyzed in 2020, by an action in which Land Defenders blocked former President Donald Trump’s road to Mount Rushmore, this Landback campaign is about reclaiming, along with stolen land, native ceremonies, spirituality and traditions of community care. In this special feature, Laura reports on Camp Mniluzahan, a tipi village built on tribal trust land, that welcomed hundreds of unhoused Indigenous people and others in the Rapid City area in the dead of winter last year. Laura’s guests, Oglala Lakota activists Nick Tilsen, Krystal Two Bulls, Sunny Red Bear and Hermus Bettelyoun of NDN Collective.
[Camp Mniluzahan] is... a teaching moment [about] what could happen. We're envisioning what could be if we actually had control of our lands and what it would mean to have land back. -Sunny Red Bear,Director of Racial Equity, NDN Collective; Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation
Guests
Hermus Bettelyoun, Racial Equity Organizer, NDN Collective; Oglala Lakota
Sunny Red Bear, Director of Racial Equity, NDN Collective; Lakota
Amy Sazue, Education Equity Organizer, NDN Collective; Sicangu & Oglala Lakota
Nick Tilsen, President & CEO, NDN Collective; Oglala Lakota
Krystal Two Bulls, Director of LANDBACK Campaign, NDN Collective; Northern Cheyenne/Oglala Lakota
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT INTERVIEW with Sunny Red Bear from this episode.
Trans liberation is the latest frontline in the struggle for civil rights. In their new documentary, Disclosure, director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder use over a century’s worth of film to show that trans identities have long been at the center of our collective cultural history. They join four-time Emmy nominated actress and Emmy winning producer Laverne Cox in a groundbreaking conversation with Laura on how trans people are reclaiming their stories and transforming the power structures in Hollywood. They describe the experience of assembling the first majority trans film crew and interviewing an incredible range of trans actors and media critics to understand how media shapes attitudes, behaviors, and laws about gender and trans lives. With film history as a background, Laura and guests explore what’s next for trans liberation — and the bearing it has on the continuing struggle for human rights for all. Music in the Middle, “Free” by Ultra Naté and produced by Ultra Naté and Mood 2 Swing, courtesy of the artist.
GUESTS:
Laverne Cox, Executive Producer, Disclosure; Four-time Emmy-nominated Actress, Emmy Winning Producer
Sam Feder, Director, Disclosure; Sam Feder Films
Amy Scholder, Producer, Disclosure
Full episode notes including related articles and LFShow episodes to watch and/or listen to are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT DISCUSSION of this week's episode.
Here at The Laura Flanders Show we have a comprehensive Internship program where participants work hands-on gaining first hand knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast releases. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each intern sharing their expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills, and more. We mentor our interns and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by Janet Hernandez, a recent graduate of Hunter College.
Podcast Description: What does support for BIPOC communities in the music industry look like? In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the industry pledged to change. But the top executives are still white, and the industry’s rejection of Black artists and industry professionals takes a serious toll on Black mental health. The nature of the music industry already puts its members at a high risk of suffering from mental health illnesses, and BIPOC say they can’t access the right resources. Backline and the Black Mental Health Alliance are organizations that connect people to appropriate mental health resources, and their new partnership shows how industry members and mental health specialists can be allies, by working to be culturally conscious and inclusive.
Guests:
Andrea Brown, Executive Director, Black Mental Health Alliance
Hilary Gleason, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Backline
For more information on our internship associate program, please email us at info@LauraFlanders.org
"Stocks in renewables are out performing oil and gas right now. Tipping points tip and this could be one of those...."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe v Wade, imperiling all women’s freedoms, and creating a new pipeline to prison for the vulnerable just as the world is learning how counterproductive most incarceration - solutions are. Today’s guests argue that things could have been very different. If the white dominated “choice” movement had paid closer attention to all women’s choices, or lack thereof; If anti-violence advocates had rejected criminalization and incarceration as a solution to the violence in women’s lives. Things could have been different, our guests argue, if a different part of the US women’s movement had gained more attention - attention it is beginning to get now. There has always been such a movement, they know, because they were there. Today we talk to Black abolitionist feminist Beth Richie and Queer southern feminist Suzanne Pharr have worked together, for abolition, feminism, and a systemicly different world for forty years. What have they learned? And what is their message for us now, when so much hangs in the balance?
Guests:
Suzanne Pharr, Co-founder, Southerners on New Ground. Author, Transformation: Toward a People’s Democracy
Beth Richie, Director, Institute for Research on Race & Public Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago. Author, Compelled to Crime: the Gender Entrapment of Black Battered Women & Abolition. Feminism. Now.
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS with Beth Richie and Suzanne Pharr.
MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently made a splash by donating nearly $3 billion to more than 280 nonprofits working in historically underfunded sectors - her third such drop in a year. But while Scott has repeatedly made headlines, the media has largely overlooked the impact that women and feminists are making on philanthropy during a pandemic that has created a global crisis for women and girls. How does feminism change the field of philanthropy in general, and how does it change the landscape for social justice movements specifically? In this episode, Laura interviews the writer and activist V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, about the effects of what she calls “disaster patriarchy.” Then, Laura goes in depth with Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation and member of the White House Gender Policy Council, to explore how tying the intersections of race and gender into philanthropy could make a better world for us all. Plus, Laura makes some predictions about the Right and the new Child Tax Credit…
Guests:
Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women
V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, author and playwright ‘The Vagina Monologues’, founder of V-Day and 1 Billion Rising
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATIONS with V and Teresa Younger.
We are independent media. Your partnership as a monthly supporter for as little as $3 a month is what makes our reporting possible. Join us at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Here at The Laura Flanders Show we have a comprehensive Internship program where participants work hands-on gaining first hand knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast releases. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each intern sharing their expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills, and more. We mentor our interns and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by High School student and Indigenous youth climate activist from Northern California, Te Maia Wiki, a 16 year old descendant of the Yurok people, from the Klamath River, and the Ngāti Porou and Te Aupōuri people, of New Zealand. Laura Flanders met her when reporting on the Red Road to D.C.
Podcast Description: In November 2021, thousands of people gathered in Glasgow, Scotland for the United Nations Climate Summit, known as COP26. Climate scientists, policy makers and global leaders identified COP26 as a watershed moment for humanity - the point beyond which no amount of intervention would reign in rising global temperatures. If we didn’t take action at COP26 then humanity, literally, would be toast.
Te Maia Wiki, a 16 year old Indigenous environmental activist from northern California, was a delegate at COP26 and set out to answer one fundamental question: did we succeed? In this episode, Te Maia takes us on a journey through the murky haze of climate economics and the inequities of global climate policy created by the affluent West which have severe and damaging consequences for the developing world. Wiki talks to Khadija Shaikh, a student at the University of Connecticut, and Amiteshwar Singh, a climate activist and Chair of the COP26 National Working Group for Students for Global Health, to answer a simple question posed by her seven year old sister: will we be okay?
If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in applying for our internship program, please write us at info@LauraFlanders.org
"Prison abolitionist Mariam Kaba says of struggle, “We do this 'til we free us.” Likewise, it seems to me, war is 'til we stop it. We need to stop it."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow Independent Media! Advertising free!
More than 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) received bomb threats at the start of Black History Month — including a threat on Valentine’s Day at Howard University. While the FBI is calling it a high priority investigation and threats are spreading to high schools, there is comparatively little media coverage of this assault on civil rights and education. On this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press” with URL Media, our guests explore the unequal media treatment of domestic terrorist threats on African American spaces and consider the racist stereotyping of Black and white youth. We also explore the significance of HBCUs in Black History and the connections with the greater African Diaspora. How can BIPOC media lead the way to spread awareness and protect the legacy, diversity, and innovations at HBCUs?
Co-host
Sara Lomax-Reese, Co-Founder, URL Media
Guests
Eric Grimes/Brother Shomari, Host, Groundings Evolutions Elevations, WURD Radio
Krista Johnson, Director, Center for African Studies, Howard University
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION from last week's episode 'Democratizing Democracy: Redistricting by the People'.
Download the full uncut conversation featuring Majora Carter, Urban Revitalization Strategist, Real Estate Developer, Author ‘*Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One’
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Description: Real estate development conjures up images of gentrification with sleek buildings and polished store fronts often built under the guise of urban revitalization. Far too often, these projects displace long-standing residents and communities of color. What would it look like if real estate development were led by the people who already live in the neighborhood? In this episode, Laura interviews South Bronx native Majora Carter who decided to stay where she grew up and rewrite the playbook for neighborhood development. A self-described “chick from the hood… with zero experience in real estate,” she's a MacArthur “genius award” recipient, owner of the hip hop themed Boogie Down Grind Cafe that has survived and even thrived during Covid, thanks to a bit of help from Beyoncé. Carter is author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out Of Your Neighborhood To Live In A Better One, just out from Berrett-Koehler.
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation are available at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Redistricting has the power to shape elections, and this year, it’s more controversial than ever. After a contentious 2020 census, the development of advanced mapping technologies, and a 2019 Supreme Court decision that put partisan gerrymandering outside the scope of federal courts, voting rights advocates contend that racial gerrymandering is rampant—in the south and beyond. In this episode, Laura speaks with redistricting experts from Colorado, Michigan, Texas, and New York who are working to ensure that minority voters have a seat at the table. It’s not too late, they say. New technologies are making it possible for citizens groups to step into the fray and fight for fairer representation.
Guests
Khyla D. Craine, Redistricting Committee Chair Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Carly Hare, (Pawnee/Yankton), Colorado Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission, Chair
Stephen Holmes, Commissioner Precinct 3, Galveston County, TX
Michael Li, Brennan Center for Justice, Senior Counsel Democracy Program
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow. Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION, plus early access to last week's conversation with Majora Carter, Urban Revitalization Strategist, Real Estate Developer, and Author of ‘Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One’.
Listen/download the full uncut conversation featuring Imani Perry, Author and Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies. Her most recent book is "South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation" published by Ecco Press, a division of Harper Collins.
Watch / Listen, Download and Subscribe to the Podcast
Description: As goes the South, so goes the nation. It may be a cliché but according to this week’s guest it’s true. In South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, author and scholar Imani Perry makes the compelling argument that Americans need to stop dismissing the South if they’re ever going to build an equitable future for the entire United States. She takes us on a trip through the region, delving into the complex realities that exist beneath the stereotypes. Intertwining conversations and stories from her journey in the present with powerful—but underrepresented—moments from history, Perry illustrates how the real, rebellious, intensely creative people of the South have led movements for civil rights in every generation. In this episode, Laura and Imani Perry look to the South for answers that will enlighten every American.
Guest:
Imani Perry, Author and Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies. Her latest book is ‘South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation,” Ecco Press, a division of Harper Collins.
*Books by featured guest:
• South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation Check out the book
• Looking for Lorraine: the Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry Check out the book
• More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States Check out the book
(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)*
Full research and reading list to further delve into the conversation are available here on Patreon in our posts.
Related episode to check out- "Your Neighborhood in your Hands: A Model from the South Bronx"
"Carter, who has gone from fighting developers in the Bronx to becoming one herself, lost her family's home after her parents died when her siblings couldn't see the value in their property beyond the pittance they could get from speculators. She lost the home place, but determined to stay in the neighborhood space, and became what she became "an urban revitalization specialist."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Real estate development conjures up images of gentrification with sleek buildings and polished store fronts often built under the guise of urban revitalization. Far too often, these projects displace long-standing residents and communities of color. What would it look like if real estate development were led by the people who already live in the neighborhood? In this episode, Laura interviews South Bronx native Majora Carter who decided to stay where she grew up and rewrite the playbook for neighborhood development. A self-described “chick from the hood… with zero experience in real estate,” she's a MacArthur “genius award” recipient, owner of the hip hop themed Boogie Down Grind Cafe that has survived and even thrived during Covid, thanks to a bit of help from Beyoncé. Carter is author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out Of Your Neighborhood To Live In A Better One, just out from Berrett-Koehler.
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow . Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION, plus early access to last week's conversation with Princeton Professor and author Imani Perry discussing her latest book, ‘South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation”.
Laura Flanders' full uncut conversation with Black abolitionist feminist Beth Richie and Queer southern feminist Suzanne Pharr where they discuss their work as organizers spanning 40 years fighting for an inclusive women's movement.
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe v Wade, imperiling all women’s freedoms, and creating a new pipeline to prison for the vulnerable just as the world is learning how counterproductive most incarceration - solutions are. Today’s guests argue that things could have been very different. If the white dominated “choice” movement had paid closer attention to all women’s choices, or lack thereof; If anti-violence advocates had rejected criminalization and incarceration as a solution to the violence in women’s lives. Things could have been different, our guests argue, if a different part of the US women’s movement had gained more attention - attention it is beginning to get now. There has always been such a movement, they know, because they were there. Today we talk to Black abolitionist feminist Beth Richie and Queer southern feminist Suzanne Pharr have worked together, for abolition, feminism, and a systemicly different world for forty years. What have they learned? And what is their message for us now, when so much hangs in the balance?
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Patreon Members have early access to the FULL UNCUT Meet the BIPOC Press Roundtable with URL Media on Voting Rights.
As goes the South, so goes the nation. It may be a cliché but according to this week’s guest it’s true. In South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, author and scholar Imani Perry makes the compelling argument that Americans need to stop dismissing the South if they’re ever going to build an equitable future for the entire United States. She takes us on a trip through the region, delving into the complex realities that exist beneath the stereotypes. Intertwining conversations and stories from her journey in the present with powerful—but underrepresented—moments from history, Perry illustrates how the real, rebellious, intensely creative people of the South have led movements for civil rights in every generation. In this episode, Laura and Imani Perry look to the South for answers that will enlighten every American.
Guests: Imani Perry, Author, South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow . Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION, plus early access to last week's 'Meet the BIPOC Press Roundtable on Voting Rights'.
"Justice Breyer has announced his resignation from the Supreme Court and a Biden/Harris pick is expected to win confirmation. The Democrats’ choice is unlikely to shift the court’s balance, we’re told, but the media’s milquetoast reassurance misses the point that when it comes to balance it’s not just the court, it’s also the public debate that’s shfted dramatically to the right. And nomination fights have a nasty habit of playing a big role in that...."
Related episode to check out- "Freedom for Women Requires Abolition Feminism: Suzanne Pharr & Beth Richie" .
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Even as the nation celebrated the birthday and legacy of voting rights advocate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the right to vote for which King fought so hard remains a matter of hot dispute. States across the country are introducing laws restricting the right to vote for certain Americans, and as recently as this month, a majority of US Senators opposed changing the filibuster rules to pass a voting rights law named for King’s ally John Lewis. In this episode of the monthly series we call “Meet the BIPOC Press” co-hosts Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese, with Solomon Jones of WURD and Michelle García of palabra., explore the central role that Black and Brown media play in securing the future of American democracy, and the ways that BIPOC media are changing the stories we tell about voting rights, belonging and electoral power.
Co-hosts:
S. Mitra Kalita, CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Lomax-Reese, Co-Founder, URL Media
Guests:
Michelle García, Journalist & Author, Anima Sola, forthcoming book on American borders
Solomon Jones, Author, Columnist, Philadelphia Inquirer
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow . Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT CONVERSATION, plus early access to last week's conversation with feminist abolitionists Dr. Beth Richie and Suzanne Pharr.
Laura Flanders' full uncut interview with Arundhati Roy where in they discussed surveillance and data mining in the age of Covid, the realities of India's pharmaceutical industry and Roy's take on trans politics where she says more about osmotic identities.
Arundhati Roy, Novelist, Writer & Political Activist, Author, Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction., My Seditious Heart & Numerous Other Essays
Description: Two years ago this month, the first cases of Covid-19 were reported in the United States. “Historically, pandemics have forced humans to break with the past and imagine their world anew,” wrote acclaimed author and activist Arundhati Roy just weeks into the shutdown. So have we? Two years on, what’s changed and what hasn’t in the US, India, and globally in a world that often seems to be teetering on the brink. If our goal is a better society, a world that is sustainable, just, and free, how are we doing, and what role do writers, literature, and language itself play in helping us find our way? This time on the LF Show, we explore all of this and more with Arundhati Roy who joins us from her home in New Delhi, India. Roy is the author of The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness as well as numerous essays on human rights, environmental justice, and global capitalism. This Spring, a new edition of her book of essays Azadi: Fascism, Fiction, and Freedom in the Time of the Virus will be out from Haymarket Books. All that and a closing commentary from Laura about American Exceptionalism and the pitfalls therein.
Patreon member supporters receive early access to audio exclusives including uncut interviews, and where full episode notes are posted. Become a member and support independent media at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe v Wade, imperiling all women’s freedoms, and creating a new pipeline to prison for the vulnerable just as the world is learning how counterproductive most incarceration - solutions are. Today’s guests argue that things could have been very different. If the white dominated “choice” movement had paid closer attention to all women’s choices, or lack thereof; If anti-violence advocates had rejected criminalization and incarceration as a solution to the violence in women’s lives. Things could have been different, our guests argue, if a different part of the US women’s movement had gained more attention - attention it is beginning to get now. There has always been such a movement, they know, because they were there. Today we talk to Black abolitionist feminist Beth Richie and Queer southern feminist Suzanne Pharr have worked together, for abolition, feminism, and a systemicly different world for forty years. What have they learned? And what is their message for us now, when so much hangs in the balance?
Guests:
Suzanne Pharr, Co-founder, Southerners on New Ground. Author, Transformation: Toward a People’s Democracy
Beth Richie, Director, Institute for Research on Race & Public Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago. Author, Compelled to Crime: the Gender Entrapment of Black Battered Women & Abolition. Feminism. Now.
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT INTERVIEW with ARUNDHATI ROY from last week's podcast and the entire full uncut 1 hour conversation with Suzanne Pharr & Beth Richie from this week's podcast. We are independent and community funded, please consider becoming a member and sharing your thoughts at Patreon as a member. Non-members do have access to the episode notes and later access to full uncut interviews.
Another World is Possible. Fascism Too, Is Breathing: Listening to Arundhati Roy.
Related episode to check out- Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Two years ago this month, the first cases of Covid-19 were reported in the United States. “Historically, pandemics have forced humans to break with the past and imagine their world anew,” wrote acclaimed author and activist Arundhati Roy just weeks into the shutdown. So have we? Two years on, what’s changed and what hasn’t in the US, India, and globally in a world that often seems to be teetering on the brink. If our goal is a better society, a world that is sustainable, just, and free, how are we doing, and what role do writers, literature, and language itself play in helping us find our way? This time on the LF Show, we explore all of this and more with Arundhati Roy who joins us from her home in New Delhi, India. Roy is the author of The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness as well as numerous essays on human rights, environmental justice, and global capitalism. This Spring, a new edition of her book of essays Azadi: Fascism, Fiction, and Freedom in the Time of the Virus will be out from Haymarket Books. All that and a closing commentary from Laura about American Exceptionalism and the pitfalls therein.
Guests
Arundhati Roy, Novelist, Writer & Political Activist, Author, Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction., My Seditious Heart & Numerous Other Essays
Full episode notes are posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Patreon Members receive early access to the FULL UNCUT INTERVIEW with ARUNDHATI ROY
“Had the government stepped in and done its job, had they not advocated against vaccines and mask mandates, we wouldn't have been frantically gathering our children to cut up bedsheets to make masks for medical workers and everyone else.” That’s Kristina Wong, performance artist, comedian, and writer. This week, Wong tells the story of how she created a network of “aunties,” who were primarily Asian American, in a mutual aid project that ended up making and distributing over 500 thousand masks during the first year of the pandemic. In winter 2021, she opened Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord, which played to sold-out audiences at the New York Theatre Workshop. Now Wong, legendary writer Rebecca Solnit, and several other members of The Auntie Sewing Squad have co-authored a book: The Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice. Here to discuss the show, the book, the phenomenon of mutual aid in times of disaster, and how racial justice and feminism underlie it all are Aunties Kristina Wong and Rebecca Solnit. A regular contributor to the Guardian, Solnit is the author of Hope in the Dark from Haymarket Books, among twenty other publications.
Guests
Rebecca Solnit, Author, Historan, Activist
Kristina Wong, Performance Artist, Comedian & Writer, Sweatshop Overlord
Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter at Patreon.com/theLFShow We do not accept corporate or government funding. We rely on you! Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members.
Year End Donations Matched 3:1!!! We are independent media, dependent on your generous support https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
The last US soldier to leave Afghanistan returned home this August, but private security personnel long outnumbered US troops in that war, and the for-profit business of training guns-for-hire is booming -- literally -- in the backyards of many rural Americans. In this special episode, The Laura Flanders Show travels to the tiny town of Hoffman in Richmond County, NC, where residents live next to a loud private training ground.They have real concerns about who is receiving training there and why, especially after the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol. Laura interviews Hoffman’s Mayors and one of the County Commissioners who approved the permit for Oak Grove Technologies’ tactical training site. They regret that approval now. And we travel to nearby Hoke County, where a diverse coalition of local stakeholders — and an all-POC County Commission — were able to stop the expansion of Reservoir International, another training outfit seeking to expand its footprint near the county seat of Raeford. “The latter is an example of the power of community organizing,” says Serena Sebring of Blueprint NC. Blueprint is partnering with a statewide network of veteran ant-racist, anti-militia organizers to pool information and lift up local strategies for making communities safer.
Guests
Donald Bryant, Richmond County Commissioner
Tommy Hart, Mayor Hoffman, NC
Daniel Kelly, Mayor Pro Tempore, Hoffman, NC
Danielle Purifoy, Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography, UNC Chapel Hill
Harry Southerland, Chairman, Hoke County Board of Commissioners
Christina Davis McCoy, Former Executive Director, North Carolinians Against Racist and Religious Violence
Jim Davis, Former Sheriff, Hoke County, NC
Serena Sebring, Executive Director, BluePrint NC
NOTE: Full episode notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Year End Donations Matched 3:1, we are independent media, dependent on your generous support https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
What if judges could know a person more completely before sentencing them to prison? An organization called Complete Picture uses the power of film and storytelling to give judges an in-depth, humanizing look at the lives of defendants facing prison for non-violent crimes. All of Complete Picture’s films have resulted in a sentence reduction and half of their clients received no prison time at all. In this episode, Laura speaks with the project’s founding filmmakers, whose own experience of incarceration inspired the project. She interviews a defense attorney who’s seen the impact on judges and talks with two defendants about how these video portraits changed their lives—and not just in the courtroom. Could films like theirs help transform the justice system across the country? Find out how in this episode.
Guests:
Rebecca Grace, Founder & CEO Complete Picture
John Gray, Executive Director & Marketing Director Complete Picture
Chondra, Defendant
Gary Roberts, Mechanic & Defendant
Shari Rusk, Esq., Defense Attorney
NOTE: Full episode notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow
The following audio exclusive features the entire uncut interview with Pia Mancini, Co-Founder & CEO of Open Collective. Excerpts of this interview were included in our recent episode "This New Cooperative Business Model Could Change Everything ". Exploring the question 'Why must new and innovative ideas come to market through old and undemocratic platforms?' What if rather than selling out, successful businesses became community assets that put ownership and governance in the hands of workers and even consumers? Could a startup become a means of building community wealth, economic justice, and accountability over our technology? The path from startup to conventional financial success typically involves going public, prioritizing shareholders’ interests, and ultimately selling to a giant conglomerate whose intentions are far from the original mission of the business’s founders. In this episode, Laura interviews guests who say this conventional path of success is desperately in need of an overhaul. One of those guests is Pia Mancini of Open Collective.
Your year end holiday donation will be tripled by a generous donor matching fund. Support solution building journalism at
Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow
We revisit an historic, inter-generational meeting of minds, Laura Flanders brings together New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and MIT professor emeritus Noam Chomsky—for the first time ever—to discuss the way forward for people, politics, and the planet. From labor strikes to racial uprisings to climate action to the Great Resignation, they reflect on the renewed power of collective organizing and the changing tide in economic thinking and electoral politics. Their insights demand that we think differently about everything from our nation’s history and its place in the world, to who can run for office in America and win. In their first face-to-face conversation, the mutual admiration is palpable. Laura closes with some thoughts on thinking the unthinkable.
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
"When Marx was writing, just under 200 years ago, jobs were still a relatively new and contentious concept. "Wage slavery "as the liberal economists of the day called it, forced people to rent their labor out to others - at a loss. It wasn't slavery, but it wasn't freedom, either. ...."
Related episode to check out: This New Cooperative Business Model Could Change Everything LISTEN / WATCH
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Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Many of the world’s most successful businesses began as someone’s good idea. But the path from startup to conventional financial success typically involves going public, prioritizing shareholders’ interests, and ultimately selling to a giant conglomerate whose intentions are far from the original mission of the business’s founders. In this episode, Laura interviews guests who say this conventional path of success is desperately in need of an overhaul. Why must new and innovative ideas come to market through old and undemocratic platforms? What if rather than selling out, successful businesses became community assets that put ownership and governance in the hands of workers and even consumers? Could a startup become a means of building community wealth, economic justice, and accountability over our technology? Our guests explain how. Music in the Middle: Nickodemus and PJT remix of “Ain’t My Fault” by the Gulf Aid All-stars from the Turntables on the Hudson ‘Lost & Found in the Frying Pan’ collection.
Guests:
Pia Mancini, Co-Founder & CEO, Open Collective
Lauren Ruffin, Co-Founder, Crux
Nathan Schneider, Assistant Professor of Media Studies & Director Media Enterprise Design Lab, University of Colorado Boulder
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
"A Free Press is vital if we are to have any chance at a functioning democracy. On that, you’d think, Right and Left might agree...."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12
We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are independent movement media for the people, and funded by the people! Become a member by making a one time donation or make it a monthly contribution at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate
It’s that time of year when we all need resilience: elections, holidays, the change of seasons. Many of us need fortitude to get through. Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis would add that we need Fierce Love too. Reverend Jacqui is senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan's East Village. A year ago, the building burnt to the ground, but the story didn’t stop there. In this far-ranging conversation, Laura and Rev. Jacqui talk about mutual aid, colonial baggage, and the Reverend’s new book, Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness that Can Heal the World. Rev. Jacqui also shares what it took for her to emerge from a “bad touch” experience -- and how truth helps us move from fear to power in our relationship with ourselves, one another, and to making justice in the world.
Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members. Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter at Patreon.
Will you help us meet our goal to raise $5,000 that will be matched, but only if we meet our goal? Donate at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate We do not accept advertisements or government funding. We are media for the people!
From the contest for governor of Virginia to school board races across the country, opposition to Critical Race Theory proved an effective tactic for Republican candidates to defeat Democrats in this November’s election. Does that justify the conclusions drawn by many in the media that Democrats need to stop talking so much about racism, history, and structural inequality? Must progressives face electoral reality, as many editorials have recently suggested, and tone down the so-called woke agenda? Or are there other ways to report the CRT story, and different conclusions to draw from November’s elections? Can the media go beyond the horserace? In this month’s “Meet the BIPOC Press” episode of The Laura Flanders Show, Laura leads a roundtable conversation exploring all of the above with URL Media co-founders Sara Lomax-Reese and Mitra Kalita and Editor-in-Chief at The Real News Network, Maximillian Alvarez. Music in the Middle: Jacques Renault's remix of “Keep It Working” by The Pendeltons from the collection ’20 Years of Bastard Jazz’ courtesy of DJ DRM’s own Bastard Jazz Records.
Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members. Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow We do not accept corporate or government funding. We rely on you!
Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter at Patreon.com/theLFShow We do not accept corporate or government funding. We rely on you! Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members.
In the midst of a national reckoning with white supremacy and colonial history, Indigenous people are demanding a new relationship with DC — honoring the traditional, legal, and moral rights of native nations. Earlier this year, a group of Native organizers traveled with a 25-foot totem pole from the Lummi Nation in Washington State to Washington D.C. stopping for ceremonies in communities under threat and gathering messages for the Biden Harris administration. In DC they held a historic meeting with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. In this episode, we hear what happened in that meeting, how Native movements are changing, among other myths, the thanksgiving story, and where a Red Road to the future might lead us - if we followed it. November is National American Indian Heritage Month, but as Judith LeBlanc, executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance put it, “the past and the future meet in the present. What are we doing today that will make our descendants proud of their ancestors?”
“How do we begin to really shift the narrative and help Americans understand that when native peoples are taking a stand—whether it’s no DAPL at Standing Rock or, you know, the Keystone XL Pipeline and thinking about Fort Belknap Indian Community or the Rosebud Sioux Reservation—it’s not just a Native American issue. We’re defending the water and the land for tens of millions of Americans.”
GUESTS:
Judith LeBlanc, Director, Native Organizers Alliance
Crystal Echo Hawk, IllumiNative, Founder & CEO
Anahkwet/Guy Reiter, Executive Director, Menīkānaehkem Community Rebuilders; Water Protector, Menominee Indian Tribe
Mari Margil, Executive Director, Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights
Faith Spotted Eagle, Ihanktonwon Dakota Elder & Brave Heart Society Kunsi Member
Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter at Patreon.com/theLFShow We do not accept corporate or government funding. We rely on you! Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members.
Could a city reduce violent crime by planting more trees? How will the culture of work adapt to the climate crisis? What will increased flooding in the Global South do to U.S. immigration patterns? In this month’s edition of Meet the BIPOC Press, guest hosts Sara Lomax Reese and Mitra Kalita from URL Media are back with a panel of journalists whose reporting explores these questions and more. They center Black and Brown people in their reporting on the environment and the climate crisis. From Philadelphia, to Haiti, to Bangladesh, to the American Gulf Coast, their conversation draws connections among a vast array of frontline communities, the crises they face, and the tools they’re using to respond. Then, Laura joins Sara and Mitra to reflect on how integrating the environment into policy could give us better solutions to society’s biggest challenges.
Guests:
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host), CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media; CEO and Publisher of Epicenter, NYC
Sara Loma-Reese (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media; President and CEO of WURD Radio
Ko Bragg, Race & Place Editor, Scalawag
Garry Pierre-Pierre, Founder and Publisher of The Haitian Times
Charles Ellison, Managing Editor of ecoWURD and Executive Producer/Host of “Reality Check” on WURD
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
"Changing the Future with India Walton... Buffalo drew attention this election season after first-time candidate, long-time activist, India Walton won the Democratic primary, positioning her to become this Democratic city’s first African American woman and first Democratic Socialist mayor."
Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12
Support the show by becoming a member as a monthly supporter for $3 $5 or more at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow We do not accept corporate or government funding. We rely on you! Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow for members and non-members.
Eyes across the nation are on the mayoral election in Buffalo, New York, where insurgent candidate India Walton could become the first Black woman—and first Democratic Socialist—to lead the city. Laura Flanders first interviewed Walton in 2019 as part of a profile of community organizations in that city. Two years later in June 2021, Walton shocked the Democratic establishment when she won Buffalo’s Democratic primary. Supporters say her win speaks to the strength of grassroots organizing around the city’s plans for its economic future and signals a shift in power at the local level. But Buffalo’s four-term incumbent Byron Brown, also a Democrat, challenged Walton’s primary victory, and ran as a write-in candidate. Will the election prove to be a referendum on centrist versus progressive Democrats? And what has it been like to be Walton, in this campaign? Flanders returned to Buffalo for an interview with Walton just as the first time candidate was receiving support from Rep Ocasio Cortez and Senators Schumer and Gillebrand but the state party chairman had just compared her to David Duke and Democratic Governor Hochul had refused to take a position. What is the significance of this election?
Guests:
India Walton, Mayoral Candidate, Democrat, Buffalo, NY
Jesse Myerson, Communications Director, India Walton Campaign
Drisana Hughes, Campaign Manager, India Walton Campaign
Christopher P. Scanlon, South District Council Member, Buffalo, New York
Louisa Pocheco, Chair of Western New York Chapter, Working Families Party
Divya Sundaram, New York Working Families Party
Jay Jacobs, New York State Democratic Committee Chair
Portions of this historic interview are featured in this week's radio show & podcast, and Public TV & YouTube
In this historic, inter-generational meeting of minds, Laura Flanders brings together New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY Representative 14th District) and MIT professor emeritus Noam Chomsky—for the first time ever—to discuss the way forward for people, politics, and the planet. From labor strikes to racial uprisings to climate action to the Great Resignation, they reflect on the renewed power of collective organizing and the changing tide in economic thinking and electoral politics. Their insights demand that we think differently about everything from our nation’s history and its place in the world, to who can run for office in America and win. In their first face-to-face conversation, the mutual admiration is palpable. Laura closes with some thoughts on thinking the unthinkable.
“We’re now having one of the major strikes in American history when workers are simply saying, ‘We're not gonna go back to the rotten, oppressive jobs, or precarious circumstances, with no health[care].’ The one-sided class war of the last 40 years is becoming two-sided…” —Noam Chomsky, Scholar, Activist, Author
“cynicism is the tool that is given to us to hurt ourselves ” —AOC, D-NY Representative 14th District
•Watch this episode on YouTube & PBS World Channel and on over 200 PBS stations check your local Public TV schedule for airdate and time
•Episode Research & Reading List to dive deeper into the episode.•Noam Chomsky's latest *book: "The Precipice, Neoliberalism, the Pandemic and the Urgent Need for Radical Change" - Purchase(Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. )*
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In this historic, inter-generational meeting of minds, Laura Flanders brings together New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and MIT professor emeritus Noam Chomsky—for the first time ever—to discuss the way forward for people, politics, and the planet. From labor strikes to racial uprisings to climate action to the Great Resignation, they reflect on the renewed power of collective organizing and the changing tide in economic thinking and electoral politics. Their insights demand that we think differently about everything from our nation’s history and its place in the world, to who can run for office in America and win. In their first face-to-face conversation, the mutual admiration is palpable. Laura closes with some thoughts on thinking the unthinkable.
“We’re now having one of the major strikes in American history when workers are simply saying, ‘We're not gonna go back to the rotten, oppressive jobs, or precarious circumstances, with no health[care].’ The one-sided class war of the last 40 years is becoming two-sided…” —Noam Chomsky**
“There are already communities actively experimenting and developing solutions… What I work on is not how we find solutions but how we scale [them] to transform our society.” —AOC**
Guests
Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative, NY-14th District, Socialist Democrat, Progressive Caucus
Join us live Sunday October 24th 7pm ET for a online screening & discussion of this week's episode, Register, for more Info and full episode notes goto=> Patreon.com/theLFShow
The last US soldier to leave Afghanistan returned home this August, but private security personnel long outnumbered US troops in that war, and the for-profit business of training guns-for-hire is booming -- literally -- in the backyards of many rural Americans. In this special episode, The Laura Flanders Show travels to the tiny town of Hoffman in Richmond County, NC, where residents live next to a loud private training ground.They have real concerns about who is receiving training there and why, especially after the January 6th Insurrection at the Capitol. Laura interviews Hoffman’s Mayors and one of the County Commissioners who approved the permit for Oak Grove Technologies’ tactical training site. They regret that approval now. And we travel to nearby Hoke County, where a diverse coalition of local stakeholders — and an all-POC County Commission — were able to stop the expansion of Reservoir International, another training outfit seeking to expand its footprint near the county seat of Raeford. “The latter is an example of the power of community organizing,” says Serena Sebring of Blueprint NC. Blueprint is partnering with a statewide network of veteran ant-racist, anti-militia organizers to pool information and lift up local strategies for making communities safer.
“I don't think it's worthwhile for the county period. And it's really not good for the town of Hoffman. [We need to tell these private paramilitary training groups that]. We don't need you anymore… Go back to the military, go back to camp McCall, go back to Fort Bragg... Don't let the civilians takeover military. We don't need it. “ Don Bryant**
Guests
Donald Bryant, Richmond County Commissioner
Tommy Hart, Mayor Hoffman, NC
Daniel Kelly, Mayor Pro Tempore, Hoffman, NC
Danielle Purifoy, Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography, UNC Chapel Hill
Harry Southerland, Chairman, Hoke County Board of Commissioners
Christina Davis McCoy, Former Executive Director, North Carolinians Against Racist and Religious Violence
Jim Davis, Former Sheriff, Hoke County, NC
Serena Sebring, Executive Director, BluePrint NC
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
How are activists shutting down radicalized militia training facilities in defense of community safety?
"Veteran activists organizing across this state [North Carolina], are concerned about a seemingly unmonitored flow of military grade weapons, training, and white warrior ideology out of the state’s privatized military and into civilian lives."
Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Check out the full episode notes and become a member at Patreon.com/theLFShow
In the midst of yet another year of climate catastrophe, the U.S. Senate is negotiating a $3.5 trillion infrastructure package. President Biden, among others, is calling for extensive investment to lower emissions and combat the effects of climate change. But what sort of investment? In this episode, Laura interviews environmental lawyer Colette Pichon Battle in Louisiana about the strategies organizers there have developed since Hurricane Katrina for equitable green development and climate justice. Then, she speaks in depth with MacArthur “Genius” award-winning landscape architect Kate Orff about her innovative work on oyster reefs, living breakwaters and regenerative infrastructure. Recently profiled in the New Yorker Magazine, Orff insists that ecology is the infrastructure of the future. Her work restores and harnesses—rather than resists—natural systems to ensure the livability of our rapidly changing world. Plus, Laura shares some thoughts about community vs. concrete. Music in the Middle: “Makin’ Waves” by Baba Brinkman featuring Gaia’s Eye, from his album The Rap Guide to Climate Chaos.
Guests:
-Colette Pichon Battle, Founder and Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, co-chairs the national Water Equity and Climate Resilient Caucus with PolicyLink and anchors the five-state, multi-issue initiative Gulf South for a Green New Deal.
-Kate Orff, Founding Principal of SCAPE; And Director & Professor, Urban Design Program, Columbia University. SCAPE creates positive change in communities by combining regenerative living infrastructure and new forms of public space. She is also the Director of the Urban Design Program, Co-Director of the Center for Resilient Cities and Landscapes (CRCL), and Professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP).
The following audio exclusive features the entire uncut interview with NDN Collective’s Director of Racial Equity, Sunny Red Bear of the Lakota Nation. Excerpts of this interview were included in our recent special “LANDBACK! A Tipi Town Approach to Healing & Homelessness”. In this special feature, Laura traveled to the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota where NDN Collective is reclaiming ancestral lands to address homelessness, addiction and violence against Native Americans. Laura reported on Camp Mniluzahan, a tipi village built on tribal trust land, that welcomed hundreds of unhoused Indigenous people and others in the Rapid City area in the dead of winter last year. Catalyzed in 2020, by an action in which Land Defenders blocked former President Donald Trump’s road to Mount Rushmore, this Landback campaign is about reclaiming, along with stolen land, native ceremonies, spirituality and traditions of community care.
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $12 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
Check out the full episode notes, along with an invitation to join guests from the episode with Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sundays 11:30am EDT, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
On Indigenous Peoples' Day, Laura reports from “He Sapa‘’, the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota where NDN Collective is reclaiming ancestral lands to address homelessness, addiction and violence against Native Americans. Catalyzed in 2020, by an action in which Land Defenders blocked former President Donald Trump’s road to Mount Rushmore, this Landback campaign is about reclaiming, along with stolen land, native ceremonies, spirituality and traditions of community care. In this special feature, Laura reports on Camp Mniluzahan, a tipi village built on tribal trust land, that welcomed hundreds of unhoused Indigenous people and others in the Rapid City area in the dead of winter last year. Laura’s guests, Oglala Lakota activists Nick Tilsen, Krystal Two Bulls, Sunny Red Bear and Hermus Bettelyoun of NDN Collective. Music in the Middle: “Stadium Pow Wow” by A Tribe Called Red featuring Black Bear from their album We Are the Halluci-Nation, released on Radicalized Records.
[Camp Mniluzahan] is... a teaching moment [about] what could happen. We're envisioning what could be if we actually had control of our lands and what it would mean to have land back.
-Sunny Red Bear,Director of Racial Equity, NDN Collective; Lakota from the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation
Guests
Hermus Bettelyoun, Racial Equity Organizer, NDN Collective; Oglala Lakota
Sunny Red Bear, Director of Racial Equity, NDN Collective; Lakota
Amy Sazue, Education Equity Organizer, NDN Collective; Sicangu & Oglala Lakota
Nick Tilsen, President & CEO, NDN Collective; Oglala Lakota
Krystal Two Bulls, Director of LANDBACK Campaign, NDN Collective; Northern Cheyenne/Oglala Lakota
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $11 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
October is National Co-op Month. "Worker co-ops like New Era demonstrate that it’s certainly possible to run a successful business while prioritizing safety and treating workers like fellow humans."
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You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
When homecare workers at Cooperative Homecare Associates in the Bronx ran short of masks in the early days of the Covid pandemic, the worker-owners of Opportunity Threads in Morganton, North Carolina stepped up, retooling to make PPE for New York caregivers. Collaboration and democratic decision making is just part of how worker owned businesses, or co-ops, fared better than other companies during the pandemic. By and large they survived, even thrived, and today they’re less likely to experience the labor shortages many businesses face as the economy reopens. “That’s no coincidence,” say Laura’s guests for this episode. Worker owned co-ops have long provided people the opportunity to create more just, resilient, and inclusive workplaces. To kick off International Co-op month, we hear from a journalist who’s been covering this story, a law professor who advises co-ops, and one of the worker-owners of ChiFresh Kitchen, a Chicago-based co-op owned and operated mostly by formerly incarcerated women. Started during Covid, ChiFresh Kitchen continues to distribute tens of thousands of healthy meals a day to people who need them, and provide living wages to workers who are shut out elsewhere. All that plus Laura on two very different businesses in Chicago: El Milagro Tortilla and the New Era Windows cooperative. Music in the Middle:“Self Love” by Joe Armon-Jones featuring Obongjayar from his album Turn to Clear View released on Brownswood Recordings.
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $11 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
A national uprising in the wake of the murder of George Floyd pressured corporations and big banks to acknowledge their own roles in systemic racism. Many made sweeping promises to support Black-owned businesses, but now, over one year later, have they kept those promises? In this episode, a co-production of The Laura Flanders Show and URL Media, co-hosts Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese interview guests to discuss the widening racial wealth gap in America, the role banks play in perpetuating systemic racism, and how community development financial institutions (CDFIs) can help communities of color build wealth and prosperity. Laura chimes in with her closing thoughts on the importance of media that follows up on critical stories. Music in the Middle: “Masters of Greed” by Rebel Tumbao featuring Ruben Rodriguez and Anthony Carrillo, released on Sacred Rhythm Music.
Guests
S. Mitra Kalita (Co-Host), CEO & Co-Founder, URL Media
Sara Loma-Reese (Co-Host), Co-Founder, URL Media
Madhusmita Bora, Freelance Writer, Co-Director Sattriya Dance Company
Nicole Ndumele, Vice President of Racial Equity and Justice at the Center for American Progress
Wayne W. Williams, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Temple University Fox School of Business
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $11 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
The following is the full uncut conversation with Colette Pichon Battle, Lawyer & Founder and Executive Director, Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, from our episode "Ecology: The Infrastructure of the Future?"
In the midst of yet another year of climate catastrophe, the U.S. Senate is negotiating a $3.5 trillion infrastructure package. President Biden, among others, is calling for extensive investment to lower emissions and combat the effects of climate change. But what sort of investment? In this episode, Laura interviews environmental lawyer Colette Pichon Battle in Louisiana about the strategies organizers there have developed since Hurricane Katrina for equitable green development and climate justice. Then, she speaks in depth with MacArthur “Genius” award-winning landscape architect Kate Orff about her innovative work on oyster reefs, living breakwaters and regenerative infrastructure. Recently profiled in the New Yorker Magazine, Orff insists that ecology is the infrastructure of the future. Her work restores and harnesses—rather than resists—natural systems to ensure the livability of our rapidly changing world. Plus, Laura shares some thoughts about community vs. concrete. Music in the Middle: “Makin’ Waves” by Baba Brinkman featuring Gaia’s Eye, from his album The Rap Guide to Climate Chaos.
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $11 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
"MacArthur 'genius award'winning landscape designer Kate Orff believes that gray infrastructure, like levees and flood gates and sea walls, can only take us so far."
Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In the midst of yet another year of climate catastrophe, the U.S. Senate is negotiating a $3.5 trillion infrastructure package. President Biden, among others, is calling for extensive investment to lower emissions and combat the effects of climate change. But what sort of investment? In this episode, Laura interviews environmental lawyer Colette Pichon Battle in Louisiana about the strategies organizers there have developed since Hurricane Katrina for equitable green development and climate justice. Then, she speaks in depth with MacArthur “Genius” award-winning landscape architect Kate Orff about her innovative work on oyster reefs, living breakwaters and regenerative infrastructure. Recently profiled in the New Yorker Magazine, Orff insists that ecology is the infrastructure of the future. Her work restores and harnesses—rather than resists—natural systems to ensure the livability of our rapidly changing world. Plus, Laura shares some thoughts about community vs. concrete. Music in the Middle: “Makin’ Waves” by Baba Brinkman featuring Gaia’s Eye, from his album The Rap Guide to Climate Chaos.
If you’re a listener or a viewer, you spend time with us. Many of you have for years. So how about taking a few minutes to give us the support we need to keep doing what we do… Only a few minutes from you, pledging $3 or $5 or $11 a month, will keep us going all year. Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join our media team and support movement building. Thanks!
You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Disinformation, polarization, growing economic inequality, attempts to undermine elections and the rights of women and racial minorities—all of these are turning up the heat on American democracy. At the same time, pro-democracy movements are also on the rise. So is this the darkness before the storm or before the dawn? “That all rests on what we're doing right now,” says guest Adrienne Evans. In this episode, Laura and returning guest co-host, Scot Nakagawa, speak with three national organizers who share tools and strategies for building democracy and countering Right-Wing, authoritarian movements. They’re reaching across the political divide and organizing at the margins to shift narratives, empower everyday citizens, and bring people together. What’s working and where are we headed? Find out in this episode.
GUESTS:
• Co-Host Scot Nakagawa, Co-Founder and Senior Partner, ChangeLab; Project Director, 22nd Century Initiative
• Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director, Women’s March
• Adrienne Evans, Executive Director, United Vision for Idaho, the state’s only multi-issue, progressive coalition.
• Rinku Sen, Executive Director, Narrative Initiative. She’s the former Executive Director of Race Forward and Publisher of their award-winning news site Colorlines.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow
For full episode notes including related episodes from our archives, a research and reading list and more goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
What if judges could know a person more completely before sentencing them to prison? An organization called Complete Picture uses the power of film and storytelling to give judges an in-depth, humanizing look at the lives of defendants facing prison for non-violent crimes. All of Complete Picture’s films have resulted in a sentence reduction and half of their clients received no prison time at all. In this episode, Laura speaks with the project’s founding filmmakers, whose own experience of incarceration inspired the project. She interviews a defense attorney who’s seen the impact on judges and talks with two defendants about how these video portraits changed their lives—and not just in the courtroom. Could films like theirs help transform the justice system across the country? Find out how in this episode. Music in the Middle: “Fight The Power” by Brownout, from their album “Fear of a Brown Planet”, it’s a musical manifesto inspired by Public Enemy’s music and revolutionary spirit.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Become a Patreon partner by committing to a monthly donation today, https://Patreon.com/theLFShow ...Thanks
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) formed during the pandemic to support independent performance venues and promoters. NIVA now encompasses over 3,000 independent venues in 50 states including Washington D.C. They’ve pressured the Small Business Administration to act. By the end of 2020, the Small Business Association (SBA) signed the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, the largest arts funding program in history with $16 billion dollars allocated for independent venues. It took months of lobbying to get the federal government’s attention, and in early June, when only 100 venues had received aid, the lobbying continued. In this audio exclusive, correspondent Janet Hernandez, an intern for The Laura Flanders Show, interviews Stephen Chilton, NIVA’s vice president and owner of the independent venue Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, AZ. What’s at stake when venues can’t reopen, and how will NIVA support the industry post-pandemic?
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you listener sponsored radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
If Black Lives Matter, how are journalists and media organizations considering Black pain in their coverage? And how are journalists and editors across the full spectrum of our media thinking about this? This week, we're introducing some new colleagues, Sara Lomax Reese and S. Mitra Kalita as the founders of URL Media, a new network of Black and Brown-owned and led community media organizations. Their members covered the murder of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin differently, and they're covering different stories, as far as possible “from a place of triumph.”
Cierra Hinton, Executive Director-Publisher of Scalawag, a publication covering the south. She says Scalawag’s reporting comes from a “place of triumph.” Lomax Reese is the owner of WURD Radio in Philadelphia - one of the few Black family-owned talk radio stations in the US. Kalita is the co-founder and publisher of Epicenter-NYC, a newsletter innovating new models of journalism founded to support New Yorkers navigate vaccine registration during the worst of the COVID pandemic.
Music in the Middle of the Podcast: “Breathe Through the Pain” featuring Connie Stevie by the Guitars Over Guns Organization, or GOGO, from their premiere album “The Rain May Be Pouring”. GOGO is a non-profit based in Miami and Chicago, that delivers unique after-school, arts-based youth mentorship programs designed to creatively engage and empower vulnerable youth to take control of their life paths.
The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode: "Gender Justice Requires more than Money say the Feminists Taking on Philanthropy during Covid"
Note: Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently made a splash by donating nearly $3 billion to more than 280 nonprofits working in historically underfunded sectors - her third such drop in a year. But while Scott has repeatedly made headlines, the media has largely overlooked the impact that women and feminists are making on philanthropy during a pandemic that has created a global crisis for women and girls. How does feminism change the field of philanthropy in general, and how does it change the landscape for social justice movements specifically? In this episode, Laura interviews the writer and activist V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, about the effects of what she calls “disaster patriarchy.” Then, Laura goes in depth with Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation and member of the White House Gender Policy Council, to explore how tying the intersections of race and gender into philanthropy could make a better world for us all. Plus, Laura makes some predictions about the Right and the new Child Tax Credit…
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
For full episode notes including related episodes, research and reading links goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
As Canadian oil giant Enbridge defies orders to shut down their dangerous Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, indigenous environmental activists gain momentum in their fight to end reliance on fossil fuels. In Minnesota, Enbridge plans to build another pipeline, violating treaties and threatening the Mississippi Watershed. The company says its new pipeline is essential to our energy system. That’s big oil’s vision for the future. What is the indigenous one? What would the world look like if community, ecology, and sustainability were the guiding principles of our energy sector? In this episode, Laura is joined by guest co-host Judith LeBlanc a citizen of the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma and director of the Native Organizers Alliance. They speak with indigenous activists who have answers, and not just in theory: for years, they’ve been developing programs for solar power and sustainable resource management so that future generations can thrive. Released on Earth Day 2021 via Rock the Cause Records, Here’s “No More Pipeline Blues (On this Land Where We Belong)”, produced and composed by Larry Long featuring the Indigo Girls, Winona LaDuke, Bonnie Raitt and First Native American poet laureate Joy Harjo. as well as Waubanewquay, Day Sisters, Mumu Fresh, Pura Fe, Soni Moreno, and Jennifer Kreisberg. Proceeds from this song go to Honor the Earth, a nonprofit founded by LaDuke with the Indigo Girls, fighting to stop Enbridge’s Minnesota “Line 3” tar sands oil pipeline.
GUESTS:
Judith LeBlanc Director, Native Organizers Alliance
Winona LaDuke, Executive Director, Honor the Earth
Taysha Martineau, Anishinaabe Water Protector and Founder, Camp Migizi
Jason Goward, Anishinaabe Water Protector and Whistleblower, Former Enbridge Employee
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Become a Patreon partner by committing to a monthly donation today, https://Patreon.com/theLFShow ...Thanks
For full episode notes including more on Heather McGhee, her book, a suggested reading list and additional related episodes to explore go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Color of Change board chair Heather McGhee talks with Laura about her New York Times best-selling book, The* Sum of Us, What Racism Costs Everyone and How we can Prosper Together***. She shows how inequality saps the economy, hierarchies damage public health, and short term greed wreaks havoc on the ecosystem.
We also take a close look at The American Rescue Plan, which breaks with much of the bipartisan consensus of recent decades and represents a historic step forward for a newly effective coalition of multi-racial forces at work in Washington, says McGhee. How far does it go towards refilling what McGhee calls the “drained pool of public goods,” and what can everyday people do to uproot zero-sum thinking and embed a different set of values in their communities?
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Thousands of Americans recently received direct payments from their government as part of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan to address unemployment and poverty exacerbated by the Covid Pandemic. But what if direct payments like those came every month as a way to combat structural inequality? For a group of people in two California cities, that’s not just an idea, it’s a reality thanks to an innovative experiment. The Compton Pledge in Compton is paying 800 local women $300 to $600 per month, to give them a leg up. The money, which until now has been privately raised, is deposited via direct debit card, Venmo, direct deposit or whatever works best and doesn’t replace any other supplements they might get from the government. So far, unemployment is down 50% since the program started and the idea, which has deep roots in American history, is paying off for recipients and the community they’re in. It’s also getting serious attention well beyond California as we’ll hear. In this episode, Laura meets some of the women who are receiving the funds and speak with Compton’s mayor, Aja Brown, as well as former Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs, founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, who was the first big city mayor to experiment in this way. We’ll also hear from Nika Soon-Shiong Executive Director of the Fund for Guaranteed Income.Could direct cash payments go national and be sustained? Should they? “Time For A Dialogue” by Soul Clap featuring Rich Medina released, from their album World Transformation Force or W-T-F, it’s a call for radical love and radical hope, courtesy of Fools Gold Records.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
New York City will likely elect its second African American mayor in November. Eric Adams, currently the Brooklyn Borough President, was declared the winner of the Democratic primary in July. A former police officer who was himself beaten by the cops as a teenager, Adams campaigned against police brutality while positioning himself as a law and order candidate. Though much of the mainstream media has attempted to simplify Adams’ story, he’s a complex candidate who isn’t easily boxed in. What are the national implications of all this? In this episode, a co-production of The Laura Flanders Show and URL Media, co-hosts Mitra Kalita and Sara Lomax-Reese interview guests about covering Black candidates as Black and Brown media. Plus: reflections from Laura on the January 6th Capitol insurrection hearings and why it matters whom we hear from in the media. Music in the Middle: “Negro Sobre Blanco” by Grammy nominated Latinx artist Sofia Rei from her album Umbral.
Guest hosts:
Sara Lomax-Reese, co-founder of URL Media, a new network of Black and Brown-owned and led community media organizations. And President and CEO of WURD, Philadelphia’s black owned radio station
Mitra Kalita, co-founder of URL Media, and CEO and Publisher of Epicenter, NYC
Guests:
Charles D. Ellision, is the executive producer and Host of WURD Radio’s “Reality Check”; and he’s the publisher of The BeNote covering politics and policies and a Contributing editor at The Root and The Philadelphia Citizen
Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, is the founder and Partner at Hollis Public Affairs. She held office as a New York City Councilwoman from 2009 to 2017.
Felipe De La Hoz, Independent Journalist, co creator of Border Lines, a immigration policy newsletter. He’s contributed as a independent journalist to The Intercept, The Washington Post, and The Nation to name a few.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
Flex your media muscles, become a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This July, America’s largest remaining generic drug manufacturing plant is set to close its doors forever in Morgantown, West Virginia. Its parent company, Viatris (formerly known as Mylan), plans to relocate operations to India and Australia leaving more than 1,400 workers without jobs in the country’s sixth poorest state. Economist Michael H. Shuman estimates the closure will cost West Virginia hundreds of millions of dollars. “It’s the economic equivalent of a nuclear bomb going off,” he says. But moving affordable drug manufacturing offshore is bad for public health too. So why aren’t the state’s governor or senators, or the Biden Administration, stepping in? Could the plant, the jobs, and domestic manufacture of affordable drugs be protected? What other choices could be made if we put local economies and public health before profits for Big Pharma? Laura travels to Morgantown, WV to speak with workers, organizers, and community members calling on the Biden Administration and state officials to keep the Mylan Viatris plant open. Music In the Middle: “Homesick” feauturing Mish, by the Guitars Over Guns Organization, or GOGO, from their premiere album “The Rain May Be Pouring”. Guitars Over Guns is a nonprofit based in Miami and Chicago, serving to empower and create safe spaces for youth to express themselves through music.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode: "Gender Justice Requires more than Money say the Feminists Taking on Philanthropy during Covid"
Note: Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently made a splash by donating nearly $3 billion to more than 280 nonprofits working in historically underfunded sectors - her third such drop in a year. But while Scott has repeatedly made headlines, the media has largely overlooked the impact that women and feminists are making on philanthropy during a pandemic that has created a global crisis for women and girls. How does feminism change the field of philanthropy in general, and how does it change the landscape for social justice movements specifically? In this episode, Laura interviews the writer and activist V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, about the effects of what she calls “disaster patriarchy.” Then, Laura goes in depth with Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation and member of the White House Gender Policy Council, to explore how tying the intersections of race and gender into philanthropy could make a better world for us all. Plus, Laura makes some predictions about the Right and the new Child Tax Credit…
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently made a splash by donating nearly $3 billion to more than 280 nonprofits working in historically underfunded sectors - her third such drop in a year. But while Scott has repeatedly made headlines, the media has largely overlooked the impact that women and feminists are making on philanthropy during a pandemic that has created a global crisis for women and girls. How does feminism change the field of philanthropy in general, and how does it change the landscape for social justice movements specifically? In this episode, Laura interviews the writer and activist V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, about the effects of what she calls disaster patriarchy. Then, Laura goes in depth with Theresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation and member of the White House Gender Policy Council, to explore how tying the intersections of race and gender into philanthropy could make a better world for us all. Plus, Laura makes some predictions about the Right and the new Child Tax Credit. Music Spotlight:“Water Me Down” by Vagabon, that's part of the new 'Red + Hot & Free' project produced by Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit. Red + Hot is a not-for-profit dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture since 1990.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
Check out the episode "Did a Summer Camp Help Spark a Disability Revolution?", the full episode notes https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Living free, with equality, dignity, equity and justice - requires more than law, it requires systemic change."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Flex your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 at http://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Crip Camp is a Peabody Award-winning documentary from Netflix and Higher Ground Productions that tells the story of Camp Jened, a summer camp in the 1960s where disabled youth could be themselves. The film follows several former campers who went on to be leaders of the Disability Rights Movement. Laura speaks with the directors and producers of Crip Camp about how they are using the film to advance the next step in the revolution: Disability Justice, a movement that centers the leadership of disabled queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. If the inclusive culture of Camp Jened could help transform American society in the second half of the 20th century, what could a truly intersectional Disability Justice Movement change for us all today? Plus thoughts from Laura on interdependence. Music Spotlight: “Badass and Blind” the title track of Raul Midon’s album released on Mack Avenue Records.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode: "Prof. Kimberlé W. Crenshaw and Soledad OBrien Call Out the Media on Critical Race Theory"
Note: Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
The right wing has found its newest racist wedge issue: Critical Race Theory. This decades-old movement in legal scholarship has suddenly become a talking point for GOP activists, and a widely misused term in mainstream media. The topic is bringing tension to school board meetings across the country ahead of elections and putting educators under scrutiny for even mentioning white supremacy in their classrooms. As of filming, 6 states have passed laws that stem from the furor and numerous teachers have been fired. And yet the people doing most of the talking on Critical Race Theory are not the lawyers and scholars who invented the term, or anyone who seems to know much about it. So what is Critical Race Theory actually? Why are some people so obsessed with it? And how could journalists and the media companies they work for do a better job of correcting all the disinformation? To answer those questions, Laura speaks with UCLA and Columbia Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. And the full episode includes broadcast journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien, and Kyle Simox, a young man who is organizing to support his former high school teacher who was allegedly fired as part of the push to ban Critical Race Theory in Tennessee public schools.
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The right wing has found its newest racist wedge issue: Critical Race Theory. This decades-old movement in legal scholarship has suddenly become a talking point for GOP activists, and a widely misused term in mainstream media. The topic is bringing tension to school board meetings across the country ahead of elections and putting educators under scrutiny for even mentioning white supremacy in their classrooms. As of filming, 6 states have passed laws that stem from the furor and numerous teachers have been fired. And yet the people doing most of the talking on Critical Race Theory are not the lawyers and scholars who invented the term, or anyone who seems to know much about it. So what is Critical Race Theory actually? Why are some people so obsessed with it? And how could journalists and the media companies they work for do a better job of correcting all the disinformation? To answer those questions, Laura speaks with UCLA and Columbia Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, broadcast journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien, and Kyle Simox, a young man who is organizing to support his former high school teacher who was allegedly fired as part of the push to ban Critical Race Theory in Tennessee public schools.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
If you missed our show you can listen/download the podcast or watch our feature on Making Buffalo Our City at our YouTube channel, just search Laura Flanders and Buffalo. And if your local public TV or local radio radio station’s not yet one of the 270 or so that’s carry our program, ask them to add it to their schedule. We have more stories like Walton’s every week. More information at Lauraflanders.org.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The subversive, healing, and celebratory powers of music and media are at the heart of this week’s conversation, featuring Saida Pagán, a contributor to Palabra, a journalism site run by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, a music historian, jazz musician and composer recently interviewed on WURD radio in Philadelphia. Pagán shares her take on the new hit movie In the Heights and the progress Latinx media is making in Hollywood; Guthrie reflects on Black joy as expressed through Black music. “Meet the BIPOC Press” is a monthly feature of the Laura Flanders Show. This celebration for Black Music Month is hosted by Sara Lomax-Reese and Mitra Kalita, founder/directors of URL Media, a network of Black and Brown community news outlets that share content and revenue. The panel also addresses concerns about colorism in Latinx movie casting — and more!
“Music, and the arts, has always been a way to express our full humanity and it’s always been our safety valve.” - Dr. Guthrie Ramsey
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode: "Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm".
Note: Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
In this inspiring Juneteenth conversation, abolitionist Mariame Kaba joins Laura and the Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, to discuss how each of us—parents, children, elders—can be part of building a society where harm is addressed, people’s needs are met, and accountability doesn’t require punishment. “Everything worthwhile is done with other people,” writes Kaba. She is the Founder/Director of Project NIA, which seeks to end the incarceration of children and young adults, and the author of the New York Times best selling book, We do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. Kaba’s vision places the collective—and not the individual self—at the heart of freedom. Abolition of the prison industrial complex is essential, she says, but freedom also takes getting to know your neighbors, thinking about how we can help each other, and building an entire society that roots out our culture of harm.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In this inspiring Juneteenth conversation, abolitionist Mariame Kaba joins Laura and the Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, to discuss how each of us—parents, children, elders—can be part of building a society where harm is addressed, people’s needs are met, and accountability doesn’t require punishment. “Everything worthwhile is done with other people,” writes Kaba. She is the Founder/Director of Project NIA, which seeks to end the incarceration of children and young adults, and the author of the New York Times best selling book, We do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. Kaba’s vision places the collective—and not the individual self—at the heart of freedom. Abolition of the prison industrial complex is essential, she says, but freedom also takes getting to know your neighbors, thinking about how we can help each other, and building an entire society that roots out our culture of harm. Music in the Middle Spotlight: “U Try Livin' (Pressure)” by Black Guy White Guy and Eight Oh Eight BEACH feat Anelisa Lamola, that's part of the new 'Red + Hot & Free' project produced by Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit. Red + Hot is a not-for-profit dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture since 1990.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
The Podcast episode "Laverne Cox, Sam Feder: Trans Lives Depend on Owning Our Stories" and the full uncut conversation are all available in our podcast feed. Episode notes are available to members and non-members atPatreon.com/theLFShow
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode: "Trans Lives Depend on Owning Our Stories".
Note: Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Trans liberation is the latest frontline in the struggle for civil rights. In their new documentary, Disclosure, director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder use over a century’s worth of film to show that trans identities have long been at the center of our collective cultural history. They join four-time Emmy nominated actress and Emmy winning producer Laverne Cox in a groundbreaking conversation with Laura on how trans people are reclaiming their stories and transforming the power structures in Hollywood. They describe the experience of assembling the first majority trans film crew and interviewing an incredible range of trans actors and media critics to understand how media shapes attitudes, behaviors, and laws about gender and trans lives. With film history as a background, Laura and guests explore what’s next for trans liberation — and the bearing it has on the continuing struggle for human rights for all.
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Trans liberation is the latest frontline in the struggle for civil rights. In their new documentary, Disclosure, director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder use over a century’s worth of film to show that trans identities have long been at the center of our collective cultural history. They join four-time Emmy nominated actress and Emmy winning producer Laverne Cox in a groundbreaking conversation with Laura on how trans people are reclaiming their stories and transforming the power structures in Hollywood. They describe the experience of assembling the first majority trans film crew and interviewing an incredible range of trans actors and media critics to understand how media shapes attitudes, behaviors, and laws about gender and trans lives. With film history as a background, Laura and guests explore what’s next for trans liberation — and the bearing it has on the continuing struggle for human rights for all. Music in the Middle, “Free” by Ultra Naté and produced by Ultra Naté and Mood 2 Swing, courtesy of the artist.
While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
A portion of this interview was featured in our episode "**MINNEAPOLIS: NOT GIVING UP ON POLICE ABOLITION".
Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Andrea Jenkins made history in 2017 as the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States. Today, she serves as the Vice-President of the Minneapolis City Council and personally pledged to defund the police in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. One year later as the community strives to heal, what is the city’s vision to reimagine public safety & enact measures to fulfill Jenkin's commitment? In this uncut interview, Jenkins provides context for the long road to defund the police department and insight for the future of George Floyd Square.
(NOTE) This interview was recorded just days before an attempted clearing of George Floyd Square, which Councilmember Jenkins supported.
Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com Available for non-member and member supporters.
Show Description:
In the wake of the police murder of George Floyd, expectations were high that if systems-change around policing were possible anywhere, it might be in the progressive city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. On the anniversary of Floyd’s death, there have been many heartfelt memorials but fewer in-depth investigations into what’s happening on the abolition front. So what’s the reality? In this episode, Laura takes a look beneath the headlines, to speak with the Minneapolis activists and city council members at the heart of the story. The problem of police racism—and of police at all—has been with us for generations, they say. It’ll take more than a year to fix it. Music in the Middle: “Which Side Are You On?” by Rebel Diaz featuring Lah Tere, from their album release, “The 15 year Anniversary Album”, released 20 years ago, courtesy of the artist.
Guests: Andrea Jenkins, Council Vice President, and representing Ward 8; Arianna Nason, Anishinaabe healing justice facilitator, abolitionist, and disability activist; Cam Gordon, Council member representing Ward 2; Kandace Montgomery, Co-founder and Co-executive director of Black Visions and Lead organizer Black Lives Matter
Here's the entire interview with Winona LaDuke who we recently featured in our episode “The Future of Energy is Indigenous (and it won’t involve pipelines!)” . She’s the Director of Honor the Earth, a platform she co-founded with the Indigo Girls. She’s a resident of the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota where she founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project, one of the largest reservation based non profit organizations in the country, and a leader in the issues of culturally based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy and food systems. She breaks down what a just transition from a fossil fuel economy looks like with indigenous people leading the way.
"Different stories told differently matter. Consider Memorial Day and the holiday that could have been if white media hadn't erased Black history."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
BIPOC journalists reflect on what it is to be veterans of two of the most devastating wars in recent history: the coronavirus pandemic and the centuries-long war on Black bodies through systemic racism and police brutality. In this media roundtable—a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show and URL Media—we take a different approach to Memorial Day. One that centers the work of BIPOC journalists from the front lines. How are they responding to the needs of their communities, and where do we go from here? Music in the Middle features “Prosper” by Inez Barlatier feat. St. James Valsin and produced by the Guitars Over Guns Organization.
Our monthly media roundtable is hosted by URL Media co-founders Sara Lomax-Reese and S. Mitra Kalita and features Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher of The Haitian Times, and Mukhtar Ibrahim, editor and executive director of Sahan Journal.
We are coming to the finish line of our May Day to Memorial Day fund drive to raise $25,000. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
For full episode notes including related episodes, research and reading links goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
As Canadian oil giant Enbridge defies orders to shut down their dangerous Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, indigenous environmental activists gain momentum in their fight to end reliance on fossil fuels. In Minnesota, Enbridge plans to build another pipeline, violating treaties and threatening the Mississippi Watershed. The company says its new pipeline is essential to our energy system. That’s big oil’s vision for the future. What is the indigenous one? What would the world look like if community, ecology, and sustainability were the guiding principles of our energy sector? In this episode, Laura is joined by guest co-host Judith LeBlanc a citizen of the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma and director of the Native Organizers Alliance. They speak with indigenous activists who have answers, and not just in theory: for years, they’ve been developing programs for solar power and sustainable resource management so that future generations can thrive. Released on Earth Day 2021 via Rock the Cause Records, Here’s “No More Pipeline Blues (On this Land Where We Belong)”, produced and composed by Larry Long featuring the Indigo Girls, Winona LaDuke, Bonnie Raitt and First Native American poet laureate Joy Harjo. as well as Waubanewquay, Day Sisters, Mumu Fresh, Pura Fe, Soni Moreno, and Jennifer Kreisberg. Proceeds from this song go to Honor the Earth, a nonprofit founded by LaDuke with the Indigo Girls, fighting to stop Enbridge’s Minnesota “Line 3” tar sands oil pipeline.
GUESTS:
Judith LeBlanc Director, Native Organizers Alliance
Winona LaDuke, Executive Director, Honor the Earth
Taysha Martineau, Anishinaabe Water Protector and Founder, Camp Migizi
Jason Goward, Anishinaabe Water Protector and Whistleblower, Former Enbridge Employee
We are coming to the finish line of our May Day to Memorial Day fund drive to raise $25,000. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
"Besides, if an extra $300 a week enables some to make ends meet without that stinking $7/hr job at the Dollar Store. Is that so bad? "
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
TRANSCRIPT:
United Action To Keep Workers Down
Just six percent of private sector workers belong to a union, but that doesn’t mean we’re short of union style action on our economy.
For weeks now, employers and their lobbies have been unified in their lament that a scarcity of workers is the result of overly generous federal unemployment benefits. People would rather stay home, and get rich off the public purse, they say, and the stories run everywhere, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce.
As a result, Republican Governors in state after state are cutting off the federal aid. They’d rather turn away free money, than relieve pressure on the poor. Employers and their lobbies act as one all the time to keep workers desperate.
Take the last few months, after a millions-strong majority voted a new administration into office in part on a pledge to raise wages, the opposition was so strong that a hike wasn’t even tried. United opposition’s kept the federal minimum wage stuck at $7.25 since 2009, and wages for tipped, teenage and disabled workers even lower.
Now the Biden administration’s facing united resistance in Congress to passage of the American Jobs Plan. There may be bosses who back better bridges and airports for their products, but they’re not about to invest billions in childcare or elder supports for their workers. And if you think the anti-affordable child care lobby’s strong, you haven’t met the mob opposing universal health care, even after a deadly pandemic.
Are workers staying home because they can? It’s possible. But three separate studies of the Care Act (which was twice as generous) say the impact on employment was negligible.
Far more likely, it’s that lack of child care, and public transport, and affordable healthcare and continuing fear of Covid that are keeping people home when humanly possible. That, more than laziness, certainly seems to explain why tens of thousands of women have exited the workforce.
Besides, if an extra $300 a week enables some to make ends meet without that stinking $7/hr job at the Dollar Store. Is that so bad?
Even with the bonus, which is due to end in a few more months, workers aren’t getting rich. But their employers are, as long as they keep wages down and benefits skimpy. One for all, and all for one - for them, it works. Just don’t let anyone pass that pro-union PRO Act.
You can watch the Laura Flanders Show on a public television station near you, or on YouTube or listen on radio. Catch it this week, for a conversation among labor reporters of labor's pregnant-with-possibility moment. Find out more at lauraflanders.org
“The opportunities for labor right now are virtually limitless,” says Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest labor federation. With Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama igniting the fight to unionize and the introduction of the PRO Act in Congress, widespread discontent with the economy has rendered this moment pregnant with new possibilities for workers. New Republic contributor Sarah Jaffe, author of Work Won’t Love You Back, and Teen Vogue columnist Kim Kelly join Maximillian Alvarez, editor-in-chief of The Real News Network, to discuss how the labor struggle affects everyone — from coal miners, to gig workers, to domestic caregivers. Work won’t love you back, but could we love ourselves, and each other, enough to bring better ways of working into the world? Music in the Middle: “Fall Like Rain” by Alixa García and BraveWater, and produced by David Williamson, courtesy of the artist and Sound Garuda. Alixa describes the song as ’an anthem of inspiration for these hard times’.
We are coming to the finish line of our May Day to Memorial Day fund drive to raise $25,000. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
For full episode notes including more on Heather McGhee, her book, a suggested reading list and additional related episodes to explore go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Color of Change board chair Heather McGhee talks with Laura about her New York Times best-selling book, The* Sum of Us, What Racism Costs Everyone and How we can Prosper Together***. She shows how inequality saps the economy, hierarchies damage public health, and short term greed wreaks havoc on the ecosystem.
We also take a close look at The American Rescue Plan, which breaks with much of the bipartisan consensus of recent decades and represents a historic step forward for a newly effective coalition of multi-racial forces at work in Washington, says McGhee. How far does it go towards refilling what McGhee calls the “drained pool of public goods,” and what can everyday people do to uproot zero-sum thinking and embed a different set of values in their communities?
We just kicked off our May Day to Memorial Day fund drive to raise $25,000. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
For episode notes go to Patreon.com/theLFShow where you’ll find more information on Sylvia Bugg along with a suggested reading list and additional related episodes to explore.
For the podcast fans of full uncut interviews, dive into Laura Flanders' interview with Sylvia Bugg Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming.
It’s a new day, and the nation’s most trusted media institution has some new direction. Sylvia Bugg was named the Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming in winter 2020. She will take on PBS’s programming strategy for broadcast to focus on PBS’ role as a provider in service of the people. PBS is currently facing criticism for a lack of diversity in content which Bugg acknowledges and insists, “PBS content should be reflective of the audiences that we serve’. Will Bugg’s leadership address the need for more inclusive programming and how will Congress budget their values when it comes to PBS’ future? Investing in public media as a public good could signal a new day for PBS’s future.
We just kicked off our May Day to Memorial Day fund drive to raise $25,000. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks
"While every other wealthy nation spends around $100 per citizen for public media of different kinds, the US government spends just over $1.00 on public broadcasting."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
It’s a new day, and the nation’s most trusted media institution has some new direction. Sylvia Bugg was named the Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming in winter 2020. She will take on PBS’s programming strategy for broadcast to focus on PBS’ role as a provider in service of the people. PBS is currently facing criticism for a lack of diversity in content which Bugg acknowledges and insists, “PBS content should be reflective of the audiences that we serve’. Will Bugg’s leadership address the need for more inclusive programming and how will Congress budget their values when it comes to PBS’ future? Investing in public media as a public good could signal a new day for PBS’s future.
You'll find a link to watch this episode along with a reading and resource list and an invitation to join Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
"IndependentMedia bring issues to the boil, mainstream media inhale the steam."
Listen / Download the podcast "Black Pain White Media: Introducing URL Media, a new, BIPOC network" to hear about URL Media, Scalawag Magazine and more. Or watch it on your local PBS TV station, or on our YouTube channel.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
If Black Lives Matter, how are journalists and media organizations considering Black pain in their coverage? And how are journalists and editors across the full spectrum of our media thinking about this? This week, we're introducing some new colleagues, Sara Lomax Reese and S. Mitra Kalita as the founders of URL Media, a new network of Black and Brown-owned and led community media organizations. Their members covered the murder of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin differently, and they're covering different stories, as far as possible “from a place of triumph.”
Cierra Hinton, Executive Director-Publisher of Scalawag, a publication covering the south. She says Scalawag’s reporting comes from a “place of triumph.” Lomax Reese is the owner of WURD Radio in Philadelphia - one of the few Black family-owned talk radio stations in the US. Kalita is the co-founder and publisher of Epicenter-NYC, a newsletter innovating new models of journalism founded to support New Yorkers navigate vaccine registration during the worst of the COVID pandemic.
Music in the Middle of the Podcast: “Breathe Through the Pain” featuring Connie Stevie by the Guitars Over Guns Organization, or GOGO, from their premiere album “The Rain May Be Pouring”. GOGO is a non-profit based in Miami and Chicago, that delivers unique after-school, arts-based youth mentorship programs designed to creatively engage and empower vulnerable youth to take control of their life paths.
Thousands of Americans recently received direct payments from their government as part of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan to address unemployment and poverty exacerbated by the Covid Pandemic. But what if direct payments like those came every month as a way to combat structural inequality? For a group of people in two California cities, that’s not just an idea, it’s a reality thanks to an innovative experiment. The Compton Pledge in Compton is paying 800 local women $300 to $600 per month, to give them a leg up. The money, which until now has been privately raised, is deposited via direct debit card, Venmo, direct deposit or whatever works best and doesn’t replace any other supplements they might get from the government. So far, unemployment is down 50% since the program started and the idea, which has deep roots in American history, is paying off for recipients and the community they’re in. It’s also getting serious attention well beyond California as we’ll hear. In this episode, Laura meets some of the women who are receiving the funds and speak with Compton’s mayor, Aja Brown, as well as former Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs, founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, who was the first big city mayor to experiment in this way. We’ll also hear from Nika Soon-Shiong Executive Director of the Fund for Guaranteed Income.Could direct cash payments go national and be sustained? Should they? Music in the Middle: “Time For A Dialogue” by Soul Clap featuring Rich Medina released, from their album World Transformation Force or W-T-F, it’s a call for radical love and radical hope, courtesy of Fools Gold Records.
You'll find a link to watch this special that includes episode notes posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow. And you are invited to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode, goto: Patreon.com/theLFShow
How do we deal with our differences differently? From our polarizing election cycle to cancel culture strategies ousting abusive and destructive institutions, society is moving through a broken capitalist system that is fracturing our relationships. One solution is generative conflict and is the only way to grow authentic relationships, says author and activist adrienne maree brown. So what can we learn from a woman who helps political people mediate their differences and social justice groups keep on track? In her new book, We Will Not Cancel Us, adrienne maree brown describes how “cancel culture” is bad for people, organizations and ultimately for the nation. It’s also one of the easiest tools to grab in the toolbox we’ve inherited - and there’s a reason for that. adrienne maree brownjoins us from Detroit to discuss her intimate and meaningful manifesto.
Radical responsibilities in movements is to keep opening the door to realize that this is not the only way. The way we’re living right now, someone else imagined it. It’s unjust, and its not sustainable and we have to imagine other ways.
Portions of this interview were featured in theLFShow episode "Armed With Art”. A link to watch that episode along with episode notes are posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow
“It's time to disrupt this wall of whiteness,” says interdisciplinary artist Favianna Rodriguez this week on the LF Show. From BLM and MeToo to colonial violence at the border and on indigenous lands, activist artists are at the heart of our social justice movements. Laura talks with Hip Hop artist and former Earth Guardians youth director Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, interdisciplinary artist and social justice activist Favianna Rodriguez, and activist poet Aja Monet of VDay, about how to build a just and sustainable world. This episode also features excerpts from Laura’s interview with renowned author and Pleasure activist adrienne maree brown.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto Patreon.com/theLFShow
"American #police are armed to the teeth with #military grade weapons and the results are in. The more combat gear, the more combat. So how about we armed our cities with military grade #healthcare instead?"
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
You'll find a link to watch this special, “US Healthcare After Covid: What’s Next & How Could It Be Better?,” and episode notes posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode .
The Medicare for All Act was reintroduced into the U.S. House in March with a record number of cosponsors and public support. But while the idea of a public single payer system has never been more popular, the relationship of Americans to their healthcare has never been more fraught. With over 500,000 Americans dead from Covid-19 and millions without access to coverage, it's clear that we need change. But what sort of change? Laura speaks with health economist Dana Brown and two outspoken nurses in public hospitals, one in Veterans Affairs, who know intimately the pros and cons of the American healthcare system. We praised nurses loudly in the last year but will we listen to them, now, on what needs to be done next to make US healthcare better for patients, caregivers, and everyone? Music in the Middle: “America’s Real Pandemic” by Mikki Afflick featuring Janine 'Sugah Lyrics' Lyons courtesy of Soul Sun Soul Music.
Today we’ll talk with economist Dana Brown who comes to us from the Democracy Collaborative where she’ s Director of the Next Systems Project. She argues that the United States already has a public model that works. It’s not perfect but we don’t have to import a system from elsewhere. And we’ll hear from two nurses who know intimately the pros and cons of our current system. Linda Ward Smith is a department of Veterans Affairs Nurse, and President of the American Federation of Government Employees, (AFGE) Local 1224, representing 3,000 nurses in Las Vegas. And Kelley Cabrera is an emergency room nurse at Jacobi, a public hospital in the Bronx, New York. She’s a member and lead bargainer for her unit of the New York State Nurses Association or NYSNA.
The Biden administration has promised to make Covid-19 vaccines available to all US adults by May 1st, but getting a vaccine to those who need them most is still an uphill battle. Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Pacific Islander Americans are more than twice as likely to die from Covid-19, but they’re not the ones getting the vaccine.. In this episode, Laura interviews three public health experts about the challenges of eradicating Covid-19 in the face of widespread vaccine hesitancy. Why are some Americans resisting vaccination, and what is being done to change their minds? Are public health officials listening to the needs of the community? Laura and guests explore the roots of vaccine hesitancy, methods for rebuilding public trust in public health, and hip hop as a tool for outreach to vulnerable communities.
Guests: Dr. Oxiris Barbot, Professor; Terry McGovern chair of the Department of Population and Family Health and the Program on Global Health Justice and Governance at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health; and Dr. Olajide Williams founder of Hip Hop Public Health.
Full episode notes along with related episodes, related articles and more are free and posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Please consider becoming a member for as little as $3 or $5 a month like a newspaper or magazine subscription to keep this content accessible to radio and TV viewers and podcast subscribers. Thanks!
"Culture of violence, culture of violence. If I hear that phrase wheeled out one more time to excuse a mass shooter, I’ll scream. That doesn’t mean I’ll head to the gun shop."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In a recent episode called Unforget, Dream, Build, we featured two Latinx Americans whose work flies in the face of the idea that immigrants are a problem or immigration a threat. We spoke with Roberto Lovato, about his memoir “Unforgetting” and with MacArthur genius award-winner, Cristina Jiménez, co-founder of United We Dream who talked powerfully about how her generation experiences the good as well as the bad of immigration activism. Cristina spoke so powerfully that it broke our hearts not to be able to share more of it. So here we release the almost uncut version of that conversation. You’ll hear her story about growing up as an undocumented teen, and her grassroots work advocating for Dreamers in the face of ICE crackdowns and COVID 19. Music in the Middle: “America” by Sylvan Paul released on Wolf and Lamb Records.
Full episode notes along with related episodes, related articles and more are free and posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Please consider becoming a member for as little as $3 or $5 a month like a newspaper or magazine subscription to keep this content accessible to radio and TV viewers and podcast subscribers. Thanks!
The economic collapse unfolding before our eyes is much bigger than it appears and the solution isn’t simply to “build back better.” COVID-19 didn’t create the challenges we face. It laid bare flaws that have long existed at the foundation of our system. That is particularly true for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. What kind of reconstruction effort would truly reflect the scale of the problem? What should we rebuild and what should we abandon? To answer these questions, Laura interviews Professor Robert Reich, economist Stephanie Kelton, community organizer Esteban Kelly and Service Employees International Union president Mary Kay Henry about their visions for a recovery that will enable us to build a new economy that is equitable, reparative and sustainable. Music in the Middle: “Stepping Back In Time” by Basel and the Supernaturals from their album “Smoke & Mirrors”
Full episode notes along with related episodes, related articles and more are free and posted at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Please consider becoming a member for as little as $3 or $5 a month like a newspaper or magazine subscription to keep this content accessible to radio and TV viewers and podcast subscribers. Thanks!
"In the context of the Divine Right of Kings, the who-said-what-to-Harry and Meghan question. is most certainly missing the white supremacist forest for the trees."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Achieving social justice is going to take much more than reforming our criminal justice system. Valuing all lives equally is going to require a profound reckoning with every system of “othering” that lies at the heart of our economy. “You can't deal, for example, with capitalism unless you deal with patriarchy, “ says political historian Vijay Prashad. The question of women’s unrecognized labor, care labor and so on is central to the reproduction of the system, says Prashad. Executive Director of the Tri-continental Institute for Social Research, Vijay Prashad talked with Laura for “The Economics of Abolition” episode of the Laura Flanders Show. Here, we present more of that conversation, uncut. The Tri-continental Institute for Social Research is a movement-driven institution focused on building peace and justice through provoking intellectual debate.
For more information on Vijay Prashad, along with a list of links to related episodes from our archives and related articles go to Patreon.com/theLFShow. That’s also where you’ll find a link to watch our episode and download the podcast on the "Economics of Abolition" that portions of today’s conversation was featured in. And while you’re there, please support the show by committing to a a monthly donation as a Patreon Partner, like a magazine or newspaper subscription, for as little as $3 a month. By doing so, you keep our programming, free as a podcast, and to radio and TV audiences across the country.
Life gives us plenty of reasons for cynicism but best-selling author Rutger Bregman (Utopia for Realists) summons a wealth of evidence that humankind can do better. Bregman’s the guy who took down Tucker Carlson and whose suggestion they pay taxes made the tax dodgers uncomfortable at Davos. Could a new understanding of our species—based on psychology, evolutionary biology, and political economic history—help us see ourselves in a new light and guide us toward a kinder future? Laura has her doubts — which makes for a great discussion. And we hear about The Correspondent, a Dutch news platform owned and operated by its writers and readers.
You'll find a link to watch this episode, check out the episode notes posted along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode via our YouTube channel, Sunday's 11:30am, at Patreon.com/theLFShow
"How do we live with the decades-long reality that tens of thousands of families in #IndianCountry have had no electricity and limited cell and broadband access - not for a day or a week - but for years already."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
You'll find a link to watch this special, “Indigenous People's Power,” and episode notes posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode .
“Standing Rock was our Ferguson,” indigenous activist and author Edgar Villanueva tells Laura Flanders in this week’s timely episode. 2020 was a watershed year for indigenous peoples’ movements. Native American organizers made great strides when it comes to elections, mutual aid and protests, but the Covid pandemic also took its toll, and nowhere more grievously than on Native American lives. This week, from the reservation on Pine Ridge to rural Arizona to the metropolis of New York City, Laura catches up with a newly-elected elections official, a philanthropist leading a radical shift in philanthropy and the organizer of one of the nation’s largest Indigenous alliances who is facing felony charges for his peaceful protest against President Trump’s visit to Mt. Rushmore.
Where are their movements headed in this new year with a new administration? And what lessons can we all learn from indigenous peoples’ organizing? This episode provides an illuminating background to the confirmation struggle surrounding Deb Haaland’s nomination to head up the Department of the Interior, the first Native American to be named to that position.
GUESTS:
Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder, First Native American to win an elected county-wide seat in Arizona
Nick Tilsen, President & CEO, of the NDN Collective
Edgar Villanueva, Activist, Author, philanthropist, and Founder of the Decolonizing Wealth Project
Princeton Professor and author Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. You can find more information on her new book, "Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Home Ownership" and a link to watch this special, “Housing is a Human Right”, at Patreon.com/theLFShow. That’s also where you’ll find a list of suggested readings and related episodes
You'll find a link to watch this special, “Indigenous People's Power,” and episode notes posted at Patreon.com/theLFShow along with an invitation to join guests and Laura for a live premiere and chat event to view this week’s episode .
Before 2020, America was already in a housing crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic, high unemployment, and a recession have only made things worse. A record level of evictions have created record levels of homelessness at a time when public health demands that as many people as possible stay home. What is to be done? In this episode, housing activists from Philadelphia share their experiences and insights from a long history of organizing that recently resulted in a landmark agreement with the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Laura also interviews Philadelphia-based author, professor and New Yorker magazine contributor Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. Her 2019 book,Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership was a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize. Music in the Middle: “Place Delight” by Stephen Emmer featuring Mary Griffin, from the album Home Ground, released on Electric Fairytale Recordings.
"The second impeachment trial of Donald Trump began just as we were learning of the death, on February 7, of the bold and brilliant labor leader, Karen Lewis."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
James Baldwin was one of the 20th century’s most incisive thinkers and writers. In our own era, as political rhetoric, state violence, and popular uprising bring racism into stark relief, many Americans have been turning to Baldwin’s work for insights from the Civil Rights Movement and the years that followed. In his most recent book, Princeton African American Studies Department chair Professor Eddie Glaude brings Baldwin’s wisdom to today’s challenges. In this episode, Laura spends the full half-hour in conversation with Professor Glaude about his book, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. Music in the Middle: I Survived 45 by Josh Milan, courtesy of Honeycomb Music.
You can watch the premiere of this episode on Public Television on the World Channel, 11:30am ET and at our YouTube Channel where you're invited to join us for a live viewing party and chat hosted by Laura.
The following is the full uncut interview with Dr. Olajide Williams. Portions of his interview were featured in our recent episode "Building Public Trust For Public Health". The episode is airing on Public Television or you can watch it HERE or Listen and Download as a podcast.
The Covid-19 vaccine has emergency FDA approval, but how effective will it be if there is no public trust in our public health system? In this exclusive interview, Columbia University professor and neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams offers one solution to fill this gaping trust deficit — culturally adapted message science. He is the founder of Hip Hop Public Health, which employs music and culturally-tailored media to improve health literacy and transform health outcomes for vulnerable communities. He argues the only way to develop public trust is to bring the people to the table. Public health officials must fully recognize the harm done to Black and brown bodies, from forced sterilizations to the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, and the impact it’s had on collective memory.
"If we do not get this right, we are not going to defeat this ‘vaccine hesitancy’ surrounding this virus, and we will have great inequities persist because they don’t trust the process — and no one has tried to penetrate their minds in a way that they trust and in a way that they can embrace. That’s why it’s important to have a ‘rights based’ approach to vaccine distribution." — Dr. Olajide Williams
This week, The Laura Flanders Show premieres ‘Building Public Trust for Public Health’ on the challenges of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout across the country. While states have initiated vaccine distribution, many still are struggling to reach their targets. President Biden declared 100 million doses in 100 days but what of those who hesitate to get the vaccine? In this episode, Laura and her guests explore the roots of vaccine hesitancy, discover methods for rebuilding public trust in public health and how hip hop is a tool for outreach to vulnerable communities devastated by Covid-19. Music in the Middle: "Process (the truth)" by Samora Pinderhughes.
Full episode notes including a list of related episodes and links to suggested articles and resources. You can watch the premiere of this episode on Public Television on the World Channel, 11:30am ET and at our YouTube Channel.
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" Like or loathe memes, it’s time for Sanders, and more to the point, Sanders-ism, to take its mittens off."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The following is the full uncut interview with US Rep. Karen Bass.
Downballot victories in the 2020 November elections gave a fresh class of movement organizers across the country a seat at the national level. Incoming Congress members Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman among others represent the rising trend of activists of color who intersect with elected office. In this extended interview, Laura speaks with longtime organizer and U.S. Representative Karen Bass to discuss this growing trend and shares her experience from the January 06 Capitol insurrection and what this means for the work ahead.
U.S. Representative Karen Bass serves California’s 37th Congressional district and was the first African American woman in U.S. history to serve as Speaker in a state legislative body.
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A new administration takes office in the midst of an ongoing public health catastrophe and an economic crisis, on the heels of one of the most polarizing presidencies in U.S. history. The day of the inauguration, Laura brings together reverend and community organizer Ronnie Galvin with author, activist and documentary filmmaker Astra Taylor for a lively conversation about what it’s going to take for the Biden Administration—and Americans in general—to address the challenges at hand. This episode also features excerpts from Laura’s interview with U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA). Music in the Middle: “Vida” by Kiko Navarro featuring Joan Bibiloni from his album Afroterraneo courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings.
For full episode notes post and share your thoughts, join us at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Click Here for the Full Episode Notes
In the aftermath of the January 6th siege of the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters, Laura convenes a panel of pro-democracy activists to discuss the fate of the nation. What really led to the events of January 6th and how should we move forward? How do we go from insurrection to cooperation in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic democracy? Is building a healthy political ecosystem and humane economy even possible in the America we have today? And can the Biden/Harris administration solve what ails us? Panelists Scot Nakagawa, Senior Partner at Change Lab, Ash-Lee Henderson, Co-Executive Director of the Highlander Center, and Eric Ward, Executive Director at the Western States Center, discuss all this and more. Music in the Middle: “Dancefloor Democracy” by FSQ featuring George Clinton, Trey Lewd and Billy ‘Bass’ Nelson courtesy of Soul Clap Records.
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"The answer to the mobster who riles up the lynch mob is media that’s moral, which is not what we have. What we have is media that’s motivated by money. And money, as we also saw this week, has no morals."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The Trump years have seen a doubling-down on the immigrants-as-problem narrative in which migrants are accused of bringing gang violence, crime, and disease to the United States, and of “stealing” jobs. Reformers often play into another problem narrative, emphasizing the tragic circumstances that drive people to leave their home countries with little emphasis on individual experiences. In this episode, Laura speaks with Latinx Americans whose work flies in the face of those narratives. They are “unforgetting” histories suppressed, advocating for immigration policy reform, and building community infrastructure in the face of ICE crackdowns and Covid-19. Featuring in-depth conversations with award-winning journalist Roberto Lovato, MacArthur genius award-winner and co-founder of United We Dream, Christina Jiménez, and a visit to the New Immigrant Community Empowerment organization in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Guests:
Roberto Lovato, Award winning Journalist and Author “Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs and Revolution in the Americas”; Cristina Jiménez, United We Dream; Diana Moreno, Program Director, NICE; NY-NICE Staff and Community Members
From the entire team here at the LF Show, thanks to all of you who rose to the occasion in making our Holiday Membership Drive a success! Join the team at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The economic collapse unfolding before our eyes is much bigger than it appears and the solution isn’t simply to “build back better.” COVID-19 didn’t create the challenges we face. It laid bare flaws that have long existed at the foundation of our system. That is particularly true for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. What kind of reconstruction effort would truly reflect the scale of the problem? What should we rebuild and what should we abandon? To answer these questions, Laura interviews Professor Robert Reich, economist Stephanie Kelton, community organizer Esteban Kelly and Service Employees International Union president Mary Kay Henry about their visions for a recovery that will enable us to build a new economy that is equitable, reparative and sustainable. Music in the Middle: “Stepping Back In Time” by Basel and the Supernaturals from their album “Smoke & Mirrors” courtesy of the artist.
Are you enjoying and utilizing our episode research and reading lists, FOUND HERE? Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for $3, $5, $12 as a Patreon Partner. Already a monthly supporter? Please consider upping your monthly contribution. Help us reach our Holiday Fund Drive Goal of $35,000. Every donation will be matched making your support worth double! We do not take corporate or government funding. We rely on you. Thank you!
“Defund the police” became a rallying cry in the summer of 2020 as demonstrators flooded streets across the United States to demand an end to police brutality in the wake of the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of the police. In the months since, hundreds of city councils nationwide have voted to reallocate what amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars away from law enforcement to a broader array of services that support public safety. But these shifts amount to only a fraction of the money we spend on law enforcement—not to mention incarceration and the military. Will the new abolition movement succeed in transforming how we invest public resources? And what really are the economic underpinnings of the system this movement aims to change? Laura investigates the economics of abolition in conversation with historian Vijay Prashad, Black Lives Matter Los Angeles co-founder Dr. Melina Abdullah, Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and prison abolitionist Andrea James. Music in the Middle:“Big Man” by Captain Planet featuring Shungudzo, from his album No Visa, courtesy of Bastard Jazz Records.
Are you enjoying and utilizing our episode research and reading lists, FOUND HERE? Please consider becoming a monthly supporter for $3, $5, $12 as a Patreon Partner. Already a monthly supporter? Please consider upping your monthly contribution. Help us reach our Holiday Fund Drive Goal of $35,000. Every donation will be matched making your support worth double! We do not take corporate or government funding. We rely on you. Thank you!
The U.S. transportation system has long been rife with inequality, making it more difficult for low-income people, people of color, and people with disabilities to get where they need to go. When Covid19 hit, ticket revenues shrank, workers got sick, and services were cut, even as low-income “essential workers” disproportionately depended on public transit to get to work as other Americans did, to get to grocery stores, food pantries and health services. In rural communities where public transit was already sparse and unreliable, owning a car literally became a matter of life and death. In this episode, Laura considers the history; a century ago, fears of a communicable disease helped turn the tide against public transportation for decades. Today the climate crisis requires that we not brand public transport unsafe for another generation. What alternatives exist? And what if we consider not just new ‘modes’ of transport and new infrastructure, but the principle of “mobility”. Could new technology and better information sharing solve our transportation challenges? Laura looks at existing models. Music in the Middle: "Ride Ride" by Alexis P. Suter Band, from their “Hat Trick, The Essential Recordings” compilation.
Farm a little justice in your media field, become a patreon partner during our holiday 2020 fund drive and your name will be added to a raffle to win a copy of "Farming While Black" by Leah Penniman who was featured in our recent "Food Justice" episode, go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"... sing as he might about The Times They are A-Changing, Dylan’s deal, worth an estimated $300 million to him, changed nothing about anything. But it could have been different."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron and help us reach our goal during our Holiday Fund Drive. Every dollar will be matched, doubling your contribution. goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Where do racial justice and food justice meet? Perhaps at the point where long time farmworkers are able to buy their own land. In the United States today, 83 percent of farmworkers are Latinx but Latinx people own only three percent of the farms. Latinx farmers bring a wealth of knowledge to the US food system in terms of fresh produce, healthy techniques and a cooperative management style born out of years working as laborers—but they face unique challenges accessing the resources and aid they need to buy their land. As a generation of white family farmers ages out of the business of farming, a rising cohort of Latinx workers stands ready to take up the slack. In this episode, Laura receives a virtual tour of one organic farm from its intrepid owners and speaks with Dr. Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern about her book “The New American Farmer.” She also hears from veteran farm labor organizer Dolores Huerta about how helping Latinx farmers thrive would be good for eaters and the planet.
Farm a little justice in your media field, become a patreon partner during our holiday 2020 fund drive and your name will be added to a raffle to win a copy of "Farming While Black" by Leah Penniman who was featured in our recent "Food Justice" episode, go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
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Acclaimed white anti-racist scholar Mab Segrest, author of the influential book Memoir of a Race Traitor, takes Laura through the US South to trace the racist roots of American psychiatry. Together, they explore the infamous state mental hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, once the largest “insane” asylum in the world, and visit with Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama to consider how our society’s mental and political health relate to our nation’s history. Segrest’s newest book is Administrations of Lunacy: Racism and the Haunting of American Psychiatry at the Milledgeville Asylum.
In this episode:
- Mab Segrest, Author, Memoir of a Race Traitor: Fighting Racism in the American South, and Administrations of Lunacy: Racism and the Haunting of American Psychiatry at the Milledgeville Asylum. and gender studies scholar,
- Bryan Stevenson,Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative
Can dance and song offer insight into a person’s experience, and provoke curiosity, even empathy across national identity, race and gender? In this episode, Laura interviews MacArthur Genius Award-winning choreographer Okwui Okpokwasili about her groundbreaking experimental work to communicate the lived experiences of African and African American women through movement. Okpokwasili explains how she uses pain, action, gesture, and character-play to bypass audiences' preconceived notions and bring visibility to identities rendered invisible by mainstream culture and Laura stumps her with her own question: what do you carry and how does that carry you?
Support by becoming a member and help kick off our holiday fundraiser, go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Food justice is the notion that everyone should have access to healthful food as well as the opportunity to grow, market and serve it. It’s also the idea behind a rising movement in the US, looking at how federal state and local policies have, or have not served everyone’s food needs. In this episode, Laura talks with farmers, workers, organizers, and seed keepers who seldom get much attention from the mass media. Then she visits with Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm near Albany, New York, and author of a groundbreaking book “Farming While Black”, what Penniman calls a “love song for the earth and her peoples.”
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"All this how’s-he-doing coverage is par for the course as we transition to the next administration, but someone’s missing from this picture of our politics. It’s us."
We’re coming up on Giving Tuesday. How about you take a look around and support the media that sees you back? Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
For special programming on food justice in America, and the struggle over who grows and who gets to eat, subscribe to our podcast, or our TV show at lauraflanders.org. OR find us weekly on your closest PBS affiliate.
What is a city’s economy for? New York City’s economy has been very good at piling up private wealth and building tall buildings but it’s done less well, especially recently, when it comes to maintaining public services and public trust. In this episode, Laura attends an historic gathering at the School for Labor and Urban Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) and talks with the city’s Deputy Mayor Phillip Thompson among others, about the way a city like New York might change its economic model going forward, in a way that would share wealth - and power - more democratically, as the city tackles climate change and a public health crisis. This episode also features a report on Cooperative Home Care Associates, the largest worker-owned cooperative in the US, based in the Bronx.
Show Credits: Laura Flanders, Matt Colaciello, Jeremiah Cothern, Charlotte Carpenter, Nat Needham, Jeannie Hopper, Dominic Marcella, Mercedes Gorostiaga, Ryan Hotes, Rory O’Conner, and David Neumann.
Music Credits: Shining Skies by George Georgia; I Don’t Always Float by Jon Watts; Sugarella by Nickodemus; Kitty in the Window and Gentle Heart by Poddington Bear; original sound design by Jeannie Hopper.
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While the election results are still undecided well hear from Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, about how one of the nations largest unions is addressing the ongoing impact of Covid-19, pandemic poverty and the systemic inequities that no single election can fix. We need a new normal says Henry. How do we get there? Music in the Middle: “Born Ready” by Tef Poe and Rebel Diaz featuring The Reminders from their “Multiply, Volume 2 E.P.”, courtesy of Rebel Diaz.
For the full episode notes, and to become a member goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Election day is upon us. A reading of the names of those who died due to the coronavirus pandemic. "This list needn't expand any longer. Vote in favor of our public health."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Pandemic Death Toll Worldometer.com
"Those We've Lost" NYTimes
While this program explores the possibilities that go well beyond what can be achieved by one candidate or with one vote — elections do matter and the US 2020 elections are no exception. This week Laura Flanders checks in with one of the leading social critics of our time, MIT professor emeritus, Noam Chomsky. He dives into what's stake in this election — in a time he views as the most dangerous moments in our human history — and stresses the importance of steady activism as a means to progress. Music in the Middle features “Day Dream” by Bryony Jarman-Pinto, remixed by Fish Factory Session, released on Tru-Thoughts Records.
For the full episode notes, and more goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Buffalo, New York, was once a booming industrial town fueled by cheap power from Niagara Falls, a center of commerce and trade, the first city in the US to have electric light. But over a century, Buffalo’s wealth concentrated at the top and mostly moved out, leaving a largely de-industrialized city and a slump. Now, with new investment promised by New York’s Governor Cuomo, and cooler, northern cities attracting “climate refugees” from the US south, development is once again underway, but on whose terms? This time, will the wealth be more equitably shared, and who will get to decide? In this episode, Laura visits with grassroots activists who are not just hoping or lobbying for a change – they’re considering very seriously running for office.
For the full episode notes, the series the Story Behind the Story, and more goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"For many Americans, there’s never been a better time to reconsider the entire system. Years of work, by abolitionists like Angela Davis, Ruthie Gilmore, Mariame Kaba, and organizations like Critical Resistance are paying off. With movements calling for defunding and divesting, people are finally talking about spending, and raising the heat on the thousands of corporations that profit off the millions of people we lock up."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
How does an economy emerge from recession? Historically, cities hard hit by deindustrialization have strived to attract big employers from elsewhere by offering incentives and tax breaks. But outside employers rarely invest in a place long term, and all too often skip town when the incentives run out. In some places, local governments have been experimenting with other strategies. In Preston, England, they’re experimenting with investing public money in locally-owned businesses and cooperatives, and encouraging local “anchor” institutions to buy from, or train, local vendors. They’re calling it the Preston model of community wealth building, and it’s inspired by a model in another formerly industrialized city: Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Evergreen Cooperatives. This week on The Laura Flanders Show, we take a look at a transatlantic experiment in cooperative community wealth building.
For the full episode notes, the series the Story Behind the Story, and more goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The strength of the U.S. economy is often at the center of debate during an election season. But whether the economy is good or bad, there is no denying that Americas economy is neither democratic nor good for the planet. Is this inevitable, or is it possible to build a greener and more just economy? In this weeks episode of The Laura Flanders Show, Marjorie Kelly and Ted Howard of the Democracy Collaborative talk about their new book The Making of a Democratic Economy and explain what steps we need to take in order to create an economy that works for everyone.
This show is produced by Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, Charlotte Carpenter, Matt Colaciello, Jeremiah Cothern, Dominic Marcella, Mercedes Grostiaga, Jeannie Hopper, Nat Needham, and Ryan Hotes, David Neumann, and Rory O'Conner.
For the full episode notes, and our special segment on the Story Behind the Story where we discuss the making of the episode, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Could Donald Trump be charged with a crime for knowingly exposing others to an infectious disease? He could if that disease was hepatitis. If the Donald was a poor man, poorly defended and in poor health, there’s a good chance he’d be facing criminal charges."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This is an episode that speaks to rural and small town life that is rarely visible in our media, even when, as here, the community in question is just 100 miles from a global media capital. It also serves as an example of how journalists can continue to report safely in the midst of a pandemic.
The coronavirus crisis has been acutely felt in urban areas, but the virus also spread disastrously, and in some ways differently, in rural America. Equipped with a facemask and a selfie stick, Laura Flanders reports in this episode (from a responsible distance) on the impact of Covid-19 on one poor, rural county just 100 miles from New York City. Talking to poultry workers, dairy workers, artists, activists and labor organizers, she looks at what the pandemic has revealed about their county from its economic fragility, to the strength of local social networks. What fears do people have facing a future of more budget cuts and what sort of investment is most needed now?
For the full episode notes, and our special segment on the Story Behind the Story where we discuss the making of the episode, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Nearly 40 million Americans live in poverty, making less than $26,200 a year for a family of four. Their stories and their struggles, however, are rarely represented in the mainstream media. If we want to end poverty in the U.S., we need to hear from those who experience it. This week on The Laura Flanders Show, we hear about the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and the work it’s doing to improve - and increase- reporting on poverty. Music in the Middle: “Be Love” by the Alexis P. Suter Band, the title track from their latest album, courtesy of HipBone Records.
For the full episode notes, and our special segment on the Story Behind the Story where we discuss the making of the episode, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"...one fitting way to honor the historic justice would be to take action on some unfinished feminist business. Justice Ginsburg is on my mind today, and so is Nurse Dawn Wooten....the ICE whistleblower who earlier this month called out abusive medical practices against immigrant women at a detention center in Georgia."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In the face of on-going police brutality against African Americans and the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on people of color, the United States has reached a tipping point in relation to racism, policing and public health. But what does it look like to adopt a “public health” approach to safety, policing, and economic development? In February, 2020, Laura visited Newark, New Jersey, to look at one city where decades of police reform efforts failed to stop violence and crime. Now, at the invitation of Mayor Raz Baraka, Aqeela Sherrills, a former gang-truce broker in Los Angeles, heads up the Newark Community Street Team which leverages residents’ relationships to prevent violence before it starts. Flanders talks with Sherrills and other former gang members turned peace-keepers about how they address abuse and transform trauma for themselves and others, and to the city’s Public Safety Director about what it’s taken to build the team’s partnership with police. This episode offers a timely glimpse of what it looks like when more responsibility for public safety is put in public hands and opens up the conversation about “defunding the police”.
For the full episode notes, and our special segment on the Story Behind the Story where we discuss the making of the episode, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"A popularly-elected Republic overturned by a reactionary armed revolt: There are myriad reasons why the painful history of the Spanish civil war might pop into ones head at this particular moment."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Social change and systems change go hand-in-hand. Movements for democracy and human rights are most effective when they aim to transform unjust, unequitable economic systems. In this episode, Laura travels to Spain to learn how people in two of the regions most brutally repressed under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco built the world’s largest worker-owned co-ops. From the Basque Country to Barcelona, she speaks with co-op members who explain how humanist models of business helped their parents and grandparents survive dictatorship. She also explores how these models are transforming under contemporary circumstances, including the emergence of digital platforms, the renewal of the regional independence movements, and the growth of the Spanish rightwing.
For the full episode notes, and our special segment on the Story Behind the Story where we discuss the making of the episode, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This is the Story Behind the Story, for our season kick off and our new weekly behind-the-scenes conversation, featuring members of the Laura Flanders Show team, sometimes audience members too, letting you in on the magic that goes into the making of the show. This season kick off is available to all. To receive our weekly Story Behind the Story for each episode, please become a Laura Flanders Show Patreon partner for as little as $3 a month and get engaged in the conversation, goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
JOIN US...This Sunday, September 6th, 2020:
It’s finally here. The Laura Flanders Show arrives on public television this Sunday!
Tune in this Sunday, September 6th at 11:30 am ET on the WORLD channel, or watch online on YouTube. And then join Laura afterwards, at 12pm ET for a post-broadcast talk-back hosted by esteemed action hero Elizabeth Streb. Click here at 12pm Sunday.
Laura Flanders interviews two performance artists whose work illustrates how difference and neurodiversity make art and society richer and much more interesting. Alice Sheppard is a wheelchair dancer and esteemed choreographer, the artistic director of the company Kinetic Light. Jess Thom is a performer and comedian with Tourettes Syndrome, the founder of the project TourettesHero. In their conversations with Laura, they question the role of art in society as well as our attitudes towards disability and what is typically considered “normal”. Music in the Middle: "Bakabana" by Brooklyn Funk Essentials from their new album Stay Good, courtesy of Dorado Records.
If you would like to request accessibility-related assistance, report any accessibility problems, or request any information in accessible alternative formats, email us at info@lauraflanders.org
For the full episode notes and to become a member supporter goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
| It’s finally here. The Laura Flanders Show arrives on public television this Sunday!Tune in this Sunday, September 6th at 11:30 am ET on the WORLD channel, or watch online on YouTube. And then join Laura afterwards, at 12pm ET for a post-broadcast talk-back hosted esteemed action hero Elizabeth Streb. Click here at 12pm Sunday. |
Regulation, degradation, shaming, blaming - enough! Is it time for sexual liberation yet? We talk a lot about sex but not often enough about pleasure, On today's show we try to make up for that and hear from some bloggers, activists and educators who are practicing very positive consent. Music Featured: Allies And Enemies by Zara McFarlane on Brownswood Music; Free by Ultra Naté. Support theLFShow!
Featured Guests and their Podcasts:
Jaclyn Friedman Unscrewed
Tina Horn Why Are People Into That
Ericka Hart Hoodrat to Headwrap: A Decolonized Podcast
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In this episode, Laura interviews author and Yale historian Greg Grandin about his new book The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America. They explore how America's foundational myth of progress has given way to protectionism. Will opposition to the wall finally force us to reckon with the white supremacist conquest the frontier myth has always but thinly veiled? And what can we do to replace destructive myths with productive truths? Music in the Middle: “Gold Action” by Life On Planets, courtesy of Lamb and Wolf Records.
Become a member and unlock audio exclusives and all audio and video exclusives along with additional content for non-members alike. Go to: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Red, blue, rich, poor, country, city, left or right. Chances are you probably fall into one of those categories. And you may be quite happy where you are. The people of Braver Angels (formerly known as Better Angels) believe there's still value in talking, and they've come up with a way of doing it that actually seems to bring people together.
Guests:
David Blankenhorn, Co-founder and president, Braver Angels
Michelle Brody, Workshop moderator, Braver Angels
Become a member and unlock audio exclusives and all audio and video exclusives along with additional content for non-members alike. Go to: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Days of wonder, days of rage. We're living through an information revolution as profound as any since Gutenberg and the printing press, but are we the people, the so-called "users", using the technology or is the technology using us and for what ends? How can we harness this particular transformation for good? That’s the question, and we have some answers from Data & Society fellow Chancey Fleet, Team Human's Douglas Rushkoff, and technologist, educator, and organizer Nabil Hassein. Music in the Middle: “Do Not React” by TQX featuring Invenio Singers from the album Global Intimacy.
Become a member and unlock audio exclusives and all audio and video exclusives along with additional content for non-members alike. Go to: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Six months into a global pandemic, the US economy just took its most grievous hit on record while Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook only added wealth. "
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
In this episode of The Laura Flanders Show, author and scholar Dr. Priyamvada Gopal discusses her latest book, Insurgent Empire, which examines the history of abolition and rebellion under colonial rule to demonstrate how colonized peoples served as active participants in their own liberation, reshaping ideas around freedom and self-determination during the expansion of capitalism and empire. “Liberty can mean many things, not just, for example, the freedom to earn a meager wage,” Dr. Gopal says. Music in the Middle: “La Carga” by The Bongo Hop from their album Satingarona Part 2, courtesy of The Bongo Hop.
Become a member and unlock audio exclusives and all audio and video exclusives along with additional content for non-members alike. Go to: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This show originally aired 15 months ago, before the death of civil rights rights movement leader representative John Lewis on July 17, 2020. Laura caught up with Nate recently to ask him about his understanding of the legacy of Lewis with whom he worked on the award winning graphic novel the March trilogy. Watch this web exclusive at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This week's episode:
Far more than an escape, comics can pack a political punch, as does the work of this week’s guests. First up, Mohammad Sabaaneh describes how he transposes his lived experience to the page, exposing the cruelties of Israeli occupation and celebrating popular resistance as the path forward. Then, Nate Powell uses his craft to break down a specifically American phenomenon – the creep of fascist aesthetics into our police and consumer choices. Music in the Middle: “The Burning City” by Q Burns Abstract Message from his album “Audio Totem Pole” courtesy of the artist.
Support theLFShow by becoming a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Transparency is important, especially in matters of public health. We treasure what we measure..."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
Where do racial justice and food justice meet? Perhaps at the point where Latinx farm workers are able to buy their own land. In the United States, 83 percent of field workers are Latinx but Latinx people own only 3 percent of the farms. This week on The Laura Flanders Show, Latinx farmers discuss what they bring to the US food system in terms of fresh produce, healthy techniques and a cooperative management style born out of years working as laborers in less than sustainable conditions. Laura also speaks with Dr. Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern about her book The New American Farmer and looks at the challenges a new generation of farmers face, how incubator programs help, and why this transition could be good for everybody. Music in the Middle: "Raise the Vibration" by KlevaKeys featuring Diamond Dancer courtesy of the artist and House Key Records.
Guests:
Francisco Farias, Owner, Farias Farms
Juan Farias, Owner, Farias Farms
Dr. Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, Author, The New American Farmer: Immigration, Race, and the Struggle for Sustainability
Rigoberto Bucio, Owner, Bucio Organic Farm
To watch this episode and find more information, goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow and please support!
The following episode was recorded February 2020.
In an era when companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars on diversity and inclusion programs, the proportion of African Americans in tech, media, and business leadership roles is stagnating. In her new book, Diversity, Inc. The Failed Promise of a Billion-Dollar Business, award-winning journalist and New York University professor Pamela Newkirk describes the gap between the rhetoric and the reality where racial equity and inclusion are concerned. She calls us to go beyond lip service and radically reevaluate how we make organizations more diverse. “Self-Love” by Joe Armon-Jones Featuring Obongjayar from his album, A Turn to Clear View, courtesy of Brownswood.
Guest: Pamela Newkirk, Professor of journalism at New York University and author of Diversity, Inc.
To watch this episode and find more information, goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow and please support!
We can not cling to the cruel lie that economic success is the product of individual merit and sweat.
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
White Supremacy and the Covid crisis aren’t separate. They’re linked. Defunding public health services and deregulating gun ownership have been catastrophic for public health and yet, the majority of white voters support exactly those policies. The spectacle of hundreds of mostly white, unmasked Trump supporters crammed into indoor rally venues during a pandemic exemplifies this phenomenon. In this interview, conducted just days before the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd, physician and public health researcher Jonathan Metzl describes how American racism sabotages our public health system and costs millions of lives in a suicidal way. Metzl talks about the deadly role of Donald Trump and the conclusions he’s drawn about how any of this can be turned around. Music in the Middle: Scott Hardkiss remix of “Revolution” by The Hardkiss Brothers.
To watch this episode and find more information, goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow and please support!
Although the toll of the coronavirus has been most acute in urban areas, the virus has been spreading in rural America. The reasons behind the uptick are numerous, from lack of medical providers, hospitals and personal protective equipment, to limited broadband and large proportions of uninsured, and poorly protected farm and factory workers.
“They’re treated as essential workers but not essential human beings,”
Is being rural a pre-existing vulnerability in this crisis? Equipped with a mask and a selfie stick, Laura Flanders reports (from a responsible distance) on the impact of Covid-19 on one poor, rural county just 100 miles from New York City. She talks to poultry workers, dairy workers, artists, activists and labor organizers about what the pandemic has revealed about their county, from its economic fragility to the strength of local social networks. What fears do people have about a future of more budget cuts? And what sort of investment is most needed now? Music in the Middle: Keep It Up by Eljuri courtesy of the artist.
This episode was co-produced by Sabrina Artel, host ofTrailer Talk aired on community radio station, WJFF in Jeffersonville, Sullivan County.
To watch this episode and find more information, goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow and please support!
Prisons, police and punishment through incarceration. Are they with us forever in the land of the free? Sustained campaigns for change are beginning to pay off. At the community level, it turns out that a whole lot of people and places already make peace without cops. Today, we imagine a world without prisons. It may be closer than we think.
Note: This episode originally aired the summer of 2019.
Guests:
-Esteban Kelly, Executive Director, US Federation of Worker Cooperatives. He is also a founder and core trainer with AORTA, a worker co-op whose consulting supports organizations fighting for social justice and a solidarity economy
-Kenyon Farrow, Senior Editor, TheBody.com, and works with Queers for Economic Justice, Critical Resistance, and FIERCE!
-Kerbie Joseph, Community Organizer, ANSWER (Act Now To Stop War and End Racism) & The Audre Lorde Project
Music in the Middle: “If Everyone Were Blind” by Victor Simonelli and Glenn Sweety G Toby, from the “Shelter From the Streets Compilation” courtesy of West Side and Stellar Records.
In case you missed last week's related episode: Special-Putting Public Safety in Public Hands: The Newark Model
In February, Laura went to Newark to report on how the Street Team leverages community relationships to prevent violence, address abuse and transform trauma into power. The episode offers a timely glimpse of what it looks like when more responsibility for public safety is put in public hands.
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, and do support! This shows in made possible by you. Please support by becoming a Patreon partner today.
"Every Juneteenth has me thinking about life and the unknown, and the experience of those who lived two and half years enslaved, denied the news that the Civil War was over and the North had won. We don’t always know what moment we are living in. Or what lies on the other side of now. ... In this 400th year of colonial American slave capitalism we don’t know, for example, what it is to live equal and free."
Watch/Listen to this week's LFShow "Putting Public Safety in Public Hands: The Newark Model"
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron at Patreon.com That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
Move money and power from police to communities and invest in local control. In the face of ongoing police brutality against African Americans and the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on people of color, the nation has reached a tipping point in relation to racism, policing and public health. The Newark Community Street team in Newark, New Jersey serves as a viable model for realizing many of the demands of advocacy groups such as the Movement for Black Lives, Reclaim the Block, and Black Lives Matter. In February, Laura went to Newark to report on how the Street Team leverages community relationships to prevent violence, address abuse and transform trauma into power. This episode offers a timely glimpse of what it looks like when more responsibility for public safety is put in public hands. Music in the Middle: “Come On, Come On” by Scott Hardkiss featuring Lisa Shaw from his album Technicolor Dreaming courtesy of God Within Records.
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, and do support! This shows in made possible by you, become a Patreon partner today.
"Defund Police. Invest in Black Lives. What just weeks ago was a slogan is fast becoming law."
Watch/Listen to this week's LFShow "Putting Public Safety in Public Hands: The Newark Model"
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
Grammy-nominated musician Raul Midón has never fit neatly into any category. A skillful singer-songwriter and guitarist, he melds African and Latin influences, combining jazz with soul and bossa nova with salsa. As an independent musician, he also writes, performs, records and produces all of his own work. His most recent album, The Mirror, was released just days before the US went into lockdown for the Covid-19 crisis, but Midón has used his time at home as an opportunity to perform live for his fans from his studio. This week, he explains his unique production and engineering process to Laura and shares how he collaborates with musicians all over the world. At a time when many of us are scrambling to adjust to the challenges of life during a pandemic, Raul Midón is serving up positive energy, a model of creative adaptation and, best of all, great music! Music in the Middle: Various selections from Raul's new album and the title track from his 2014 album "Do Not Hesitate".
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, and do support! This shows in made possible by you, become a Patreon partner today.
The skies over Los Angeles may be bluer thanks to the Covid 19 slow-down, but the impact of environmental racism on low income people of color persists. According to a recent Harvard study, where people have been exposed to even slightly higher levels of air pollution the Covid-19 death rate is significantly higher. Nevertheless, the EPA has rolled back its enforcement of pollution regulations. In this episode, Laura speaks with grassroots environmental organizers Cindy Donis and Laura Cortez from East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice. They're on the front line of the struggle to organize their communities in the face of polluting industries and now Covid-19. Music in the Middle: “Conviction” by David Florio, from his album Italy Is a Strange Place, courtesy of Irma Records.
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, by joining as a Patreon partner during our May Day to Memorial Day Fund Drive, extended until June 1st! We're just 6 new patrons away from our goal of 25 new Patreon partners. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"So which will it be? Will this disaster spark a shift for the better? Or will the deadly myths white Americans tell ourselves survive Covid19? Memorial Day messaging bodes ill. "
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
TómateloEnSerioMX is the hashtag under which journalists in Mexico have come together not only to protect themselves, but to stop the spread of misinformation in a country that is gearing up the fight against Covid-19. More than 80 Mexican media outlets, organizations and universities have organized under #TómateloEnSerioMx to unify their public health message, and they are focusing especially on women and other vulnerable people. Against all the odds, Jordy Meléndez Yúdico, María José Evia and Irasema Pineda Ramirez are experimenting with a new collaborative media model with lessons for US journalism. From the homeland of media magnate Carlos Slim, a story of how bigger may not be better and how collaboration can save lives. Music in the Middle: “Sentir” by Ilse Hendrix, performing live for Chilango’s live sessions spotlighting local artists.
Guest Affiliations:
Jordy Meléndez Yúdico, Founder & Director of Distintas Latitudes, María José Evia, Editor Malvestida, Irasema Pineda Ramirez, Editor, Chilango
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, by joining as a Patreon partner during our May Day to Memorial Day Fund Drive! We've set a goal of 25 new forward thinking Patreon partners.
Dana Brown, Director of the Next System Project frames the motives of privatized medicine in a system, which values profit over people. While nations are racing to develop a vaccine for Covid-19, how can the public gain ownership of big pharma?
“We’re really in a situation now where we’ve got socialized risk and privatized benefit” says Brown.
Become a Patreon partner to hear the entire interview. Go to https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Soundscape composed by Jeannie Hopper, our talented audio and podcast producer.
In this episode, Laura interviews Award-winning poet, performer, novelist, and activist Stacyann Chin about her long awaited anthology, Crossfire, and her relationship to a cannon dominated by white men. Despite her success, Chin says that until recently she didn't see herself as a real poet, a poet worthy of an anthology, because her work centers her experiences as a lesbian and a Jamaican national of mixed Chinese and African descent.
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, by joining as a Patreon partner during our May Day to Memorial Day Fund Drive! We've set a goal of 25 new forward thinking Patreon partners.
"When it comes to cashing in on Covid 19 the race has just begun. Whether you’re talking education, or contact tracing or medicine or mind control, an anti-democratic dystopian future is being charted fast, while we the people are locked down, locked up and locked out."
The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron. That's also where you'll find our series "Forward Thinking on Covid-19".
It's our May Day to Memorial Day Fund Drive. Are you one of 25 subscribers ready to join us during these revolutionary times? Unlock the entire audio podcast version, by becoming a patreon partner. ....Support monthly for $3, $5, $12 or more at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Your generous support enables us to keep producing audio extras like our Forward Thinking Covid-19 Series and more. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The tensions being revealed by the COVID-19 epidemic are planted deep in the US experience. On the Laura Flanders Show, race and gender scholar Mab Segrest discusses how white supremacy has trumped science throughout American history, with particular focus on the evidence she uncovered in her new book, “Administrations of Lunacy: Racism and the Haunting of American Psychiatry. Segrest’s work was the subject of a Laura Flanders Show special feature this March (bit.ly/2UVgvjs). She shared her thoughts on COVID-19 with Laura recently, from her home near Durham, NC. “We’re living under an administration of lunacy again,” says Segrest in this extra. Watch more Covid-19 related videos on our website lauraflanders.org
The U.S. already has over one million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and tens of thousands of deaths. Victims of the disease are disproportionately black and working class. What explains our failure to build a more caring state? Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. argues that we must grapple with the divides at the core of our society in order to reimagine the U.S. with a fully inclusive sense of “us.” “What we have to do is tell the truth about who we are. We’re not the best country in the world. We’re not the most powerful people on the planet. We’re fallen, finite creatures who in this moment in most cases are dying alone…” Glaude says. This week’s thoughtful conversation ranges from the impact of decades of Neoliberalism on the American consciousness to the need for a return to compassionate, human-centered governance, to Glaude’s forthcoming book, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. Music in the Middle: “A Love Supreme / Exodus” by Rebel Tumbao’s courtesy of Sacred Rhythm Music and Cosmic Arts.
Support the show and our new series Forward Thinking on Covid-19, by joining as a Patreon partner during our May Day to Memorial Day Fund Drive! We've set a goal of 25 new forward thinking Patreon partners. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
A pandemic is no place to be a bystander, says Muslim American activist Linda Sarsour. In this episode, Laura interviews Sarsour about her recently published memoir We are Not Here to Be Bystanders, which tells her story of growing up in Brooklyn and Palestine and becoming the Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York and one of the co-chairs of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Sarsour describes how Covid-19 is affecting her work, what contact tracing triggers for people who were forced to register as Muslims after 9-11, and what Muslim Americans have learned about being targets, even as so many serve as front-line healthcare providers. Music in the Middle: “Marching the Hate Machines” by Thievery Corporation featuring Frank Orrall, from their new album Symphonik Version, courtesy of ESL Records.
Watch our Forward Thinking on Covid-19 series where guests offer their view point from a forward looking perspective in their area of expertise. Become a Patreon member to unlock the full unedited conversations. This week Laura's guest is Patricia Mercado Sánchez, Founder/Director Conexion Migrante.
The F-Word is released bi-monthly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron.
The latest:
"Want to pay the WHO to fight pandemics and poverty around the world for a year? One man called Jeff could do it today and still be worth $114.5 billion as he was at the end of last year. "
Watch our NEW SERIES Forward Thinking on Covid-19 where guests offer their view point from a forward looking perspective in their area of expertise. Become a Patreon member to unlock the full unedited conversations. This week, Hamid Khan Coordinator of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition of the Los Angeles Community Action Network speaking on contact tracing and policing bodies in the name of public health and Dara Baldwin Director of National Policy for the Center for Disability Rights on the big money power that’s still being felt even in the Covid- quieted halls of Congress.
What are you watching? There’s a good chance it was edited by a woman. This time on the Laura Flanders Show, we talk with avant garde filmmaker and cinema studies professor Su Friedrich about the hidden sheroes of film editing, the names you don’t know but ought to know from Hollywood to Bollywood and beyond. Aside from Blanche Sewell, the editor of The Wizard of Oz, and Thelma Schoonmaker, Martin Scorsese’s editor for over fifty years, there’s Renu Saluja, who edited many classics of 1990s Indian cinema, and Mexico’s Gloria Schoemann, one of the most prolific editors in history with over 227 film credits to her name. Music in the Middle: “My Passion” by Mikki Afflick featuring Miranda Nicole courtesy of Soul Sun Soul Music.
Watch our Forward Thinking on Covid-19 series where guests offer their view point from a forward looking perspective in their area of expertise. Become a Patreon member to unlock the full unedited conversations. This week, Hamid Khan Coordinator of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition of the Los Angeles Community Action Network speaking on contact tracing and policing bodies in the name of public health and Dara Baldwin Director of National Policy for the Center for Disability Rights on the big money power that’s still being felt even in the Covid- quieted halls of Congress.
The following features excerpts, to unlock the entire 1 1/2 hour conversation....Support the show by becoming a monthly contributor for $3, $5, $12 or more....easily at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow Your generous support enables us to keep producing audio extras like our forward-thinking content week after week. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
On February 23 at the Hammer Museum in LA, Laura moderated a discussion about the future of environmental justice featuring actor and activist Jane Fonda and community organizer Janet Valenzuela.
“We can’t solve the climate crisis if we don’t address the issue with environmental justice,” says Fonda.
People of color, immigrants and indigenous people are more likely to be affected by pollutants and other environmental hazards. Factories, plants and fracking drills are placed disproportionately in and around already marginalized communities, and the health effects are disastrous. Large national efforts to combat climate change need to engage with local, grassroots movements or we risk leaving our most vulnerable communities behind.
This week, Laura talks with coders, activists and tech entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of the platform cooperative movement. If we take the cooperative route, they argue that tomorrow’s online world could distribute rather than concentrate power—but will we? Recorded before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, this conversation about the companies that mediate our lives is more relevant now than ever. Music in the Middle: “Facebook Killed The Arts” by T-Q-X featuring Josh Mease from T-Q-X’s album “Global Intimacy” courtesy of the artist.
You can find more information on my guests and episode notes at Patreon.com/theLFShow. You do not have to become a member, but we hope you will. For as little as $3 or $5. monthly you partner with us to report on how we might move from here to a better future for all.
The F-Word is released bi-monthly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron.
The latest:
"It is the essence of American liberalism to trash radical dreams and then dance on them. And that’s just what the New York Times did, the day after Bernie Sanders bowed out of the Democratic race for the nomination."
Support the show by becoming a monthly contributor for $3, $5, $12 or more....easily HERE
Special Series: FORWARD THINKING ON COVID-19
How do homeless people avoid exposure to Covid-19? And where do they quarantine if they test positive for the virus? New York City’s Department of Homeless Services had little in place to deal with a pandemic and over 60,000 people remain in shelters struggling to quarantine. Mental Health Peer Specialist, EMT, and advocate for the homeless, Allilsa Fernandez, tells Laura how the shelter organizing movement is applying strategies like mutual aid to fill the gaps in the system. She says the nation is now recognizing what communities of color have long known and practiced: reliance on one another in the absence of support from the state.
About the series:
In the midst of a public health and economic crisis, we know much of the news you’re hearing is bad. The course of this pandemic is hard to predict. But there will be a time after this immediate crisis. What then? To answer this question, we’re producing a new series called “Forward Thinking on Covid-19.” Each week, guests on The LF Show offer their best forward looking perspectives on what needs to happen in their area of expertise. This series brings you the stories of forward-thinking people and lifts up actionable, real life models of collective care and mutual aid.
What does it look like in the Justice sphere? If you don’t want to call the cops, what else can you do? Many people turn to transformative justice for help. In the nation that incarcerates more people than any other on earth, there are many reasons why a person might not want to call 911. Undocumented, sick, over-policed, dependent on or in love with an abuser? In this episode, Laura talks with the editors of the just-released book, Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement. Transformative justice applies the principles of mutual aid to justice. It seeks to resolve violence for the long term at the peer-to-peer, grassroots level by looking for resolution, not punishment, and relying on community, not the system. Music in the Middle: New Yorkers at home applauding essential workers from their windows. It’s a daily ritual at 7pm to show appreciation while staying at a distance. And that appreciation is growing louder by the day!
EPISODE NOTES AND MORE:
You can find more information on my guests Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, anti-violence trainer Ejeris Dixon, and the book they’ve edited Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement at our website. And if you’re part of our Patreon community, we’ll include a link to that SKILL SET FOR SURVIVAL Ejeris mentioned - as well as more in our episode notes at Patreon.com/theLFShow. You do not have to contribute money, but we hope you will. For as little as $3 or $5. monthly you partner with us to report on how we might move from here to a better future for all.
Jutta Treviranus pushes back against cultures, policies, and technologies designed only for those deemed "normal." As founder and director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University in Toronto, Treviranus works to challenge and improve the way we build software, make large scale decisions, and govern. If only the majority matters, she says, innovation is stifled and there will always be people left marginalized. Music in the Middle: “If I Could See” by Raul Midon from his upcoming album The Mirror to be released on Mack Avenue Records this year.
To become a member and for episode notes go to: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Covid 19 Requires Us To Know Each Other.
From public health to remote learning, inclusive design leader Jutta Treviranus says Covid-19 is forcing us to rethink how we design response systems. Where we have the greatest vulnerability, we have the greatest chance for innovation. And that’s what it’s going to take for us to survive. Amazing learning moments are coming out of this, but that will require a lot of un-learning. Treviranus is our guest this week on the LF Show.
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"A bridge is only as strong as its weakest part. Former slave turned educator Anna Julia Cooper uttered those very contemporary-sounding words back in 1893. The US didn’t heed them then. We haven’t heeded them yet. The big question, brought home to us one more time by the Covid 19 crisis, is why not? What does American society so love about having weak parts that we refuse, year after year, and epidemic after epidemic to shore them up?"
The F-Word is released bi-monthly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support by becoming a patron.
Since October 2019, people in Lebanon have been protesting corruption, climate denial, big finance, and government ineptitude. Where does that work stand now? Laura talks with Lebanese activist/artist Dayna Ash who runs one of the few safe spaces for LGBTQI+ people and women in the region about her experience of organizing in a melt-down. Music in the Middle: “Drown Out the Other”, featuring Danya Ash and her collaborator Nour Sokhon courtesy of the artists.
As many of you know, the Laura Flanders is also a TV show. We produce it on a shoestring budget, and distribute free, on TV and cable and satellite as well as radio and a podcast. We don’t take money from government of corporation. We’re made possible by our audience - that’s you. If you already contribute, thank you. If you’re yet to do it, please go to our website and donate. And if you really want to participate in this project and partner with us in these uncertain times, join our Patreon community. At Patreon.com/theLFShow. There we make all sorts of special background information available, about our guest, this weeks’ topic, related reading, listening and viewing, and even a playlist of the music you heard here - we call it Music in the Middle. This week our Patreon partners saw more videos from Haven for Artists, and a special post featuring award winning poet Aja Monet reading “Apologies to All The People in Lebanon” the poem dedicated to the Palestinians who lived in Lebanon from 1948 to ’83, by the renowned poet and essayist June Jordan. Aja like Dayna, created a space centered on arts and activism in the Little Haiti section of Miami. We’ve also thrown up a link to the episode in which Aja joined me to talk about that. Again, you’ll find that free, at Patreon.com/TheLFShow. You don’t have to contribute money but we hope you will. Donations start at just $3 or $5 month. During this time of social distancing my whole crew and I are working from home. But we’re holding you close, and we’ll keep the forward looking content coming. We need it more than ever. Please join us at Patreon.com/thelfshow and become a partner. Thank you.
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Acclaimed “Race Traitor” author, Mab Segrest, takes Laura through deep south to trace the racist roots of American psychiatry. They explore the infamous state mental hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia and visit with Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama to consider how our society’s mental and political health relate to history. Segrest’s newest book is “Administrations of Lunacy: Racism and the Haunting of American Psychiatry at the Milledgeville Asylum” due out April 2020. Music Featured in the Middle: “The Drums Call You” by Carlos Mena and Osunlade courtesy of Ocha Records.
For more information on Mab Segrest, Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative, plus links to how to watch this episode along with additional research materials, go to Patreon.com/theLFShow. That’s also where you can easily become a member for as little as $3 to $12 a month. We couldn’t do the show without you and continue to bring you uplifting voices and issues that matter. Become a member and unlock more audio exclusives including the uncut conversation between Mab and Bryan.
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Thanks to all our members and for your reviews!
Support by becoming a patron.
The F-Word is released bi-monthly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.
For more information on Okwui Okpokwasili's work, a link to watch this episode along with additional research materials, go to Patreon.com/theLFShow. That’s also where you can easily become a member for as little as $3 to $12 a month. We couldn’t do the show without you and continue to bring you uplifting voices and issues that matter.
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In this episode, Laura interviews the founder of One Billion Rising and VDay, Eve Ensler, world renowned playwright, author and activist, along with activist, singer, songwriter Taína Asili about One Billion Rising 2020, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls by organizing public demonstrations rooted in music and dance. They discuss the role that joyous public movement and song can and must play in soothing trauma, raising awareness, and building solidarity among women across the world. Music in the Middle: "We Are Rising" by Taína Asili, the #1BillionRising's 2020 Anthem.
Become a member and unlock audio extras. The latest, Laura in conversation with Eve Ensler about her new book "The Apology". And Staceyann Chin's performs poetry from her first anthology.
:The latest Laura Flanders commentary, The F-Word ::
"Here we are again, ending Black History Month, starting Women’s History month. ...Do we need more months? We certainly need more intersectionality."
Become a member and unlock audio extras. The latest, Laura in conversation with Eve Ensler about her new book "The Apology". And Staceyann Chin's performs poetry from her first anthology.
In this episode, Laura interviews author and Yale historian Greg Grandin about his new book The End of the Myth: From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America. They explore how America's foundational myth of progress has given way to protectionism. Will opposition to the wall finally force us to reckon with the white supremacist conquest the frontier myth has always but thinly veiled? And what can we do to replace destructive myths with productive truths? Music in the Middle: “Gold Action” by Life On Planets, courtesy of Lamb and Wolf Records.
Become a member and unlock lots of bonus audio!
In an era when companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars on diversity and inclusion programs, the proportion of African Americans in tech, media, and business leadership roles is stagnating. In her new book, Diversity, Inc. The Failed Promise of a Billion-Dollar Business, award-winning journalist and New York University professor Pamela Newkirk describes the gap between the rhetoric and the reality where racial equity and inclusion are concerned. She calls us to go beyond lip service and radically reevaluate how we make organizations more diverse. Music in the Middle of the podcast: “Self-Love” by Joe Armon-Jones Featuring Obongjayar from his album, A Turn to Clear View, courtesy of Brownswood.
Become a member and unlock audio extras. The latest, Laura in conversation with Eve Ensler about her new book "The Apology". And Staceyann Chin's performs poetry from her first anthology.
"The 2020 presidential race didn’t get decided this week but the choice before us did. More democracy or less of it?" - Laura Flanders' latest commentary.
Become a member and unlock audio extras. The latest, Laura in conversation with Eve Ensler about her new book "The Apology". And Staceyann Chin's performs poetry from her first anthology.
https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
From Austria to Chile, Lagos to London, people are demanding policies that democratize economies and keep public resources in public hands. In just the last decade, more than 2,400 cities in 58 countries have brought privatized resources back under public control. In this episode, Laura reports from Amsterdam at The Future is Public, a conference that brings together hundreds of organizers, scholars, and government officials who are working to democratize their municipal and national economies. If the future is indeed public, the people Laura speaks with in Amsterdam are among those working to make it happen in the present. Music In the Middle: “Precious Energy, A Homage to Leon Thomas and Pharaoh Sanders by Barney McAll, courtesy of the artist.
Support by becoming a member: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
The U.S. economy, weak or strong, is the question at the heart of the election. But it doesn't get to the reality which is that, whatever else it may be, the U.S. economy is not democratic or good for the planet. But it could be. Marjorie Kelly and Ted Howard of the Democracy Collaborative say how in their new book The Making of a Democratic Economy. Music in the Middle: “The Offering” by Mark de Clive-Lowe from his album Heritage courtesy of Mashi Beats.
theLFShow episode #268 Research & Reading List
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Down-home democracy rests on down-the street media when it comes to covering the Iowa Caucuses 2020.
February 3rd 7pm-Midnight (EST) you will be able to follow the livestream of KHOI'S caucus coverage hosted by Laura Flanders at our Facebook page and through Laura's live posts on Twitter the night of. For more details goto LauraFlanders.org
Support our coverage by becoming a member at Patreon.com/theLFShow
Live From the Iowa Caucuses
Pacifica National Coverage
February 3, 2020
7:00 – Midnight EST (or until results come in)
Hosted by:
Laura Flanders, The Laura Flanders Show,
Norman Stockwell, The Progressive Magazine
Lily Böhlke, 2020Talks, Pacifica Network
To listen on line, go to pacificanetwork.org or KHOIFM.org or check our list of Pacifica Network affiliates for a radio station near you, here.
Lots of ways for you to be part of Iowa Caucus Night and add your voice to the national coverage of the Iowa Caucuses:
Facebook Live: Coverage from the studios of KHOI-FM, Ames, Iowa
Twitter: Live video streaming via Twitter @theLFShow from the radio studios
YouTube: Video segments from the Caucuses and coverage from the radio studio via YouTube - @PacificaFoundationTV
Follow and tag us in your social media posts: #PacificaCaucus2020 #2020election
@theLFShow @Gritlaura @RadioPacifica @khoi_fm @theprogressive @2020Talks @PNS_News
In this episode, Laura interviews British comedian and activist Jess Thom, TourettesHero, about her performance of Samuel Beckett’s play “Not I”. Thom’s work reveals how neurodiversity makes theater, society—everything!— richer.
Support by becoming a member at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
More about "I Am" by Samuel Beckett, performed and adapted by Jess Thom
Jess Thom has Tourettes, a condition that means she makes movements and noises she can't control, called tics. Following the award-winning “Backstage In Biscuit Land,” she takes on Samuel Beckett's short play in a theatrical experience that explores neurodiversity and asks, who is allowed to perform what and who gets the final say? All performances are accompanied by an ASL interpreter/performer and are Relaxed. This means that if you tic, shout, or move about, you're more than welcome. And the great thing is, everyone can benefit from a Relaxed performance.
Award-winning poet, performer, novelist, and activist Staceyann Chin has just published her first anthology of poems. She has been featured on Broadway, HBO, and Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam and her latest one woman show, MotherStruck, was adapted for film and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019. In this episode, Laura interviews Chin about the anthology, Crossfire, and her relationship to a cannon dominated by white men. Despite her success, Chin says that until recently she didn't see herself as a real poet, a poet worthy of an anthology, because her work centers her experiences as a lesbian and a Jamaican national of mixed Chinese and African descent. Laura and Chin unpack the stories behind belief and Chin gives a riveting performance of poems from Crossfire.
Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Given a choice between covering tit-for-tat tweets and reporting on voting rights or publicly-owned generic drugs, the brought-to-you-by-Big-Pharma News Networks will always go where it’s easiest. "
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' bi-weekly commentary.
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What most Americans know about Puerto Rico is based on a colonial fantasy, says journalist and Columbia University professor, Ed Morales. This fantasy, and the reality it obscures, is the subject of his new book, Fantasy Island. In this episode, Laura interviews Morales and scholar/activist Rosa Clemente about the personal and political implications of the island's ongoing debt crisis, recovering from Hurricane Maria, and #RickyRenuncia, the intersectional protest movement that led to the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló in the summer of 2019. Exploitation, corruption, and neglect may be business as usual in the United States' relationship with Puerto Rico but Morales and Clemente suggest that new movements provide some hope for change. Featured Music in the Middle of the Podcast: “Una Ola” by Eljuri from her album Resiste courtesy of Manovil Records.
Become a member today at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This year at the Progressive Strategy Summit members of Congress and progressive change makers came together to build a movement that won’t only win back the White House in 2020 but also create long term systemic change. Laura interviewed activists and congresswomen to understand how they see this critical moment when business-as-usual politics simply won’t cut it. Will a movement led by women of color—inside and outside Congress—transform the government so that it truly serves the diverse people it purports to represent? Laura also interviewed actor and activist Jane Fonda at a Fire Drill Friday climate crisis rally before they both got arrested as part of an act of civil disobedience. Featured Music in the Middle: “Save It Or Lose It” by Funk Rimini, part of the EARTH NIGHT 2019 compilation curated by DJs for Climate Action courtesy of EarthNight.org, a global initiative harnessing the power of music and nightlife to celebrate and support climate action.
Become a member by year end, https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
In her latest film, The Edge of Democracy, director Petra Costa tells the story of how Brazil went from a rising star among free nations to a democracy on the verge of collapse. With unprecedented access, Costa documents the rise and fall of Brazil’s Workers Party and its charismatic leader Lula da Silva, the impeachment of Brazil’s first female president, Dilma Rousseff, and the rise of President Jair Bolsonaro who has ushered in, as Costa puts it, a new era of rule by the bible, the bullet, and the banks. In this very personal conversation, Laura and Petra discuss life and politics in the U.S. and Brazil—nations built on land theft, genocide, and extraction. They wonder if democracy can survive in states that fail to reckon with their pasts. “Baiana (A Girl Born in Bahia)” by Gaby Hernandez from her album Spirit Reflection courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records.
Support theLFShow by year end https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
As 2019 comes to a close, Laura speaks with Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City's East Village. Rev. Jacqui's public theology focuses on social and environmental justice, community engagement, and the practice of what she calls "Revolutionary Love." In their conversation, Laura asks if love really can sustain our movements for justice in an era characterized by protest, social unrest, and political strife. When we are at our wits’ end, can love renew us so that we may return to our work to repair the world? Reverend Jacqui says yes. Music featured in the middle, “Know I’ve Been Changed” performed live by the Queer Black Men Ensemble featuring a solo by Lee Hill performed live at Middle Collegiate Church.
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In the wake of the 25th UN Climate Change Summit known as the Conference of Partners or COP, scientists and activists are warning that governments are failing to act as quickly as the climate crisis requires. Taking matters into their own hands, youth organizers with Extinction Rebellion have led marches, school walkouts, and hunger strikes around the world. Though digital organizing plays a major role in their movement, non-violent civil disobedience is their primary tactic. How does a new generation of climate organizers understand and employ the tactics of non-violence? And can their movement garner the public support necessary to overcome the inertia of political establishment beholden to fossil fuels? Laura speaks with student climate strikers, Ayisha Siddiqa and Giovanni Tamacas, and veteran activist Libero Della Piana for their perspectives.
Support theLFShow with a year end donation by becoming a sustaining member at https://Patreon.org/theLFShow
In this episode of The Laura Flanders Show, author and scholar Dr. Priyamvada Gopal discusses her latest book, Insurgent Empire, which examines a history of abolition and rebellion under colonial rule to demonstrate how these resistance movements served as active participants in their own liberation, while reshaping ideas around freedom and self-determination during the expansion of capitalism and empire. Liberty can mean many things, not just, for example, the freedom to earn a meager wage. She argues that lessons learned then should serve as models for contemporary action while supporting the need to understand ordinary people as viable agents in their own struggles.
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This week, in her first appearance since fleeing Brazil, women’s rights advocate Debora Diniz joins fellow activists and philanthropists to discuss what works and what doesn’t in stopping violence against women and girls. Music featured:“Cause I’m a Woman” by Muted Soul Featuring Jess King courtesy of Muted Records.
Guests: Debora Diniz,Deputy Director of Rights and Justice; Terry McGovern,Chair of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Medical Center; Kavita N. Ramdas, Director of Women’s Rights Program, Open Society Foundations.
Help us reach our goal of 100 patrons by year end, by becoming a member today at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate.
The following minicast features excerpts from Laurie Anderson’s lecture “The Size of the Con”, addressing how to prepare for the 2020 election cycle and the tumultuous year ahead in the United States. Anderson's lecture was commissioned by the Brooklyn Public Library as part of a series “Message from the Library” providing a forum for great minds as they reflect on the most pressing issues of our time. Laurie Anderson’s entire 30minute lecture is available to patrons of the Laura Flanders Show. Help us reach our goal of 100 patrons by year end, by becoming a member today at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate.
Your donations are tax exempt and help us continue to fund the show organically thanks to listeners like you.
The climate crisis is accelerating faster than expected. This November, 11,000 scientists from 153 countries declared that “We’re reaching potentially irreversible climate tipping points—climate chain reactions that could cause significant disruptions to ecosystems, society, and economies...” In this episode of the Laura Flanders Show, author and activist Naomi Klein discusses her new book, On Fire, in which she argues that addressing the climate crisis requires more than simply reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through a series of essays, Klein makes the case for a Green New Deal that tackles the causes and impacts of climate change while confronting racial and economic inequality. We cannot, she says, address one without the other. Music in the Middle: "Wake Up" by Dawn Drake & ZapOte, produced by Chico Mann and Geoff Mann, courtesy of PMX Records.
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Social change and systems change go hand-in-hand. Movements for democracy and human rights are most effective when they aim to transform unjust, unequitable economic systems. In this episode, Laura travels to Spain to learn how people in two of the regions most brutally repressed under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco built the worlds’ largest worker-owned co-ops. From the Basque Country to Barcelona, she speaks with co-op members who explain how humanist models of business helped their parents and grandparents survive dictatorship. She also explores how these models are transforming under contemporary circumstances, including the emergence of digital platforms, the renewal of the regional independence movements, and the growth of the Spanish rightwing. Music in the Middle: "I.D.N.” by Catalan pianist Albert Marquès courtesy of the artist and thanks to Arturo O’Farrell.
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"I was thinking about impeachment when a bird fell out of the sky. ......Dazed, on the sidewalk, she stood perfectly still, protected by gentle cops and generous yards of yellow caution tape...
It happened to be the same week, five years ago, that Tanisha Anderson died on the street in front of her home, when she was having one of her bad days."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' bi-weekly commentary. For the full transcript goto LauraFlanders.org
Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? For as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd. Sign up today!
In her new film, The Edge of Democracy, director Petra Costa tells the story of how Brazil went from a rising star among free nations to a democracy on the verge of collapse. With unprecedented access, Costa documents the rise and fall of Brazil’s Workers Party and its charismatic leader Lula da Silva, the impeachment of Brazil’s first female president, Dilma Rousseff, and the rise of President Jair Bolsonaro who has ushered in, as Costa puts it, a new era of rule by the bible, the bullet, and the banks. In this very personal conversation, Laura and Petra discuss life and politics in the U.S. and Brazil—nations built on land theft, genocide, and extraction. They wonder if democracy can survive in states that fail to reckon with their pasts. “Baiana (A Girl Born in Bahia)” by Gaby Hernandez from her album Spirit Reflection courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records.
Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? Become a member for as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.
This year at the Progressive Strategy Summit members of Congress and progressive change makers came together to build a movement that won’t only win back the White House in 2020 but also create long term systemic change. Laura interviewed activists and congresswomen to understand how they see this critical moment when business-as-usual politics simply won’t cut it. Will a movement led by women of color—inside and outside Congress—transform the government so that it truly serves the diverse people it purports to represent? Laura also interviewed actor and activist Jane Fonda at a Fire Drill Friday climate crisis rally before they both got arrested as part of an act of civil disobedience.
Guests:
Aimee Allison, She The People; Shelia Jackson Lee, Congresswoman TX-18th; Alicia Garza, Black Lives Matter; Mia Ives-Rublee, Women's March Diability Caucus; Jane Fonda, Fire Drill Friday's; Ted Danson, Actor Author; Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman WA-7th
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The people of Newark, New Jersey—the majority of whom are black and brown—are grappling with a lead contamination crisis that has drawn comparisons with Flint, Michigan. There, the state took control of the city’s water after municipal officials and a private management company failed to provide clean water. In Newark, local residents want to keep their water in public hands. Why? This week, Laura interviews activists working to fix their city’s water through more robust democratization rather than privatization. Music in the Middle: “For the Courageous” by Climbing PoeTree from their album Intrinsic, courtesy of Climbing PoeTree.
Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? Become a member for as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.
Guests:
•Sabre Bee and Anthony Diaz, Co-Founders of the Newark Water Coalition
•Yvette Jordan, a Teacher at Central High School in Newark, New Jersey
How do you revitalize a city without gentrifying it? In this episode of the Laura Flanders Show, Laura goes to Buffalo, New York, where years of post-industrial stagnation have recently yielded to new economic growth. She interviews grassroots activists working to make sure that this local renaissance leaves their city more inclusive and equitable—not less. She explores how progressive, intersectional organizations are helping to create affordable housing and provide job training while fighting for social and environmental justice. Music featured in the middle: “Keep It Moving” by Lady Alma from her album Twilight, courtesy of MashiBeats.
Guests:
Kathryn Franco, City Council Candidate for the University District of Buffalo New York
Rachel Dominguez, Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization
Whitney Crispell, Community Activist
Larry Scott, Buffalo School Board
Vanessa Glushefski, Deputy Comptroller
John Washington, PUSH Buffalo
Asim Johnson, PUSH Buffalo
Harper Bishop, PUSH Buffalo
Rahwa Ghirmatizion, CEO PUSH Buffalo
Luz Velez, PUSH Buffalo
Geovaira Hernandez, Climate justice organizer, Push Buffalo
India Walton, Executive Director, Fruit Belt Community Land Trust
Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? For as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.
The U.S. economy, weak or strong, is the question at the heart of the election. But it doesn't get to the reality which is that, whatever else it may be, the U.S. economy is not democratic or good for the planet. But it could be. Marjorie Kelly and Ted Howard of the Democracy Collaborative say how in their new book The Making of a Democratic Economy. Music in the middle: “The Offering” by Mark de Clive-Lowe from his album Heritage courtesy of Mashi Beats.
Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? For as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.
This week the People’s Republic of China celebrates its 70th anniversary as months of pro-democracy demonstrations continue in Hong Kong. The historic demonstrations began in June as a response to the proposal of an extradition agreement with Mainland China. Concerned that the bill would further erode the civil liberties they enjoy under the one country two systems principle, many Hong Kongers took to the streets. All these months later, the city’s chief executive Carrie Lam has withdrawn the bill but the demonstrations have continued - the issues have become a lot bigger getting to the heart of the meaning of democracy and Chinese Imperialism. Music in the Middle: “Chaos” by DJ Sun from his album Qingxi courtesy of Soular Productions.
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Guests:
Michelle Chen, Journalist/Labor Historian CUNY and Co-Producer of the Belabored podcast.
Joy Ming King, Student Organizer/Member, Lausan Collective
"In a system that's unequal, corruption is not just the way we swim, it’s the water we swim in..."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' bi-monthly commentary.
Help us thrive and not just survive, by becoming a member you'll unlock additional audio extras and more. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
New York, NY...its a city with close to 100 billion dollar budget every year and 1 deputy mayor with some pretty creative plans for how to spend it. What can one city do? And what's it gonna take to create a non-racist democracy? An in-depth interview with J. Phillip Thompson, NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, on his priority initiatives, with particular emphasis on his role in expanding the city’s investment in minority and women-owned businesses, housing and economic development, and economic democracy initiatives. Music Featured, “Be The Change” by Mr. V featuring Michelle Rivera & Jaeden part of the EARTH NIGHT '19 compilation curated by DJs for Climate Action courtesy of EarthNight.org, a global initiative harnessing the power of music and nightlife to celebrate and support climate action.
Support this podcast and independent journalism by committing to making a monthly contribution for as little as $3... goto: Patreon.com/theLFShow
Guests featured from the Economic Harship Reporting Project include David Wallis, Managing Director; Yoruba Richen, Board Member and filmmaker; and Joseph Rodriguez, Contributing Editor and photojournalist.
Music feature: "Be Love" by the Alexis P. Suter Band, courtesy of HipBone Records.
For more on the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and my guests goto Patreon.com/theLFShow where you’ll also find additional research materials and links to our related episodes.
Support this podcast and independent journalism by committing to making a monthly contribution for as little as $3... goto: Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Almost fifty thousand workers went on strike at General Motors Sept 16th, 2019, after management and United Auto Workers Union negotiators failed to agree on a new contract. GM has bounced back from recession thanks to a taxpayer bailout, government tax breaks and contracts and a brutal restructuring of the workforce. Now even though the company’s made $35 billion in the last few years - they want concessions, and yet more plant closures and layoffs."
Help us thrive and not just survive, by becoming a member you'll unlock additional audio extras and more. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
image: courtesy of Flipboard
Gender-based violence – why are states so bad at making it stop? This week, in her first appearance since fleeing Brazil, women’s rights advocate Debora Diniz joins fellow activists and philanthropists to discuss what works and what doesn’t in stopping violence against women and girls. Music featured:“Cause I’m a Woman” by Muted Soul Featuring Jess King courtesy of Muted Records.
GUESTS: Debora Diniz, Deputy Director of Rights and Justice; Terry McGovern, Chair of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Medical Center; Kavita N. Ramdas, Director of Women’s Rights Program, Open Society Foundations.
Support theLFShow for as little as $2 a month!
No matter how we tackle climate change, cities are key. They emit massive amounts of carbon and they’re ground zero for the climate crisis. But could they also prove to be the sites of our best climate solutions? That’s this week on The Laura Flanders Show.
“It takes a lot of energy to keep buildings cool. In New York City, buildings contribute about 70% of the city’s carbon emissions. So in addition to transportation, those are the major factors in cities, and we’ve got massive cities growing around the planet.” – Ashley Dawson
“I think you have to start with a dream and thinking outside the box. And creating policy that actually directly affects change. And that comes from the ground up. It doesn’t come from the top down.” – Mychal Johnson
“It’s our public environment, it’s our public spaces, it’s our city. If we think that we have the right to the city, we have to actually verify that we have some agency over what happens. And right now we don’t.” – Aurash Khawarzad
Featured Guests:
Ashley Dawson, Professor of English, CUNY Graduate Center
“My fields of specialization are cultural studies, environmental humanities, and postcolonial studies. Areas of interest of mine include the experience and literature of migration, including movement from colonial and postcolonial nations to the former imperial center (Britain in particular) and from rural areas to mega-cities of the global South such as Lagos and Mumbai. I have also worked recently on contemporary discourses of U.S. imperialism and on the movement for climate justice.”
Get his book, Extreme Cities: The Peril and Promise of Urban Life in the Age of Climate Change
Mychal Johnson, Co-Founder, South Bronx Unite
“Mychal Johnson has a long-standing track record in community-based advocacy for environmental and economic justice. Mychal is the co-founder of South Bronx Unite, a coalition of residents, organizations and allies confronting policies that perpetuate harm and building support for viable community-driven solutions in the South Bronx, where one in five children suffer from asthma because of the oversaturation of industrial facilities and diesel truck intensive businesses and decades of neglect.”
Aurash Khawarzad, Artist, Educator and Urban Planner
“Aurash Khawarzad is an Artist, Educator, and Urban Planner. His work uses a combination of research, creative practice, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, as a means of visioning communities. Most recently he created of The Upper Manhatta(n) Project, a model for creating resilience to climate change. He is originally from Virginia and has been practicing in New York City since 2009.”
Get his book, The Upper Manhatta(n) Project
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
"I don’t know about you but I take a teeny weeny bit of offense when a guy in a glass house lobs a great big stone and expects me not to notice the sound of shattering."
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Our city's economy – what is it for? New York's has been very good at piling up profits and building tall buildings. But all that private profit has come at a cost to public services and public trust. Could it be different? On this week's show, we talk about the new conversations that are happening between labor unions and community members. Between residents, workers, and employers about how everyone's economy can move forward.
J. Phillip Thomson Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, City of New York
Roger Green Executive Director, DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy
Gladys Drew Worker-owner, Cooperative Home Care Associates
Adria Powell President and CEO, Cooperative Home Care Associates
Lynn Benander President, Co-op Power
Rebecca Lurie Coordinator, Community and Worker Ownership Project
Shilpa Nandwani Co-founder, Khao'na Kitchen
Cole Carothers Co-founder, Khao'na Kitchen
Sheila R. Foster Professor of Law and Public Policy, Georgetown Law
the Resistance Revival Chorus
Our economic model is crowd funding, become a member today https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
This week, dance as world-changing movement with two artists who expand our ideas about beauty, risk, mobility, and inclusion. Wheelchair dancer and esteemed choreographer Alice Sheppard, and MacArthur Genius Award-winning action architect Elizabeth Streb. What difference does art make? Should art-making be a human right? What will it take to disable the limits society puts around “normal”? These questions and more this week on the Laura Flanders Show.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
This week we talk about the way central banks steer world development and for whom. Former Goldman Sachs manager Nomi Prins, author of Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World and public ownership researcher Thomas Hanna of The Democracy Collaborative believe that banking, and development, could be very different. We're Storming the Federal Reserve this week on the LF Show.
Music Featured: "You & Me" written and performed by Danny McGaw. Companion song to Nomi Prins' new book released on May 1, 2018 'Collusion-How Central Bankers Rigged the World'
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"One-two-three-four/ What are we waiting for? Fifty years on, after a night spent largely on that big wet, now commercialized field in Bethel, New York, I'm pondering what’s happened since. What’s taken so long?"
Take a listen to this week's podcast re-share of a popular interview with music producer Danny Goldberg about the Hippie Revolution – and a performance of Climbing Poetree.
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Can music make a movement? This week, legendary music producer Danny Goldberg will reflect on 50 years since Woodstock and go in “Search of the Lost Chord”, his book about the hippie summer of 1967. Then, from today's movement music scene, Alixa Garcia and Naima Penniman of Climbing PoeTree talk about their album, “Intrinsic”, and perform for us in-studio. Music Featured: “Mantra” by Ram Dass and Kriese off the album ‘Cosmix’ courtesy of Waveform Records.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
Prisons, police and punishment through incarceration. Are they with us forever in the land of the free? Sustained campaigns for change are beginning to pay off. At the community level, it turns out that a whole lot of people and places already make peace without cops. Today, we imagine a world without prisons. It may be closer than we think. Music Featured: “If Everyone Were Blind” by Victor Simonelli and Glenn Sweety G Toby, from the “Shelter From the Streets Compilation” courtesy of West Side and Stellar Records.
Guests: Esteban Kelly, Executive Director, US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and a founder and core trainer with AORTA; Kenyon Farrow, Senior Editor, TheBody.com, and works with Queers for Economic Justice, Critical Resistance, and FIERCE!; and Kerbie Joseph, Community Organizer, ANSWER (Act Now To Stop War and End Racism) & The Audre Lorde Project.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
Enjoy a panel discussion moderated by Laura Flanders and a key note address by Oskar Eustis, director of the famed Public Theater in New York, featuring artists as agents of change celebrating the work of Ben Barber, founder of the "Interdependence Movement". The artists, activists and scholars featured were chosen to represent the new and inspiring ways in which the arts, culture, and creativity in particular are giving voice to a new generation of activism, in engaging Barber’s Interdependence Movement philosophy. Panelists included: Cristal Chanel Truscott, Ruchira Gupta, Mohsin Mohi Ud Din, Arturo O'Farrill.
The event took place this past April at New York University’s Skirball Hall and was promoted jointly by the Performing Arts Library, NYU, Asia Society, and Voices of a People's History.
You'll find more information and a link where you can watch the event in its' entirety at Patreon.
There’s something sick about US Military spending. It’s certainly not keeping anyone safe. This week, why we the public spend billions on bad technology and what happens to service people who speak up about it. Then, Jodie Evans of CODEPINK, on a peace economy – what might it look like? Music feature: "Cultural Verses" by Peace Bureau.
Guests: Phyllis Bennis, Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies; Pam Campos-Palma, Former Intelligence Analyst, US Air Force; Andrew Cockburn, Washington Editor, Harper’s Magazine; Jodie Evans, Co-founder, CODEPINK.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
The great American housing crunch and what organizing can do about it. This week we discuss some of the challenges and victories in the campaign for green, affordable public housing.
Guests:
-Cea Weaver, Campaign Coordinator, Upstate Downstate Housing Alliance
-Daniel Aldana Cohen, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania
-Anita Long, Volunteer, CASA - Community Action for Safe Apartments
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests. Write a podcast review at Apple Podcasts, share it via Twitter and include our tag @theLFShow, and you'll be entered in our raffle to win a pair of tickets to the July 28 boat party where proceeds will go to support this show.
Can technology advance society if it doesn't include all of society? This week, we talk with three disability justice activists who have ideas about how tech can ensure design, technology, and art are accessible and equitable. Not just ideas, they're doing it, and they are sparking a movement. Music Featured: “Feel It” by Bosq featured on the ‘Love and Resistance’ album courtesy of Ubiquity Records.
Guests:
Laurel Lawson, Chief Technology Officer, CyCore Systems;
Chancey Fleet, Data And Society Fellow
Vilissa Thompson, Founder and CEO, Ramp Your Voice
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests. Write a podcast review at Apple Podcasts, share it via Twitter and include our tag @theLFShow, and you'll be entered in our raffle to win a pair of tickets to the July 28 boat party where proceeds will go to support this show.
This week's commentary comes by way of Jerome Roos, an LSE Fellow in international political economy at the London School of Economics and founding editor of ROAR Magazine. He paints a grim picture of a global finance system that's taken a gamble having sought to solve the problem of too much debt with even more debt. And this precarious pile-up of gambling chips might also point to another, less talked about reason, why President Trump has spent so much time and energy attacking the chairman of the Fed. He knows a crash is coming, and he wants someone to blame. This pile’s going to fall on someone—the question is, on whom?
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Red, blue, rich, poor, country, city, left or right. Chances are you probably fall into one of those categories. And you may be quite happy where you are. The people of Better Angels believe there's still value in talking, and they've come up with a way of doing it that actually seems to bring people together. Music featured: “The Positive And The Negative” by Minoru Muraoka, from ’Bamboo’, courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests. Write a podcast review at Apple Podcasts, share it via Twitter and include our tag @theLFShow, and you'll be entered in our raffle to win a pair of tickets to the July 28 boat party where proceeds will go to support this show.
We go in-depth with two feminist authors and a feminist bookstore. First to Barnard College for a talk with Chicana activist and author Cherríe Moraga about her 1st book release in eight years. Then, a unique kind of activism from adrienne maree brown, whose latest bestselling book is an examination of activist pleasure. Lastly, a landmark feminist bookstore turns 20 years old. Music featured: “Universal Woman” by Dana Byrd featuring Tantra Zawadi and Rescue Poetix, courtesy of Mikki Afflick’s Soul Sun Soul Music. And music by Poddington Bear.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests. Write a podcast review at Apple Podcasts, share it via Twitter and include our tag @theLFShow, and you'll be entered in our raffle to win a pair of tickets to the July 28 boat party where proceeds will go to support this show.
"Are rights things to be granted by the powerful to the deserving few, contingent on their obedience, someone’s convenience, and adherence to the prevailing rules and conventions? Or..."
Laura Flanders' commentary, The F-Word.
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Don't remember the past? Does that mean you're condemned to repeat it? What does our country's past tell us about our present— and how can it help us imagine a better future? This week, two leading thinkers on the tricky challenges of democracy. What are the best tools— and even the best words we can use to create a better future? Music Featured: "Freedom" by David Morales and Janice Robinson, courtesy of Diridim Records.
Guests:
•Scot Nakagawa, Senior Partner at ChangeLab
•Astra Taylor, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Debt Collective, and author of “Democracy May Not Exist, but We’ll Miss It When It’s Gone”.
Write a podcast review at Apple Podcasts, share it via Twitter and include our tag @theLFShow, or become a member, and you'll be entered in our raffle to receive a ticket to the July 28 dance party on a boat in NYC, where proceeds will go to support this show. If you are a member, you will automatically be entered.
Laura interviewed Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and U.N. Special Envoy on Climate Change, at the Bellagio Women’s Leadership Forum. Robinson speaks on producing visionary women leaders and dismantling patriarchy, particularly as tools for achieving climate justice.
One of the biggest tasks we face in building a just transition to a habitable planet is, according to Mary, a huge shift in "the political will." Mary shares with us her convictions about who has the capacity to facilitate that shift. She brings their voices to the forefront in her new book ‘Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future.’
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Fifty years ago at The Stonewall Inn, gay pride took the form of a riot, not a parade. Today, the question remains as relevant as ever: Just how do we define "love is love," and what are we willing to do to defend one another? This week, we speak with a group of LGBTQIA+ leaders who each have a different relationship to being out and proud. We've come a long way they say, but in the next 50 years, we have a long way to go.
Here’s “Light of Love” by Lady Alma off her new full length album “Twilight”, a 9 track anthology, produced by Mark de Clive Lowe, released on Mashi-Beats.
GUESTS: Scot Nakagawa, Senior Partner, ChangeLab; Bri M., Creator and Producer of the podcast Power Not Pity; Kaz Mitchell, Co-Executive Director, Circle of Voices Inc.; and Edafe Okporo, Director, RDJ Refugee Shelter.
Become a Patron at Patreon. That's also where you'll find research materials related to this episode along with links and more on our guests.
'No matter the result of the elections, Barcelona's Ada Colau and Barcelona en Comú continue to put principles into practice.'
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Someone turns 65 every 8 seconds in this country, and as our elderly population grows, so does the need to build an economy around our future selves. In this episode, three leaders in the age justice movement share their ideas about how we can age with dignity, power, and change our society to reflect just that. Then we visit the largest home care cooperative in the U.S. to take a look at age justice, and worker justice, in practice. Music featured “A Minute” by Janine Lyons from her album “Epiphany” released on Honeycomb Music.
Guests: Alice Fisher- The Radical Age Movement; Rachel McCullough- NY Caring Majority; Penny Cook- Pioneer Network; Ashton Applewhite Author, The Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism; Adria Powell- Cooperative Home Care Associates; Gladys Drew, Cooperative home Care Associates
400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, many people agree reparations are due, but what would they look like? How about affordable property put into Black hands, in perpetuity? Could community land trusts be one way of making repairs? A lawyer, a policy advocate and an organizer with homeless New Yorkers explain what’s possible, and what’s being done.
For research materials pertaining to the show including links to related articles goto Patreon.com/theLFShow
"Eighty years ago, this April, Spain fell under a thirty year dictatorship after right beat left in a brutal civil war. History feels acutely alive to me today and not just because for the first time in my life, I’m in Spain."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary.
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This week, we’re happy to share with you a podcast we love and enjoy called ‘Building Local Power” produced by the Institute For Local Self-Reliance and hosted by ILSR staff members Chris Mitchell, Stacy Mitchell and John Farrell. The podcast offers new ideas for breaking the hold of corporate monopolies and expanding the power of communities to chart their own future. The following episode is titled “Shining a Light on Anti-Competitive Behavior”. They discuss the AT&T and Timer Warner merger; how New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act is not in the public interest, and other anti-competitive corporate actions and state policies that might have slipped under the radar.
Help us thrive and not just survive, by becoming a member. Support theLFShow by becoming a member today!
Across the world, renters in cities are being pushed out of neighborhoods because landlords and homeowners can make more money temporarily renting out their spaces to tourists.
In 2014 thousands of people took to the streets of BCN to protest Air Bnb. Four years later with Barcelona en Comú represented in City Council the city has successfully passed legislation to limit Air BnB and lay some ground rules for tourist development.
What can be learned from the Barcelona example? What strategies do we use to re-articulate that the city is a shared space for living and not for speculative and extractive economics?
Barcelona en Comú is a part of a network of municipalist movements that calls themselves Fearless Cities. Today, on the LF Show, we will hear from people building these fearless institutions and movements with guests Debbie Bookchin, Rodrigo Cornejo, Kali Akuno, and Gala Pin.
For suggested reading, research and links to our guests and issues featured in this episode, go to: Patreon.com/theLFShow
Our city's economy – what is it for? New York's has been very good at piling up profits and building tall buildings. But all that private profit has come at a cost to public services and public trust. Could it be different? On this week's show, we talk about the new conversations that are happening between labor unions and community members. Between residents, workers, and employers about how everyone's economy can move forward.
Guests:
•J. Phillip Thomson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, City of New York
•Roger Green, Executive Director, DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy
•Gladys Drew, Worker-owner, Cooperative Home Care Associates
•Adria Powell, President and CEO, Cooperative Home Care Associates
•Lynn Benander, President, Co-op Power
•Rebecca Lurie, Coordinator, Community and Worker Ownership Project
•Shilpa Nandwani, Co-founder, Khao'na Kitchen
•Cole Carothers, Co-founder, Khao'na Kitchen
•Sheila R. Foster, Professor of Law and Public Policy, Georgetown Law
• Live performance by the Resistance Revival Chorus at the close of the show
"white nationalists have been targeting bookstores and libraries across the country for a while"....."It’s not the hate that’s new. It’s the apparent sense of entitlement. ....they’re out in plain sight, and not just in the media’s backwaters but in the nation’s capital...."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary.
Support the LFShow! You'll receive a copy of Laura Flanders' Izzy Award acceptance speech on independent journalism and additional audio extras and more by becoming a member for as little as $2 a month.
This week, two artists who expand our ideas about beauty, risk, mobility, and inclusion. Wheelchair dancer and esteemed choreographer Alice Sheppard, and MacArthur Genius Award-winning action architect Elizabeth Streb. What difference does art make? Should art-making be a human right? What will it take to disable the limits society puts around “normal”? Music Featured: “How Do You Feel?” by Vanessa Daou from her “Welcome to My Blues: Anthology (1994-2017)” released on Daou Music in conjunction with Kidd Recordings.
For suggested reading, research and links to our guests and issues featured in this episode, go to: Patreon.com/theLFShow That's where you can become a member. Our goal is to sign up 25 new members during our May Day to Memorial Day Membership Drive,
Art organizations and sponsorship dollars have gone hand in hand for decades. But with backlash and protests over donors ethics, should cultural institutions begin looking into new funding streams? We look at the role of private dollars vs. public good in cultural art institutions. PLUS, A AUDIO EXCLUSIVE: The conversation continues with guest Jonathan H. Marks We discuss his new book “Perils of Partnership.” Music Featured: Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir, a radical activist performance community, with “Beatitudes”, from their premiere album “The Shopocalypse.”
Guests: L.A. Kauffman, activist and member of Sackler P.A.I.N and Author, HOW TO READ A PROTEST
Professor Jonathan H. Marks Director of the Bioethics Program at Penn State University, and affiliate faculty in law and international affairs. And author of a new book “Perils of Partnership”
Jess Worth, Activist, co-founder of “BP or not BP”and the Art Not Oil coalitions and currently is the co-director of Culture Unstained.
For suggested reading, research and links to our guests and issues featured in this episode, go to: Patreon.com/theLFShow
"The Attorney General’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and his standoff with the House may be important. Something, sometime, may come of it. But let’s consider the opportunity cost of all that one-note coverage."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary. Support the LFShow! You'll receive a copy of Laura Flanders' Izzy Award acceptance speech on independent journalism and additional audio extras and more by becoming a member for as little as $2 a month.
Recently, a fire at Highlander Center gained national attention for the historic movement institution. Donations, messages of love, and some knee-jerk panic poured in for the co-directors, well known to the Laura Flanders Show. Co-directors Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson and Rev. Allyn Maxfield-Steele join us from Chattanooga to discuss the fire at their home, as well as arsons across the country and world, at Black churches, at Notre Dame, and in Sri Lanka. Has capitalism limited our empathy?
More in this episode: Pakistani activist, lawyer, and feminist on why digital rights are fundamentally civil and human rights that women deserve. Advances to allow for women’s access to technology have been made in Pakistan, says Dad. But true freedom of access is still a long ways away As an organizer of Pakistan’s aurat march (Women’s March), Dad has experienced both the danger and the satisfaction that can come from challenging cultural restrictions. She is the founder and Executive Director of Pakistan’s Digital Rights Foundation.
Music Featured: "Power Justice and Love" by Morley from her album 1000 Miles released on Six Degrees Records.
For suggested reading, research and links to our guests and issues featured in this episode, go to: Patreon.com/theLFShow
Search for school cheating stories today and you’ll find a slew of articles and news reports on parents charged in the recent college admissions scandal. But skip back to 2015 and the eyes of the education world were on Georgia, where the state’s longest-running criminal case involved teachers and administrators, predominantly Black, accused and convicted in a RICO case of changing student test results to improve test scores. A new book, None of the Above: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Scandal, Corporate Greed, and the Criminalization of Educators, aims to correct the record on the story and draw attention to the broader issue of how our system has failed both educators and students and how a grab by corporate interests from public housing to charter schools is at play putting profits over people. Joining us in this episode are co-authors Shani Robinson, a teacher who was charged and incarcerated in the case, and Anna Simonton, reporter and writer.
For more information and to listen to the interview in its' entirety, go to Patreon.com/theLFShow
For our Patreon Community, you’ll find more in depth information on this week's show, including research materials and additional links to explore.
Read Nate Powell’s About Face connecting paramilitary influence on civilian consumer style as we shrug off the encroaching normalization of fascism.
And more on Mohammad Saba’aneh’s book, White & Black: Political Cartoons from Palestine, which draw attention to brutalities of the Israeli occupation and celebrate the Palestinians’ popular resistance.
Music in the Middle: “The Burning City” by Q Burns Abstract Message from his album “Audio Totem Pole”, released on 8D-Industries.
"These days, establishment journalists spend inordinate amounts of time, bemoaning their own welfare and the state of their beleaguered industry. but it’s rarely been journalism fed and watered by the establishment that’s asked anything uncomfortable and McKee called for us to have uncomfortable conversations."
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary.
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Segregation in Education is as bad as ever, and no end appears to be sight. So what approaches might make a difference. What if Segregation, per se, wasn’t the problem? This week, educators speak out, and we visit an Afrocentric school in Brooklyn, where mindfulness and race are not a detail. Music Feature: “Plain Folks” by Alexis P. Suter and T.U.B.A., released on HipBone Records.
Guests:
-Rafiq R. Kalam Id-Din II, Esq. ,Founder & Managing Partner Ember Charter Schools for Mindful Education, Innovation and Transformation
-Lurie Daniel-Favors, Esq. General Counsel, The Center for Law and Social Justice
-Matt Gonzales, Director of School Diversity, New York Appleseed
For our Patreon Community, you’ll find more in depth information on this weeks show, including research materials and additional links to explore.
It’s time to start looking at conflict in a new and different way -- and women are at the forefront. A look into a new PBS film series with an all-female directors that is focusing attention on what we can learn from women who risked their lives for peace -- and changed history in the process. Guests: Julia Bacha, a Peabody and Guggenheim award-winning filmmaker, and director of “Naila and the Uprising”. Gini Reticker, an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who directed “The Trials of Spring” and is also an executive producer of the Women, War, and Peace series. Music Spotlight: Blake Leyh’s film score for Gini Reticker’s “The Trials of Spring".
For our Patreon Community, you’ll find more in depth information on this week's show, including research materials and additional links to explore.
Trump’s hardline policies have all sorts of people asking how our immigration rules got to be so open to abuse - and what alternatives are out there? Is there any country that treats migrants right? And if so, what could we learn from them? Joining Laura to unpack these issues are Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, Senior Editor at The Nation magazine and author of “The Cosmopolites”, a book that focuses on the buying and selling of citizenship and John Torpey, Professor of Sociology and History and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the Graduate Center, of the City Univeristy of New York. He’s also the author of “The Invention of the Passport: Surveillance, Citizenship, and the State” that details the history of the modern passport and why it became so important for controlling movement in the modern world.
The fight for legalization of marijuana has never been easy and it's still not, as evidenced by the recent collapse of a month's long effort in New Jersey and the battle still raging in New York. A key issue in both is how to ensure that legalizing of cannabis doesn't just make for another privatized corporate monopoly. But instead repairs the harm that's been done by the war on drugs. Music in the middle: “Us and Them” by Easy Star All Stars and remixed by Dreadzone from their tribute album to Pink Floyd titled ‘Dubside of the Moon’ released on Easy Star Records.
For more resources and greater information goto: https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Guests:
Kassandra Frederique, NY State Director, Drug Policy Alliance
Mary Pryor, Founder & CEO, Cannaclusive
Raybblin Vargas, Communications Coordinator, Green Worker Cooperatives
*All guests are a part of a Coalition - Start Smart New York
"A collusion crisis. Barr says Mueller says he found no proof of a Russia/Trump Campaign conspiracy to undermine US democracy. Oh no! How are cable companies going to keep their ratings up with an audience that’s collusion-hooked?"
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary.
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Just days before the anniversary of activist Marielle Franco's assassination in Brazil, prosecutors there charged two former police officers with her murder. Those arrests may provide a partial answer to the question of who killed her but many other questions, including who ordered her killing and why, remain unanswered. This week, we talk with Yifat Susskind of MADRE and K.K Verdade of ELAS about the current fight for human rights in Brazil, and the right-wing hate campaign against feminist so-called "gender ideology" worldwide. Music Spotlight: “Marielle Franco (Desabafo)” by MC Carol featuring Heavy Baile
For our Patreon Community, you’ll find more in depth information on this weeks show, including research materials and additional links to explore.
The State of Washington has declared a public health emergency due to spreading outbreaks of Measles. The World Health Organization credits "Vaccine Hesitancy" as a cause of the resurgence. And Trump tops it off by tweeting his doubts about vaccines and what he's called doctor inflicted diseases—it looks like more than just the measles are contagious!
The F-Word, Laura Flanders' commentary.
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The media layoffs are here. It's new media’s sky-is-falling moment. Instead of the promised golden age, we're seeing rolling cutbacks and massive layoffs at digital darlings like Vice and Buzzfeed. Is that it, for workers rights? Are unions any match for advertising pressure from Google and Facebook? Music Featured: “The Awakening” by 4 Hero featuring Ursula Rucker. Support theLFShow!
Guests:
Kim Kelly, Council Member, Writers Guild of America, East
Albert Samaha, Investigative Reporter, Buzz Feed News
Nastaran Mohit, Organizing Director, The NewsGuild of New York
CDFIs grew from church basements and kitchen tables to number more than 1,000 institutions with billions of dollars of capital. Joining us to explain just how CDFI’s make a difference - from inner cities to Native American reservations, is Clifford Rosenthal, an internationally recognized developer of programs to provide financial access for low-income and underserved people, and author of the new book "Democratizing Finance: Origins of the Community Development Financial Institutions Movement" that traces the roots of community development finance over two centuries, situating CDFIs within the long history of institutions that seek to provide access to capital for communities previously denied access to it. They are a great development model.
Regulation, degradation, shaming, blaming - enough! Is it time for sexual liberation yet? We talk a lot about sex but not often enough about pleasure, On today's show we try to make up for that and hear from some bloggers, activists and educators who are practicing very positive consent. Music Featured: Allies And Enemies by Zara McFarlane on Brownswood Music; Free by Ultra Naté. Support theLFShow!
Featured Guests and their Podcasts: Jaclyn Friedman Unscrewed; Tina Horn Why Are People Into That ; Ericka Hart Hoodrat to Headwrap: A Decolonized Podcast
The same miserable mob that mauled main street banks has plundered and pillaged newspapers across the country. Pursuing only profits, private hedge funds bought and stripped even long-lived legacy papers leaving them for dead. One in five local papers has shut up shop in the last 10 years, according to a recent report from the Knight Foundation.
Check out Laura Flanders report for the Next System, "Next System Media: An Urgent Necessity" and more coverage at our website in our archives.
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Days of wonder, days of rage. We're living through an information revolution as profound as any since Gutenberg and the printing press, but are we the people, the so-called "users", using the technology or is the technology using us and for what ends? How can we harness this particular transformation for good? That’s the question, and we have some answers. Guests: media theorist and author Douglas Rushkoff. His latest book is ‘Team Human,’ based on his podcast of the same name, as well as best sellers including “Present Shock” about the onslaught of anti-human tech; also in studio, Data and Society Fellow Chancey Fleet, named 2017 Library Journal Mover and Shaker back when she jump started the conversation around tactile literacy, spatial learning and more; and Technologist, Educator and Organizer Nabil Hassein, a co-organizer for Code Ecologies and the School for Poetic Computation.
Reinventing our cities and re-enchanting the world. Who gets a say in designing where they live? What if more of us did? This week, we visit Mary Miss, a Guggenheim fellow and celebrated artist, whose organization, The City as Living Laboratory, strives to empower people to create not the cliché of the sustainable city, she says, but places of living and breathing, creative sustenance. Then we speak to scholars Silvia Federici and Peter Linebaugh about the promises of "commoning" for our environment – and our social health. Music Featured: "Harvest for the World" rework by Groove Junkies & ReelSoul featuring Nichelle Monroe, released on MoreHouse Records.
"We need to take a long, hard look at the ideology that underpins what we call capitalism," Laura Flanders' commentary, The F-Word.
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Amazon’s HQ2 in New York City's Long Island City neighborhood of Queens is off. In a conversation recorded before the news broke, we looked at the resistance the plan provoked and why, and considered how development might be possible without displacement? The conversation featured Sasha Wijeyeratne, Executive Director of CAAAV organizing Asian communities, Juleon Robinson, Program Associate of the New Economy Project, and Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN, Then we take a tour of that neighborhood with a Long Island preacher’s son,” Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, Senior Pastor of Center of Hope Church International and the co-founder & CEO of Urban UpBound, L.I.C., Queens. Music Spotlight: Pete Seeger singing “Which Side Are You On?” written by Florence Reece in 1931. Support TheLFShow!
Like a macho man in the pre-feminist era, Amazon wanted things their way or no way. That’s how monopolies roll. Don’t ask questions, don’t consider options, and whatever you do, don’t conduct a background check.
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As the President sounds off about holy babies born and unborn, we talk about the ongoing criminalization of women who happen to get pregnant. What has been the media’s role and have they done enough to make amends? We’ll talk to Lynn Paltrow, one of the lawyers representing incarcerated women, media critic Janine Jackson, and Suzanne Sellers who fell afoul of one of those laws in the 1990s. Then, a drill down with Lynn Paltrow about the threats to Roe and more. Music Featured: "Mr. President" by Kana Mota. Support theLFShow! The NYTimes Article and Apology
"It shouldn’t take a week without heat during a polar vortex and hour after hour of hands hammering on windows for hours to sound an alarm about conditions in federal lock up."
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When you live in the rural South, your story rarely makes the news, but Southern activists are shaking things up, with their votes, and their broadband transmitter too. This week, Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson and Rev. Allyn Maxfield-Steele, the co-directors of the revered civil rights school, the Highlander Center, talk about blue waves, black women and broadband. And we revisit Detroit, where residents denied affordable internet meshed servers to serve their neighbors, one rooftop at a time. “As the World Ends” by TQX featuring Gian Slater and Pete Miser from the album Global Intimacy released on Extra Celestial Arts. Support theLFShow!
Is the climate movement heating up? This week on the show, activists at all levels of the climate justice movement discuss how inter-generational, cross-coalition, and global organizing is taking control of the future without waiting for anyone. Can the U.S born Green New Deal learn from yellow-vested workers’ agitation in France? And who’s new Deal is it anyway? In this episode: Elizabeth Yeampierre, co-chair of the Climate Justice Alliance; Sean Sweeney, Director of Cornell Global Labor Institute’s International Program for Labor, Climate & Environment; and Varshini Prakash, co-founder of the Sunrise Movement. Music featured: "Leaving This Planet" Charles Earland re-make by Mark De Clive-Lowe featuring Sharlene Hector; “Song for the Yellow Vests” by Birmingham, UK’s, Lee Brickley.
The following minicast features Laura in conversation with Thomas Hanna, research director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States”. They discuss public ownership. From banks and parking meters to water and electrical supplies, there's more of it in the US than you might think. Who’s afraid of it and what are they afraid of? For more, watch or take a listen to our recent episode, ‘Revolution at the Federal Reserve’ featuring former Goldman Sachs manager, Nomi Prins and Thomas Hanna in a conversation about the way that central bankers steer world development and how things could be different. Support theLFShow! Become a member.
As the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland, we talk about the way central banks steer world development and for whom. Former Goldman Sachs managing director Nomi Prins, author of "Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World," and public ownership researcher, Thomas Hanna, author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States,” and Research Director at The Democracy Collaborative, believe that banking, and development, could be very different. Music featured: “You & Me” by Danny McGraw. Support theLFShow!
Soul Fire Farm’s Leah Penniman talks with Chris Hedges, author of America: The Farewell Tour, about environmental threats, societal breakdown, and how we might come back together as humans. Then, a glimpse of CAGED, a play written and conceived by Hedges’ writing students in a high-security prison in New Jersey. Music featured: “Babylon Falling” by Thievery Corporation from their album Temple of I & I featuring Puma, released on Eighteenth Street Lounge Records.
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Despite efforts over the last two years to curtail progress for trans people by the current administration, trans activism has gained momentum and become prominent within the movement for queer justice. Laura speaks with Imara Jones, a trans activist, former policymaker, and host of The Last Sip on Free Speech TV about her work to amplify transgender narratives, on and off the screen. Music featured: Anohni of Antony & the Johnson's "Everything Is New" from the film “Turning” created in collaboration with Charles Atlas. Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
Holiday Rewind: Since the 2008 financial crash, one thing we've learned is that there exist in the US not just one economy, but many, as well as many kinds of economic actors. From platform cooperatives to cryptocurrency, people are building economic alternatives to climate devastation and capitalist extraction. So says Nathan Schneider, crusader for the internet of ownership and author of Everything for Everyone: the Radical Tradition That Is Shaping The Next Economy. Plus, Virginia Eubanks on how government and corporations are erasing social services through unequal digital practices. Music: “You Are the One the World Becomes” by Morley, from her new album ‘1000 Miles’. Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
Holiday Rewind. Food — from where it grows, to where it goes, all of it matters to our bodies and our communities. A conversation about how farmers are creating equitable food systems inside cities, from urban agriculture to worker-owned cooperatives. Guests: Susan Chin-Design Trust, Karen Washington-Rise & Root Farm and Ysanet Batista-Woke Foods. +Excerpts from Peter Coffin's "Music for Plants" Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
Farewell to America, or just to this year? This week, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Chris Hedges explains why President Donald Trump is just the predictable end of a long sad history of American avarice and greed. Then, Reverend Billy celebrates the season with not buying, but boisterous singing. Hear what happened when he and his partner Savitri D. did bid farewell to America and took their riotous rituals to Europe. Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
"By many accounts Macron's paying the price not so much for taxing carbon as for ignoring inequality and passing tax breaks for the rich, while pushing more austerity on people already at breaking point."
Laura Flanders, weekly commentary.
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Looking back on the midterm elections, we ask the tough questions about white women voters and race, then get introduced to the hi-pinky salute across the border. We meet the co-founders of SURJ, Showing up for Racial Justice, and speak with Grammy Award Winner Arturo O’Farrill. Music spotlight “Line in the Sand” from “Fandango at the Wall: A Soundtrack for the United States, Mexico and Beyond” by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
Where do we begin to think about food? Is it about how we grow it, how we eat it, or who has access to it? Isn't it all of it? However you put it, food is as political as it gets. Today, we'll hear from farmers, organizers, workers, and seed-keepers who all attended the NESAWG conference on food justice in late October. Among them, Leah Penniman whose beautiful new book, Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land, is out now. Thanks to Cheyenna Weber, consulting producer for the NESAWG segment. Support theLFShow, 10 Years of Making Power Through Media!
HUD NY official Lynne Patton is planning on moving into NYCHA projects, but why not move big money OUT of housing instead?
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The F-Word, Laura Flanders' weekly commentary.
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For many, mass movements have made them aware of media's failure to inform and represent them. Activists are now working to make their own media, and to rebuild traditional empowering media infrastructures. This week, we re-visit Radio Kingston, a station connecting communities and lifting up voices. Than joining Laura in studio, activist DeRay Mckesson, Pod Save the People host and author of ‘On the Other Side of Freedom’. Support theLFShow, make a year end donation!
As family and friends celebrate and give thanks, for indigenous peoples around the world perhaps apologies, even recompense, would be more in order. We’ll hear from Native American activists Michelle Cook and Hartman Deetz about the ongoing struggle for autonomy and environmental protection. Then our report on the thousand people in attendance at the American Museum of Natural History on Indigenous Peoples Day organized by Decolonize This Place. Music Spotlight: “Retribution” by Tanya Tagaq on Six Shooter Records. November 27th join Laura & guests - New Economy Screenings: Survival Socialism. Support theLFShow
Building a new economy for and by Native Americans requires election level attention beyond election week.
That new book out from the Democracy Collective, "An Indigenous Approach to Community Wealth Building: A Lakota Translation".
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Six years ago Superstorm Sandy hit, Lorena Giron and Brendan Martin of The Working World, an organization focused on starting and sustaining cooperatives in low-income communities, reports on the WORC's that emerged out of the devastation. And noted Marxist geographer and anthropologist, David Harvey. Music Spotlight: “New Laughter Mode (The Way In)” by Laraaji and Audio Active. November 27th join Laura & guests - New Economy Screenings: Survival Socialism Support theLFShow
"The particular patriarchs whom white women have put in office this November are on the record, anti-female. They’re even anti-white-female, if you happen to be pregnant or foreign-born, or poor or in imperfect health."
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From no, I won't to yes, we will. It’s official a record breaking number of women have won seats in Congress. Over a hundred women, more women than ever, were voted in including New Mexico’s Deb Halland and Sharice Davids, the Congress’ first 2 Native American women, and Davids is the first out lesbian Native American too. As anticipated, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a socialist Democrat, is now Congresswoman of New York. With the midterms behind us we’re looking at the roots of struggle for good governance in these United States, and hear among others from historian Jeff Biggers, dream defender Phillip Agnew and Niaz Dorry, Executive Director of the National Family Farm Coalition. Plus, women suffrage fighters, Susan B. Anthony and the voice of people's historian, Howard Zinn. Music Spotlight: “What the World Needs Now” a rework by Jonathan Butler, featured on “Close To You”, his tribute album to Burt Bacharach released on Mack Avenue. Support theLFShow
Someone scrawled KILL N@%gers on the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York this week, not thirty five feet from the headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE and the FBI.
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Anthony Flaccavento is running for the US House seat in Virginia's 9th district, a large, sparsely populated region in the southwestern corner of the state. We'll meet the people working on his grassroots campaign, a coalition of farmers, miners, students, seniors and activists that may serve as a practical blueprint for many Democrats competing in so-called "Red States". Music featured, Appalachian artist Nora Jane Struthers singing “Champion” to the tree sitters in the woods of Elliston, Virginia. Support theLFShow
Is Donald Trump responsible for unhinged violence against innocent people? Absolutely. You only have to look at Yemen to see that.
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For many, mass movements have made them aware of media's failure to inform and represent them. Activists are now working to make their own media, and to rebuild the empowering media infrastructures that have existed previously. This week, we visit a local, innovative radio station in Kingston, NY and talk to Pod Save the People's DeRay Mckesson, activist and author, about how he's turned social media into social justice.
10 years since the financial crash we've learned that there exists in the US not just one economy, but many, as well as many kinds of economic actors. From platform cooperatives to cryptocurrency, people are continuously building economic alternatives. So says Nathan Schneider, crusader for collective ownership and author of "Everything for Everyone: the Radical Tradition That Is Shaping The Next Economy." Plus, professor and author Virginia Eubanks on how government and corporations are erasing social services through unequal digital practices. Music: “You Are the One the World Becomes” by Morley, from her new album ‘1000 Miles’. Support theLFShow
"For a while last week, I thought I was in the wrong place. While the nation’s eyes were on the Kavanaugh hearings, I was in southwest Virginia, with a congressional campaign in rural America that big donors and DC Democrats don’t seem to care that much about."
_Our goal is to thrive, not just survive. By becoming a member, you sustain our independent, and grassroots-driven content! _
Food --- from where it grows, to where it goes, all of it matters to our bodies and our communities. We begin October with a conversation about how farmers are creating equitable food systems inside cities, from urban agriculture to worker-owned cooperatives. Guests: Susan Chin-Design Trust, Karen Washington-Rise & Root Farm and Ysanet Batista-Woke Foods. +Excerpts from Peter Coffin's "Music for Plants" Support theLFShow
"Cities accumulate capital, people, aspirations, and power. But, whose power? Whose aspirations? How can we find in the city a place of possibility?" These are the questions from Laura Flanders' opening statements at the Transnational Institute's convening on Transformative Cities in Amsterdam during July 2018. Music spotlight: disco remake of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" by Jason Eli Featuring Nathan Haines-Flute/Horns & Cherie Mathieson-vocals. Support theLFShow
"September 28, when a woman, Ana Maria Archila, stuck her foot in the door of an elevator and gave Republican Jeff Flake, a potential swing voter, a talking-to, and kept that foot in that door so that another woman, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, could do the same, as the cameras rolled, live. The video went viral."
_Our goal is to thrive, not just survive. By becoming a member, you sustain our independent, and grassroots-driven content! _
Despite efforts over the last two years to curtail progress for trans people by the current administration, trans activism has gained momentum and become prominent within the movement for queer justice. Laura speaks with Imara Jones, a trans activist, former policymaker, and host of The Last Sip on Free Speech TV about her work to amplify transgender narratives, on and off the screen. Music featured: Anohni of Antony & the Johnson's "Everything Is New" from the film “Turning” created in collaboration with Charles Atlas.
'Not long after the financial crash of 2008, I heard someone say, “It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.” Is it?'
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The Trump administration claims its response to Hurricane Maria was a "tremendous," "unsung" success. Yet, what has been truly tremendous since the hurricane is the will of Puerto Ricans building, organizing, and recovering . Reporting from CommonBound, Laura speaks to Edgar Gomez, a city official of Toa Baja, PR & education activists from the island, Ana Yris Guzman Toress-Nuestra Escuela & Nicolle Teresa Ramos-Universidad Sin Fronteras. Music: "We Rising Up" Climbing PoeTree.Support theLFShow
"This particular plaque for my father made me think about something else too. If it wasn't for inclusive design, I literally would not exist."
Check out our SPECIAL REPORT: Ableism Out, Independent Living Now!
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2018 has been a year of upheaval for students, in and out of the classroom. This week educators and education activists talk about educational justice, teaching in Trump times, and taking stock of the current state of education. We're joined by Natasha Capers, of the NYC Coalition for Educational Justice; Adam Sanchez, of Rethinking Schools & Zinn Education Project; and José Luis Vilson, of EduColor. Music Featured: "Could It Be” by Black Milk, Mass Appeal & “Don’t Believe the Hype” by Brownout, Fat Beats Records. Support the LFShow
On July 26th, marked the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Thousands of disability activists, including many of those who made this civil rights landmark a reality, convened at the National Council on Independent Living’s (NCIL) 2018 Annual Conference. Celebrating #ADA28 alongside disability activists allows us to revisit the story of how disability came to be a civil right, even as it was pathologized and co-opted into ableist narratives. How can we make this not a conversation about ability, but accessibility, one that is intersectional and empowering? This special report is a collaboration with the NCIL, with the help of our generous sponsors and donors. Support theLFShow.
Laura reports on a transatlantic experiment in cooperative community wealth building. In Preston, Lancashire, England, a formerly industrial city, the birthplace of the industrial revolution in many ways, they’ve seen ten years of austerity and partly out of need, and partly out of aspiration they’re practicing, experimenting, with a new model, the Preston model, and it’s inspired by a model in another formerly industrialized city: Cleveland, Ohio, the Evergreen Cooperative model. Check out part 2 HERE "Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Parties Radical Rise". Support theLFShow
Social movements and party politics - inherently at odds or natural allies? This week, in his first in-depth TV appearance, Maurice Mitchell, the new National Director of the Working Families Party, joins us in studio. Laura and Maurice discuss his activist background, the WFP's national and international vision, and how the organization is tackling this midterm election year. Music: “I Want to Believe” by UNA from their album "Noise of the Wing". Support theLFShow
Seattle Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7th) and Baltimore activist Dominique Stevenson discuss activism, political involvement and why leaders should consider running for office. Then Stevenson takes us on to a community farming project in Baltimore's Sandtown (Freddie Gray's neighborhood). Music featured: “Bruthas” by Paris Cesvette featuring Brutha Basil from her album “Celestial (My Journey Among Stars)” released on Groove Odyssey. Support theLFShow
Monopoly capitalism may be on its last legs! Economist Michael Hudson joins us to say his predictions on the Trump budget have come true and seem to suggest, more than ever, that capitalism is not only a disservice to the people, but it's also unsuccessful. Then, Stacy Mitchell and Joe Maxwell joined us at the 2018 Progressive Caucus Strategy Summit in Baltimore. Monopoly capitalism, they say, translates to monopolized power. Music featured: "Funkin' For the World" by Nona Hendryx on SoulClap Records. Support theLFShow
Entrepreneurship in St. Louis, MO; electoral organizing in Uniontown, AL; and community wealth building on urban farms in Detroit, MI. We hit the road to report on community wealth building. We visit activist and musician Tef Poe's barbershop, Frontline Stylez, a project spurred by the Ferguson uprising. Then, journalist Salaam Green on #BlackVotersMatter in Alabama, a movement led by grassroots coalition organizing, led by black women. Plus, Jerry Hebron and Bryce Detroit join us from Oakland Avenue Urban Farms in Detroit to discuss their plans to revitalize a central commercial district through property reclamation and community land trusts. #BlackLivesMatter #NewEconomics Music: “Y Va Caer” by Rebel Diaz feat Ana Tijoux.
The American with Disabilities Act turned 28 this July.Traditionally, Capitol Hill marks the day. The first two years of the Trump administration are the first, that the anniversary’s passed without official anything.
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This week Laura speaks to Edgar Villanueva, about being one of the very few indigenous people working in grant-making, and ask what he thinks Native American traditions have to teach philanthropy. His latest book is "Decolonizing Wealth". Then, a special report from the ‘United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues’ this past spring that included voices from the Rosa Luxemberg Stiftung and MADRE’s delegation of Indigenous Women Leaders from around the world. Music Spotlight: "Awakening" by Climbing PoeTree. Support theLFShow
Socialism is as close as your closest coop.
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What difference does a Party make? We talk about what's happening in the UK where one of the two main parties is picking up many of the radical demands coming out of movement groups seeking to transform the economy and society. In 2017, mainstream media predicted that the Labour Party would be crushed in the general election. Instead, it won its best result in 20 years, getting more than 40% of the vote under the leadership of life long socialist and anti-war campaigner Jeremy Corbyn. Although he didn't become prime minister, Corbyn did come close to unseating Theresa May, which one reporter described as a "nice vindication for Jeremy Corbyn." Support theLFShow
Our wars abroad and our wars at home. This week on the show, acclaimed graphic artist Molly Crabapple and Syrian journalist Marwan Hisham join Laura to talk about their collaborative book “Brothers of the Gun.” Then, a report by Jonathan Klett on a community in Wisconsin that mobilized to greet Republicans attending a Trump fundraiser: Voces de La Frontera. Music Spotlight: “No State Solution” by Free Radicals featuring Marcos, remixed by Lacandon. Support theLFShow
Pay no attention to what the media say about how undermined Jeff Sessions is. POTUS may bait him publicly via tweet. In private, at the DOJ, Sessions is a man on a mission to roll back civil rights and that’s just what he’s doing.
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Families torn apart at the border and through our prison system. Can we use this moment of public awareness to create change? Emani Davis, a long-standing advocate for children of incarcerated parents and Color Of Change's Rashad Robinson are this week's guests, plus an explainer on the Bail Bond System with Molly Crabapple and John Legend from Color of Change. Music: "Memory Lane" by Tomasia Got Flows & Stef-I. Support theLFShow
The following minicast features highlights from an Election special on Young Voters Hosted by Laura Flanders. The event took place a couple weeks prior to the NY Democratic Congressional primary election where Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated 19 year-incumbent Joseph Crowley. Produced by Globalvision, and a co-production of theLFShow, Free Speech TV, and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. Guests: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez- District NY-14 Congressional Candidate, Nathan Rubin- Millennial Politics, Catherine Vaughan- Flippable, Renaldo Pearson– Democracy Spring. Support theLFShow.
India in the throes of a fascism that echoes what we have in America. The country is undergoing a political upheaval with PM Modi at its front, and fueled by increased violence towards Muslims, queers, Dalits, women, and more. Our guest, Arundhati Roy, covers this vast breadth of ground in her second novel in 20 years, ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness', is now out in paperback. Music selection: “Into the Sun” by Grupal featuring Thenmozhi Soundararajan, from Grupal’s album Migration Music. Support theLFShow
"Smash society and you create craven people. Craven, from the early English word meaning crushed, defeated, overwhelmed."
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On this week's program, coproduced with the Democracy Collaborative, Laura reports on a transatlantic experiment in cooperative community wealth building. In Preston, Lancashire, England, a formerly industrial city, the birthplace of the industrial revolution in many ways, they’ve seen ten years of austerity and partly out of need, and partly out of aspiration they’re practicing, experimenting, with a new model, the Preston model, and it’s inspired by a model in another formerly industrialized city: Cleveland, Ohio, the Evergreen Cooperative model.
A certain handshake in Singapore dominated the news June 12, so you may have missed Virginia’s Democratic primaries.
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What would students in debt, worker coops, and entrepreneurs stand to gain from a public bank in the financial capital of the world? This week, Deyanira del Río- New Economy Project, Linda Levy, Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union & Cindy Martinez-Enlace on why it's more needed than ever - and what they're doing to make it happen. Then, the Public Bank NYC's recent launch action with NYC organizations, including NYPRIG; NYCC; and The Working World. Music: "Masters of Greed" by Rebel Tumbao, Spiritual Life Music. Support theLFShow
The commentary is an excerpt taken from our online-only interview with Chomsky, where the famed linguist analyzed the state of geo-nuclear politics, the crisis of climate change, and the need for international solidarity against proliferation. Check out all our web exclusives including the latest featuring Christine Hong: 'Nuclear Brinkmanship is Business As Usual for US-North Korea Relations'.
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Social movements and party politics - inherently at odds or natural allies? This week, in his first in-depth TV appearance, Maurice Mitchell, the new National Director of the Working Families Party, joins us in studio. Laura and Maurice discuss his activist background, the WFP's national and international vision, and how the organization is tackling this midterm election year. Music: “I Want to Believe” by UNA from their album "Noise of the Wing". Support theLFShow
For the first time, 18-35 year-old "millennials" and their even younger counterparts, “generation z” will be America’s single largest voting block – with power to swing the result, if they actually turn out to cast a ballot. The perennial question is, will they?
Write to Laura. She'd love to hear from you info@LauraFlanders.org
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Seattle Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7th) and Baltimore activist Dominique Stevenson discuss activism, political involvement and why leaders should consider running for office. Then Stevenson takes us on to a community farming project in Baltimore's Sandtown (Freddie Gray's neighborhood). Music featured: “Bruthas” by Paris Cesvette featuring Brutha Basil from her album “Celestial (My Journey Among Stars)” released on Groove Odyssey. Support theLFShow
Public banks serving public interests. Find out more about BLEXIT at NextCity.org and learn about the Banking for Justice campaign at NewEconomynyc.org and watch the Laura Flanders Show. Please write a review in iTunes.
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It seems like the only tech headlines we have are about disasters. But what about the original promise of tech to innovate and empower? Bex Hong Hurwitz-Data & Society fellow and Rashida Richardson-AI Now Institute, join Laura to discuss the subversive and democratic potential of technology, and how we harness it. Then, Kayleigh Walsh from the UK-based tech cooperative Outlandish - a model that centers on empowerment and sustainability. Music by Mia Doi Todd "Digital" City Zen Records. Support theLFShow
In this minicast, we speak to indigenous women leaders at the 17th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at the UN, New York. The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung—New York Office, together with the international women’s rights organization MADRE, welcomed a delegation of Indigenous women leaders from across the world to participate in the UNPFII. The session was titled "Local and Global Strategies for Countering Migration and Displacement." Support theLFShow
Housing affordability and power by design? This week on the show, Monique George of Picture the Homeless and Gianpaolo Baiocchi from NYU's Urban Democracy Lab & lead author of the Communities Over Commodities Report argue that a truly just housing policy requires a shift in power. Then [00:22:16], from our TED Women series, two architects who are combatting the effects of gentrification and serving low-income communities through innovative design. Music: “My Truth” by Groove Junkies and ReelSoul featuring Nichelle Monroe, released on MoreHouse Records. Support theLFShow
1980’s art both personal and political arose out of the AIDS epidemic. Two major NYC art exhibits – Peter Hujar: Speed of Life (Morgan, thru May 20) and David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake. What do the lives of these masterful artists have to do with the art and activism of today? Laura Flanders and her guests bring the exhibits together in a frank and probing discussion: David Kiehl, Joel Smith, artist Pamela Sneed-Visual Aids. Music: "Come On, Come On" Scott Hardkiss feat Lisa Shaw. Support theLFShow
"Would Well’s Free Speech have made it into my news feed on Facebook? I doubt it, because Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in a meeting with media executives May 1, that his company had started ranking news organizations by trust. News sources that score higher will be promoted, those with lower scores will be suppressed." Please write a review in iTunes.
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Many are protesting Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant's proclaiming April as Confederate Heritage Month, the last state banner to feature confederate iconography. The movement to change it has become a klaxon for the greater movement to take down Confederate symbols. Laura speaks with actress and activist Aunjanue Ellis about her organization Take It Down America, and why this movement is personal. +Genesis Be, returns to Mississippi to speak to a old friend who thinks the flag should stay. Support theLFShow
Two hundred dollars a year, to make private profits off public water is little for Nestle Water Company in the state of Michigan. When it’s what residents in Flint Michigan are paying every month to drink private water because the public supply’s been poisoned, it’s a lot. Become a member today. Thank you!
When it comes to the heart of the matter of art in New York City, what does a more equitable landscape for art and culture look like? Laura speaks with 3 guests who make it their job to figure out how we’ll democratize access to art and art making plus an example of what that looks like with Educated Little Monsters and Silent Barn. Betty Yu, Chinatown Art Brigade, Amin Husain, MTL Collective, and Charlotte Cohen, Brooklyn Arts Council. Music feat'd “Mask Off Remix” by ELM. Support theLFShow!
“Politicians and pundits tend to get excited about war, but the US-led strike on Syria of April 14th, was more of a show of weakness than of strength, veteran Middle East correspondent, Patrick Cockburn tells Laura Flanders.“ Patrick has reported on the middle east since the 1970's. Please take the time to write a review in iTunes. Our goal is to thrive, not just survive. Become a member today. Thank you!
Laura talks to SEIU International President, Mary Kay Henry (of the Service Employees) and labor journalist Sarah Jaffe about worker wins, challenges, and some new models for organizing. Then, a conversation with Palak Shah and Michelle Miller on a new online platform that's helping labor activists cooperate and win. Music: "Everyday People" by Groove Collective, released on Kufala Records. Support the show by becoming a member via our Patreon campaign.
As Israeli forces kill unarmed demonstrators for a third week in Gaza and while the US simultaneously prepares to strike Syria over human rights abuses, I spoke to Lana Abu Hijileh, Country Director-Global Communities, a Palestinian humanitarian and development professional attending the SKOLL World Forum conference in Oxford, UK, April 13, 2018.
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While the money media shifts to emerging social crises, many continue to struggle for basic supplies, medical care, and services including electricity. Our guests Edna Benitez and Damaris Whittaker Middle Collegiate and Ft Washington Collegiate Churches respectively and Amy Tidd, National Nurses United all are playing a part in community relief efforts. San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz on reaffirming show of support from Americans. Music: Borikén Keys by Baby Power. Why not become a LFShow member?
Related articles referenced: "When towns lose their newspapers, disease detectives are left flying blind" and How America's Largest Local TV Owner Turned It's News Anchors Into Soldiers In Trump's War Against the Media
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Monopoly capitalism may be on its last legs! This week, economist Michael Hudson joins us to say his predictions on the Trump budget have come true and seem to suggest, more than ever, that capitalism is not only a disservice to the people, but it's also unsuccessful. Then, Stacy Mitchell and Joe Maxwell join us at the Progressive Caucus Strategy Summit in Baltimore. Monopoly capitalism, they say, translates to monopolized power. Music featured: "Funkin' For the World" by Nona Hendryx on SoulClap Records. Support theLFShow via our new Patreon campaign.
March 21st, 2018 the Senate approved the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, or SESTA. Sex trafficking is terrible. No one’s for it. Everyone’s against it. What’s awful is what SESTA does, which is encourage big-tech companies to robo-police the internet, with extreme filters that won’t know a survivor story from a sex ad.
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Xenophobia, austerity, and an activated constituency -- there's a lot in common across int'l progressive fronts. From the Progressive Caucus Center Strategy Summit 2018: Raúl Grijalva, co-chair,Democrats' Progressive Caucus, Diane Abbott, Labour Party, Nancy Pelosi Minority Party Leader, Mark Pocan, co-chair of Dems' Progressive Caucus and Eduardo Maura, spokesperson of Spanish political party, Podemos. Why not become a LFShow member https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
SayHerName: Marielle Franco, assassinated last Wednesday, advocated for the rights of Afro-Brazilian woman. “She was executed because she was a black favela dweller who fought against the murder of black favela dwellers. The genocide of the black population continues in this country.”
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Why does independent media matter? Find out why. Our goal is to thrive, not just survive. By becoming a member, you sustain our independent, and grassroots-driven content!
Over 30million Americans are uninsured, and even more are sickened by the sky-high costs. While Congress seems sunk in a partisan fight over the Affordable Care Act, & Bernie Sanders Medicare for All bill nowhere near becoming law- though popular, might Big Business offer a way out? Guests: Ben Palmquist, National Economic and Social Rights Initiative & Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, Physicians for a National Health Program. Then activists from Brazil, Haiti, and right here in the U.S. on what healthy communities need to thrive. Music by Dawn Drake "Cross Crocodile". Support theLFShow via our new Patreon campaign.
We hear from some of the speakers and strikers present at the New York 2018 Women’s Strike. Unifying themes included an end to gender violence, a demand for adequate universal social services, the fight for labor rights, and the need for an anti-racist, anti-imperialist feminism. Guided by the tenets of a renewed radicalism, solidarity, and internationalism, the evening was an electric display of indignation where the spirit of hope permeated through the crowd. Support forward thinking media by making a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month.
Women's leadership on the screen, in the streets and on the world stage. This week, New Zealand's former prime minister, Helen Clark and filmmaker Gaylene Preston regarding their documentary, "My Year With Helen," about Clark's foiled bid to become the UN's 1st female Secretary General. Then we stop by the Athena Film Festival to find out why representation remains to important to leadership behind and in front of the camera. Music featured: Sharon Jones "Searching For A New Day". Support the show by becoming a member via our Patreon campaign.
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, Laura@LauraFlanders.com And please take the time to write a review in iTunes or wherever you get this podcast. Thank you!
Why does independent media matter? Find out why. Our goal is to thrive, not just survive. By becoming a member, you sustain our independent, and grassroots-driven content!
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"Some of us have too much of this world’s goods... and we are thereby separated too widely from each other," wrote Eleanor Roosevelt, the subject of Blanche Wiesen Cook's three-volume biography. For Women's History Month, Laura speaks to Cook about Eleanor - the First Lady of the World - and why her work still resonates. Plus, a documentary by filmmaker Ross Watne on Arthurdale, the experimental, government-funded community Roosevelt championed in Depression-era West Virginia. Music featured: “Superman” by violinist Richmond Punch featuring Christian LACE and Tomea Coleman from Richmond’s album “Finally”. Why not become a LFShow member? Do so and unlock more content. Help us reach our goal of $2G together by July!
Racial Literacy and Rural Solidarity, this week, Laura talks with two pairs of young activists. Jessica Campbell of the Rural Organizing Project and Lou Murrey of Stay Together Appalachia share tips on combating the right in rural communities. Then, Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi share their high school project - a crowdsourced racial literacy curriculum. Music featured: "Afro-Dixie Remix" by multi-media artist John Sims. Why not become a LFShow member https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Go to March For Our Lives for more information on the March 24th march. Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get this podcast, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
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Power politics and the politics of power - this time on the show, we talk with New York City’s Chief Resilience Officer, Daniel Zarrilli, about the decision to divest from fossil fuels and Clara Vondrich of Divest/Invest, one of the activist groups that helped make it happen. And journalist, Christian Parenti, author of "If We Fail" and "Tropic of Chaos" explains why he thinks we don’t demand enough of government, but extreme weather asks that we demand more. Music featured: “Climate Change Blues” by the Stop Shopping Choir. Support theLFShow at our website
What lies ahead for change makers in 2018, the right and the rest. Laura talks politics, culture, and economics with Tarso Luis Ramos, executive director of Political Research Associates, and Sarah Ludwig, co-founder of the New Economy Project. Plus, Laura tries to imagine a real human family? Music Featured: “Um, Did He Lie?” a parody commentary on SOTU by Parody Project with lyrics by Don Caron and “Walking with Fire” by Sylvia Black ft Jaleel Shaw. Support theLFShow at our website
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
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Architect Carl Anthony and activist Ashley Dawson in dialogue about the confluence of economic and racial inequality, and new forms of extreme weather. In the urbanscape, they argue, more inequality equals less resilience against climate disaster. [00:19:00] Then, Avery Bang from the non-profit Bridges to Prosperity, on how a community's access to bridges is a public right. Thanks to TED Women. Music featured: "Recycle" by Dub Poet Everton Sylvester. Watch our TV Show and More. Support this podcast http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
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Sponsor: Try the weekly meal kit delivery service 'HelloFresh' and get %30 off your first week w/promo code 'Laura30'.
What difference does it make when some people are left out of the picture? When police don’t keep data on queer women, for instance - or when the culture looks all white. Activist attorney Andrea Ritchie returns with her book, Invisible No More and Deborah Willis and Hank Willis Thomas - 2 generations of picture makers talk about mothers, sons and radical art. Thanks to TED Women for their collaboration on this report. Plus V20 call to action “My Revolution Lives In This Body” by Eve Ensler ft. Rosario Dawson from a film short directed by Deborah Anderson. Why not become a LFShow member https://Patreon.com/theLFShow
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Make a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
Can sanctuary exist in a state that still insists on broken windows policing? This week on the Laura Flanders Show, Ravi Ragbir and Sara Gozalo of The New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City describe pushing back state pressure and creating real sanctuary, communally, through partnering not policing.
We re-visit Laura's F-Word from 11 months ago on how the Trump administration has launched a Soviet era, McCarthyist witch hunt to catch "illegal" immigrants, that's not really about immigrants at all.
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Before #TimesUp, a history of successful collaboration between grassroots activists and celebrities was already realized. Laura talks to Eve Ensler, who will be returning to Broadway with a new play titled "In The Body of the World," about why our bodies must be connected to our politics. Then, an interview with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, of the hit show 'Grace and Frankie,' alongside Saru Jarayaman, president of Restaurant Opportunities Center United. Laura spoke to them in Detroit after they went to canvas door to door for a ballot initiative that seeks not only to win a single fair minimum wage, but to help build a broad progressive agenda in Michigan statewide. +Music featured by Maya Azucena.
theLFShow partnered with Project South covered the 2017 annual gathering of the Southern Movement Assemblies -- a living experiment in popular democracy and local self governance. Plantation politics, monopoly capitalism, incarceration instead of peace: a lot of the worst of the American experience has it roots in the US South, but so does much of the best, from slave revolts, to abolition, to organized labor and civil rights. If the country goes as the South goes, what grassroots progressives do here matters. Featuring music by Deep Seedz Collective.
Enjoy a minicast featuring several revolutionary poets who have performed on theLFShow including Cynthia Dewi Oka featured in revolutionary mothering an anthology giving voice to mothers of color and marginalized mothers, Janani Balasubramanian of Dark Matter, a trans gender south asian performance duo, Aja Monet author of “My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter” and from the movement music scene, Climbing Poetry.
This week a special report covering Trans National Institute's (TNI) gathering earlier this year in South Africa where participants exchanged thoughts and ideas in order to discover a New Politics. Laura Flanders has been part of an initiative promoted by the TNI incorporating activists and organizers from all over the world in a conversation about what many are calling "new politics." We're talking about alternatives, negotiating the space between Soviet-style socialism and Wall Street capitalism. This episode is a co production of theLFShow and TNI.
From taking power to making power, a special report from Athens, Greece where many are asking if progressives in government can change much at all if people don’t first change society. In 2015, anti-austerity Greeks were disappointed by the progressive left Syriza government, which they'd voted into office after the financial crisis, but the other things they did to meet society’s needs just might be sowing the seeds for transformation. Music featured: "Hook or Crook" by Antibales and "Histoire De Molly" by Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal. Please write a review where ever you subscribe to this podcast.
Enjoy our 'Year End Review'. Than, Equality Lab's Thenmorzi Soundararajan. Basic digital security measures can limit the impact of up to 85-90% of mass surveillance. Worried about your email getting hacked? Or annoyed by ads that know where you shop? Or an activist who wants to learn to encrypt their communications? Teach yourself how to secure your iphone or Android, network, identity, and communications against potential leaks, hacks, and more. Part of our digital security tutorial series. Support theLFShow!
Net Neutrality, it's not over yet, goto FreePress.net
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Tis the season to support theLFShow, make a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month. http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
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Can sanctuary exist in a state that still insists on broken windows policing? This week on the Laura Flanders Show, Ravi Ragbir and Sara Gozalo of The New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City describe pushing back state pressure and creating real sanctuary, communally, through partnering not policing. And to close out the show, Laura's weekly commentary on how ‘From Washington to Jerusalem - It’s not Reckless. It’s a wreck.’ Music comes by way of the collection 'Sweety G Toby presents: Shelter From the Streets’ benefitting the Book Bank Foundation.
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Tis the season to support theLFShow, make a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month. http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
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This week's Laura Flanders Show comes from Whitakers, North Carolina and the annual gathering of the Southern Movement Assemblies -- a living experiment in popular democracy and local self governance. Plantation politics, monopoly capitalism, incarceration instead of peace: a lot of the worst of the American experience has it roots in the US South, but so does much of the best, from slave revolts, to abolition, to organized labor and civil rights. If the country goes as the South goes, what grassroots progressives do here matters. For this special episode we partnered with Project South, an anchor organization of the Southern Movement Assemblies, and Laura was joined by co-host LaDie Mansfield. Music featured comes by way of Deep Seedz Collective
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'. Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Tis the season to support theLFShow, make a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month. http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
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This week on the Laura Flanders Show, Riane Eisler, author of the groundbreaking book The Chalice and the Blade, and The Real Wealth of Nations, discusses partnership and post-industrial economics. And Laura's weekly commentary, 'Wanted, This Christmas, A Media-Monopoly Bust Up'. Music featured includes "Matter of Time" by Sharon Jones & the Daptones, on Daptone Records and "Riding for 1,000 Years" by Surreal from Deep Seedz Collective.
This week on The Laura Flanders Show former prosecutor Paul Butler talks about his book Chokehold: Policing Black Men. And the film Dispatches from Cleveland documents the community organizing that changed the prosecutor's office in Cleveland in the wake of the killing of Tamir Rice. All that and Laura's weekly commentary don’t believe the Democrat hype about Election Night 2017.
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'.
Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Note to our podcast subscribers, you will receive weekly the F-Word in addition to the weekly show with your free subscription or you can subscribe to the F-word via itunes directly. Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Tis the season to support theLFShow, make a one time donation or become a sustaining member for as little as $2 a month. http://LauraFlanders.com/donate
This week on the show, resistance and revolutionary poetry: Aja Monet talks about free-speech, accountability, the poet June Jordan and the fight for Palestinian liberation. All that, and her new book My Mother was a Freedom Fighter.
This week a special report covering Trans National Institute's (TNI) gathering earlier this year in South Africa where participants exchanged thoughts and ideas in order to discover a New Politics. Laura Flanders has been part of an initiative promoted by the TNI incorporating activists and organizers from all over the world in a conversation about what many are calling "new politics." We're talking about alternatives, negotiating the space between Soviet-style socialism and Wall Street capitalism. This episode is a co production of theLFShow and TNI.
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'.
Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Note to our podcast subscribers, you will receive weekly the F-Word in addition to the weekly show with your free subscription or you can subscribe to the F-word via itunes directly. Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
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This month marks one year since the election of Donald Trump. The Laura Flanders Show released a special report at that time in which we asked our guests to reflect on social change. How it happens, how it doesn't, what they planned to do the day after the election to keep resistance movements alive and what they do to support their own spirits. One year later those questions matter more than ever, and our guests this week have their own take. Our studio guest is Reverend Jacqui Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church, she was a contributor to the 2017 collection Faith and Resistance in the Age of Trump. Then Adrienne Maree Brown, whom we caught up with in Detroit. She's the author of Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds. Music featured: “Love On High’ by Juan Hoerni ft. Terry Dexter, the title track of Hoerni’s sophomore album and Look Ahead’ by Honey Dijon, Tim K, and Sam Sparro from Honey’s debut album “The Best of Both Worlds”
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'.
Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Note to our podcast subscribers, you will receive weekly the F-Word in addition to the weekly show with your free subscription or you can subscribe to the F-word via itunes directly. Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Sign up for theLFShow e-newsletter and receive Laura's report on New Media for a New Economy: http://LauraFlanders.com/subscribe
This week, distinguished professor David Harvey joins us in the studio to talk about the spirals of capitalism and his new book Marx, Capital, and the Madness of Economic Reason. Then we meet with filmmaker Pau Faus who captured in his film Ada for Mayor the unlikely, successful, campaign of Barcelona's Ada Colau, from activism to governance. And Catalan Crisis or Capitalist Crisis? What’s happening in Spain is not only about ancient history. Music featured: El Run Run, by Ivan Lagarto ft'ing Ada Colau, Voces en Guerra by Opoloh featuring Diego Pedragosa and Cant de Batre by Maria Arnal & Marcel Bagés
This week on the show, Patri Ramirez Gonzalez from the Puerto Rico/Detroit Solidarity Exchange Network talks about grassroots plans to save family farmers and the ecosystem in Puerto Rico, and Trishala Deb, Asia regional director for Thousand Currents, a grant-making organization with partners across the world, shares hard won lessons from grassroots activists in Asia. Then from food justice and grassroots brilliance we'll hear from David Galarza Santa, a labor and community activist, about a Puerto Rican plan to recover, revitalize and resist calls for electricity privatization by building back different. Music Featured: Living on the Frontline, VJS & Keith Thompson, Corporate Cannibal, Grace Jones.
Laura Flanders' weekly commentary the 'F-word'.
Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com Note to our podcast subscribers, you will receive weekly the F-Word in addition to the weekly show with your free subscription. Please take the time to write a review in iTunes, it helps spread the word. Thank you!
Sign up for theLFShow e-newsletter and receive Laura's report on New Media for a New Economy: http://LauraFlanders.com/subscribe
Laura Flanders weekly commentary the 'fword'. This week, Surveillance. If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention and if you are, well the feds know about it.
Write to Laura, she'd love to hear from you Laura@LauraFlanders.com
Note to our podcast subscribers, weekly the F-Word will be coming to you in addition to the weekly show. And we will be launching a weekly mini-sode soon. Please take the time to write a review at iTunes, it helps spread the word and allows greater reach. Thank you!
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Going beyond the headlines of the Ferguson story. We'll talk with one of the directors of the documentary Whose Streets?. As the news cameras left Ferguson, Missouri, after the police killing of Michael Brown, Sabaah Folayan and her team stayed on to document what happens to people subjected to police violence as a matter of routine. And an F Word from me on surveillance. If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention and if you are, well the feds know about it. Music featured: selctions from Samora Pinderhughes’ album ‘The Transformations Suite’.
From taking power to making power. This week on The Laura Flanders Show, a special report from Athens, Greece where many are asking if progressives in government can change much at all if people don’t first change society. In 2015, anti-austerity Greeks were disappointed by the progressive left Syriza government, which they'd voted into office after the financial crisis, but the other things they did to meet society’s needs just might be sowing the seeds for transformation. Music featured: "Hook or Crook" by Antibales and "Histoire De Molly" by Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal. Please write a review where ever you subscribe to this podcast.
Harvey on Harvey. Marxist geographer David Harvey weighs in on natural and not so natural disasters and how we might organize our cities better to avoid them. And Thanu Yakupitiyage from _350.org explains _why climate justice requires that we make movements which will reverse our policies on refugees. Music featured: "New York Minute" by Nickodemus feat. The Real Live Show, Sadat X, ILLspokinN and Rabbi Darkside and “If I told You What I Know” by Climbing PoeTree from their album Intrinsic.
This week dreams and defiance. Award winning playwright and essayist Wallace Shawn, discusses his new book Night Thoughts, meditations and speculative dreams for a better world. And Ed Whitfield, from The Fund for Democratic Communities in Greensboro, NC, on cooperatives, consumer politics and impeachments. And the fword, where are the monuments to the motley crew? Music featured: “Heart Seed” by DJ Sun featuring Leah Alvarez and Martin Perna and “Funk That” by Nickodemus featuring The Illustrious Blacks.
Anti-Trump is not enough! This week, Laura Flanders show comes to you from Berlin. In the lead up to the German elections, the German left is saying that opposing Trump is simply not enough. But the left has work to do too, as we'll see. Then, two guests join us in Cape Town, South Africa to discuss new governance from the left. Music featured: "Histoire De Molly" by Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Segal, "Gentrified Children" by Congo Sanchez, and Scott Hardkiss mix of "Revolution" by the Hardkiss Brothers.
Revisit: We’re living in a time of economic babble, where politicians and economists throw out words like “reform,” “privatize,” and “austerity” to prop up corrupt capitalist opportunists. So says our guest this week, economist Michael Hudson, author of J is for Junk Economics. Plus, a report from Diverse Filmmaker’s Alliance on the Yemeni bodega workers who went on strike in New York to protest the Muslim Ban. Music featured: Antibales "Dirty Money" Daptone Records & Balkan Beatbox "Money" Crammed Discs.
This week we revisit a show from the archives, Adaku Utah, founder of healing collective Harriet's Apothecary, and J Bob Alotta, executive director of the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, which supports grassroots LGBTQ efforts across the globe. Utah and Alotta discuss what healing and healing justice would look like for communities under attack and in particular, for trans women of color and gender non conforming people. It's not enough to fund direct action or leadership training, say our guests; activist organizations have a responsibility to help their concerned communities heal from trauma, and to empower them towards fellowship and autonomy. Adaku Utah is a master herbalist, educator, and artist who is "armed with the legacies of a long line of healers, witches, priestesses and fearless women who refused to shut up." J Bob Alotta is a filmmaker, global activist, and one of the organizers of the Women's March on Washington.
Laura speaks with Aaron Tanaka, founder and director of the Center for Economic Democracy (CED) about his longtime advocacy and visionary work for the next system of solidarity economics. To change the circumstances of injustice, we have to build our communities’ governance power to take control of their economic resources -- so says Tanaka. Tanaka and the CED are one of the many organizations behind Boston’s Ujima program, which is funneling the discourse of democratic economics into the practice we need and helping communities of color direct their resources into the ideas they believe in, through a cooperative model of community budgeting. Music featured comes by way of Tenderflex ft. Dynasty Electric, Ayler Young, Jay Rodriguez and by George Martinez & The Global Block Collective released on Occupy This Album.
Can music make a movement? This week, legendary music producer Danny Goldberg takes us back to a time when "All You Need is Love" was not meant to be ironic, and we talk about his new book, In Search of the Lost Chord about the hippie summer of 1967. Then, from today's movement music scene, Alixa Garcia and Naima Penniman celebrate the release of their new album, Intrinsic and perform for us in studio. Music featured: Climbing Poetree, and Kriece & Ram Dass.
Throw out what you think you know about economics. This week, self-described “renegade economist” Kate Raworth of Oxford University, explains how to think like a reality based economist, and two eco-feminists, one from South Africa, the other Mauritius, share a chat under a tree, about Marx, feminism and life on the planet. All that and a few words from me on Venezuela and the President's obsession with Blood. Music featured: "Democrazy" by Chaka Khan & “I.P.C.C.” by Baba Brinkman from his album The Rap Guide to Climate Chaos. Please rate and write a review wherever you get this podcast. Thanks!
No is not enough', says Naomi Klein, so if no isn't sufficient, what might be? This week, Laura talks with author/activist Gar Alperovitz, co-chair of the Next System Project (a framework for imagining 'the next system' of governance, democracy, and security). From the gloom of today he sees the principles of a Pluralist Commonwealth emerging. Then a video from Local Futures, counts down the many changes that can come from investing locally. All that and a commentary from Laura on the Diggers and feeding while rebelling. Featured music comes by way of Bluey from Incognito, off his album "Life Between the Notes" on Shanachie Records.
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The GOP's anti-Obamacare push is defeated for now. But what if the debate over healthcare was as much about human and community health as it is about partisan politics? This week on the LF Show, health crusaders Loretta Ross and Lynn Paltrow explain why reproductive justice requires racial and class equity and Laura celebrates Oregon's new Reproductive Health Equity Act which moves everyone forward, together, regardless of income, citizenship status, and gender identity. Music featured: "New World In My View" King Britt presents Sister Gertrude Morgan, Rope a Dope Records and "Near the Black Forest" Vanessa Daou featuring the words of Erica Jong, from "Welcome to My Blues, Anthology", Daou Music & Kid Recordings.
Although cities across the country have announced themselves as sanctuaries, the queer and trans communities who defined this movement have been routinely failed by those same cities' adherence to regressive policing tactics. This week, Jennicet Gutiérrez, of La Familia Trans Queer Liberation Movement, and Hamid Khan, of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, join Laura to take measure of the contradictions found in state sanctioned surveillance of so-called sanctuary communities. All that and Laura's weekly commentary on Hell in Hamburg and how the G20 could have been worse’. Music included "Soil" ft Ursula Rucker & "Place Delight" ft Mary Griffin comes from Stephen Emmers' Home Ground project. iTunes subscribers please write a review and rate this podcast
Organizing in a Trump and Amazon World -- new concentrations of power are bringing forth new models of resistance. This week on the show, Cathy Albisa and Sabino Milian discuss the targeting of activists in immigration sweeps. Those ICE raids aren't that random they say. And as Amazon gets ever bigger, what happens to the workers behind your mouse-click? We’ll hear how low-wage warehouse workers are Raising the Floor from Sophie Zaman. Music comes by way of Eljuri from her album La Lucha. iTunes subscribers please write a review and rate this podcast
The lines between politics and branding have been blurred, not just in recent years, but in a gradual effort by corporations to commodify media and politics. So says our guest this week, Naomi Klein, joining Laura to discuss her most recent book No Is Not Enough. How will the movements of resistance and creation challenge a “reality tv politics?,” and where is it already happening? Klein sets out the map. Plus, a short report on water protector Red Fawn Fallis, who faces an imprisonment for life sentence as a result of her participation in the Standing Rock protests of 2016. And an F-word from Laura on the manifestos, Labour and Leap -- how their forward-looking ideas can guide us to alternative models of energy, economy, and equity. Music featured comes by way of Selan and Raye Zaragoza entitled "Water Is Life".
Money media keep telling us that Trump voters are sticking by him, but are they? And what do so-called swing voters really want? Working America, the community organizing affiliate of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., took to the streets of Ohio to find out. Matt Morrison, the deputy director of Working America, shares the findings of the Front Porch Focus Group, and we hear from some of the canvassers who knocked on all those doors. Plus, an F-word from Laura on why it’s business as usual for the Koch brothers in the states. Right wing funders know power shifts from the bottom up, not Trump-down. Sadly, the same can’t be said of our media.
Music featured in this weeks episode includes Magical Connection” by Sarah Vaughn from the ‘Feeling Good- Supreme Sounds of Bob Shad’ collection and “He Wants to Live Like You” by Diggs Duke from the Brownswood 10 Year Collection.
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A May Day Special Report from the Laura Flanders Show features the mass mobilization of the people on International Worker's Day 2017! May Day urges us to dream bigger, to set aside conservative notions of what is feasible and focus instead on what is just. This episode follows organizers as they present their visions of a better world - and what they're doing to build it. They raise the question: how can we work together to build the future available to everyone, meaning trans people, immigrants, workers, indigenous people, veterans, people of color, and women? From the broad based #BeyondtheMoment coalition uniting movements under the banner of Black liberation and anti-militarism, to the Day without Immigrants, which paints a chilling portrait of what our communities could become, this day is about what we'll build to exist 200 hundred years from now. Featuring Thaís Marquis (Movemiento Cosecha), UPROSE Brooklyn (Grassroots Global Justice Alliance), the New Sanctuary Coalition NYC, Agunda Okeyo (Hater Free NYC), Claude Copeland (Iraq Veterans Against the War), and more.
As always, we're forward-thinking media, looking to uplift solutions and solvers to a higher stage.
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This week, from the promises of Syriza in Greece to the demands of Brexit in the U.K: how two landmark events in Europe help to forecast the direction of its left. Helena Sheehan is the author of new book, "The Syriza Wave," chronicling what she calls the failure of Greece's radical left to deliver on its campaign. She's joined by Natalie, co founder of Matters of the Earth and organizer with Black Lives Matter UK. Ahead of the British general election, both guests gauge the temperature of a continental Left that could move away from austerity, incarceration, and xenophobia.
Music featured in this weeks episode includes "Danger" by afro-beat Nigerian soul sisters Lijadu Sisters from their 1979 album "Horizon Unlimited" and "Babylon Falling" by Thievery Corporations from their latest album.
Watch the Laura Flanders Show on KCET LinkTV (Dish 9410 and DirecTV 375); Free Speech TV (Dish 9415 and DirecTV 348); CUNY Tv and Manhattan Neighborhood Network-HD MNN Ch34; Roku Channel store. Episodes are also released on our Youtube channel
Listen to the Laura Flanders Show on Pacifica Radio Network Stations across the country including: WBAI, WLRI, WKPN, WOOL, KVOY, KCEI, WFTE, KAYQ, KGHI, WPPM, KFZR, KKRN, KRFP, KSVR, KSOW, KAOS, KMUD, KGNU, Global Community Radio, Equality Broadcast and more.
If, in the twenty-first century, credit is the new capital , what are the implications for our finances, but also our relationships? This week, Laura talks with Ivan Ascher, author of a new book on The Portfolio Society, and debt activist Pam Brown, about the implications of a society based on risk rather than labor. And we hear from Mandy Cabot, CEO of Dansko shoes who chose her workers over a corporate buyout. She's joined by Richard Eidlin, co-founder of the American Sustainable Business Council.
Be sure to check out the TV Show for more and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes Stitcher TuneIn and more, or simply download the episode.
Check out this weeks Fword via Soundcloud "Zombie Economics & Zombie Malls"
A new world based on community and collaboration is closer than you think. We can steward resources together, in fact, millions of people are doing just that. And not just in the history books. This week, from Kingston, NY, author and activist David Bollier, Co Founder of the Commons Strategy Group, explains what it means to Think Like A Commoner. Then, two activists engaged in Commons projects right now, talk about two very distinct but complementary Commons strategies -- one digital in Barcelona, the other rural, in Mozambique. Graca Samu is the director of the Global March of Women and Mayo Fuster is on the faculty of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University and a researcher at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The commons are no tragedy, say our guests, they're an opportunity to model ourselves on creativity and shared resources, instead of enclosure.
Systematic problems don't limit themselves to just the countries we know and hear about; racism, occupation, profiteering, these are global problems and the solutions, too, must look to the world. In our first interview of this week, Cazembe Jackson, a transman and anti-racist socialist organizer from Atlanta, speaks to how the American South is typically erased from activist conversations -- despite having some of the most practice in radical organizing under conservative administrations. Plus, a conversation between two women working on abolition, Johnae Strong (of BYP100) and Masera Maru (Rhodes Must Fall), and why the movement against anti-Blackness spans the world. Music featured "Black Man In a White World" by Michael Kiwanuka; "Equal Rights" by Company Freak ft Dawn Tallman
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How can we collaborate across skills, communities, and history to build new spaces? On this week's show, we talk to Pamela Shifman and Iris Bowen, two of the minds behind the Women's Building project, which is transforming a former New York women's prison into a space for activism, community, and reclamation. Plus, an interview with Yoav Litvin, author of 2Create, a book which documents the possibilities of creative collaboration for social and systemic change.
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A May Day Special Report from the Laura Flanders Show features the mass mobilization of the people on International Worker's Day! Before May Day 2017, we talk to organizers about what they imagine will come from this year's day of springtime resistance. People are rising up to call for transformative justice, and they are working towards it in new and creative ways. May Day urges us to dream bigger, to set aside conservative notions of what is feasible and focus instead on what is just. As always, we're forward-thinking media, looking to uplift solutions and solvers to a higher stage.
This episode follows organizers as they present their visions of a better world - and what they're doing to build it. They raise the question: how can we work together to build the future available to everyone, meaning trans people, immigrants, workers, indigenous people, veterans, people of color, and women? From the broad based #BeyondtheMoment coalition uniting movements under the banner of Black liberation and anti-militarism, to the Day without Immigrants, which paints a chilling portrait of what our communities could become, this day is about what we'll build to exist 200 hundred years from now. Featuring Thaís Marquis (Movemiento Coseche), UPROSE Brooklyn (Grassroots Global Justice Alliance), the New Sanctuary Coalition NYC, Agunda Okeyo (Hater Free NYC), Claude Copeland (Iraq Veterans Against the War), and more. #MayDay to #MemorialDay. For links go to our website. Or better yet, become a member!
On this week's episode, a question of how we can use direct action to create and sustain long-range, inclusive and effective movements with guests L.A. Kauffman and Jesse Myerson and later in the show Looking for leadership towards a just transition? Community building tactics for survival resilience and peace? Don’t look up, Look Down for expertise, say two organizers and they’re upbeat! Esteban Kelly of the US Federation of Worker Owned Coops and Elizabeth Yampierre from UPROSE.
Check out the Laura Flanders TV Show for the full interview with L.A. Kauffman and Jesse Myerson and a featured video on the 2017 Climate March. Stay tuned throughout the month of May for more from Esteban Kelly and Elizabeth Yampierre during our membership drive kicking off May Day 2017.
With the news around Brexit, we revisit an episode filmed last year in Ireland and reflect upon the Easter Rising of 1916. The question of Irish sovereignty still looms large. New challenges face the Irish in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and slashes to public spending in the North have ignited fresh waves of resistance. In this special report, Laura Flanders returns to Ireland, 30 years after first reporting on the so-called "Troubles". With photographer Paula Allen she takes a fresh look at Irish nationalism through the stories of socialists, anti-imperialists, anti-austerity activists and several generations of republicans. With Fintan O'Toole of The Irish Times, Sinn Fein TD Eoin O'Broin, Clare Daly TD, and more. Made possible by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting #pulitzercenter.
The chorus for radical action demands a versatile effort: it needs people power, initiative, and funding, but if we're caught between offense and defense, how do we take time to insure the well-being of our most vulnerable communities?
The Laura Flanders show this week features Adaku Utah, founder of healing collective Harriet's Apothecary, and J Bob Alotta, executive director of the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, which supports grassroots LGBTQ efforts across the globe. Utah and Alotta discuss what healing and healing justice would look like for communities under attack and in particular, for trans women of color and gender non conforming people. It's not enough to fund direct action or leadership training, say our guests; activist organizations have a responsibility to help their concerned communities heal from trauma, and to empower them towards fellowship and autonomy. Adaku Utah is a master herbalist, educator, and artist who is "armed with the legacies of a long line of healers, witches, priestesses and fearless women who refused to shut up." J Bob Alotta is a filmmaker, global activist, and one of the organizers of the Women's March on Washington.
Subscirbe to the weekly podcast, access the transcripts and to watch the TV show including the videos referenced in today's show go to: http://LauraFlanders.com
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This week, Angela Glover Blackwell, executive director of PolicyLink and former Obama advisor, has a long history of using policy for progressive, radical, change. Blackwell says this is a moment to protect and resist, certainly, but also a time to return to the roots that are our local neighborhoods, our cities, our suburbs and build something better with them. People must make demands of the system if the system is to change, says Blackwell.
Music featured in this weeks show included “Power to the People”_ by Basement Jaxx and “Revolution” by Afrolicious._
We’re living in a time of economic babble, where politicians and economists throw out words like “reform,” “privatize,” and “austerity” to prop up corrupt capitalist opportunists. So says our guest this week, economist Michael Hudson, author of J is for Junk Economics. Plus, a report from Diverse Filmmaker’s Alliance on the Yemeni bodega workers who went on strike in New York to protest the Muslim Ban.
And be sure to subscribe to Laura’s F-Word on why Donald Trump’s new budget isn’t about cuts -- it’s about conversions. The budget wants to convert public dollars into private funding for military research and spending, for the only government apparatus that never gets audited.
For more on junk, strikes, and capitalism go to our website. We get our support from viewers like you! www.LauraFlanders.com
Laura is joined by celebrated academic, organizer, and advocate Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, who is perhaps best known for coining the term intersectionality. And later in the show Laura is joined by Tarso Ramos of Political Research Associates, a human rights think tank that studies threats to democracy coming from various right wing sources, to discuss what all of us need to know about the women’s agenda of the Alt Right, and what sets the alt-right apart from other conservative factions. The answer might surprise you.
Music featured in this weeks show includes "Human Family" by Maya Angelou from her final album "Caged Bird Songs released on Smooth Music inc; "Make It Better" by Raul Midon from his album entitled "Don't Hesitate" released on Mac Avenue Records; and "Jungle Fever" by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band from their album "55" released on Brooklyn's Big Crown Records.
When feminism has come so far, how do modern day strikes, marches, and protest reflect the evolving and complex aspects of the movement, as well as its radical herstory? Featuring Jodeen Olguín-Tayler (Demos), Sarah Leonard (The Nation) + Cinzia Arruzza (Women's Strike, New School) + Nelini Stamp (Working Families' Party)
Donald Trump's tweets and divisiveness on Capitol Hill tend to draw the money media in and hold them there, but if progressives and the Left focus only on the beltway and the binary party debate, we'll never escape.
In this episode, Laura interviews organizers about going beyond Trumpism and Trump, with Color of Change director, Rashad Robinson; immigrant rights advocate Kica Thomas, and anti-war activist Medea Benjamin. Why not paper over our differences, if it will result in unity? What's happened to the anti-war movement? Where's the more expansive vision of the Left? And what's it got to do with immigration, trade and sanctuary? Rashad Robinson is the executive director of Color of Change, the nation's largest online racial justice organization (also featured in Ava DuVernay's film "13th." ) Kica Matos is the Director of the Immigrant Rights & Racial Justice program at Center for Community Change | Medea Benjamin is the co-founder of Code Pink, an NGO for peace movement working to challenge militarism, end U.S. funded wars and occupations. Her book, "Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection" is out now. The Laura Flanders Show brings you in-depth interviews with forward-thinking people, working to create radical change and shift power. Donate at www.lauraflanders.com/donate.
With the Trump administration embracing private prisons, and a crackdown on all crimes, how police departments operate will come under scrutiny. We treasure what we measure so why do police metrics count captures and kills but not conflicts resolved? Could a change in metrics change police practice? And is "progressive policing" an oxymoron with no place in a radical agenda?
Laura sits down with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman, and Professor Emerita Judi Komaki to discuss lowered crime rates, a decline in Stop and Frisk policing, and changing practices around drug arrests. A model can exist where there are trusting relationships between the public and police, but it needs data, training, and a change in attitudes -- on both sides, say our guests.
After serving as an NYPD police officer and New York State Senator, Eric Adams became the first Africa-American man to be the Brooklyn Borough President in 2013. | Donna Lieberman has been the executive director of the NYCLU since December 2001, during which time the organization has been a vocal critic of Stop and Frisk. | Judi Komaki is a professor emerita of organizational behavior, whose work focuses on how good data can improve organizations' policies.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is 25 years old, and yet, the shadow of a Trump administration looms over its vision to advance a progressive agenda. In this seemingly discouraging time, what does the CPC offer, and how does it stay progressive? In the ramp-up to the DNC Chair nomination, for which Keith Ellison (D-MN), chair of the CPC, has hotly campaigned, Laura travels to the 2017 Progressive Congress to speak to progressive leaders.
Joining Laura this week are CPC First Vice Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI); CPC Vice Chair Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA); CPC Vice Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY). Pocan and Lee bring to us an optimistic forecast for how progressive organizing will take on authoritarian and isolationist legislation. Jayapal and Clarke echo this sense of confidence in their caucus and constituents ability to organize. And all four celebrated Congresspeople reaffirm their belief in Keith Ellison’s ability to direct the Democratic party further left.
Rep. Mark Pocan was the first to introduce a bill to impeach Trump on the House floor; Rep. Barbara Lee has introduced a bill to protest Steve Bannon’s appointment to the National Security Council; Pramila Jayapal is the first Indian-American woman to serve in the House of Representatives, known for her leadership in FightFor$15 Seattle; Rep. Yvette Clarke has sponsored a bill to prohibit the use of federal funds to support the Muslim Ban executive order.
Trump has been critiqued, among other things, as the troll-in-chief. His presidential win can be credited to the rise of alt-right internet 'trolls,' complex bots, and the online harassment of his opponents. Our guest this week, Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit organizer, filmmaker, and activist, says the spread of online attacks comes with vast offline risks for communities in danger. When Steve Bannon, an avowed white nationalist, serves on the National Security Council, with access to the largest police and surveillance apparatus in world history, there's a problem we haven't even gauged yet, says Soundararajan. Laura speaks with Thenmozhi about the history of surveillance as a tool for state control and violence. And why, to build an effective resistance against the threat represented by Breitbart and the NSA, resources need to go to counter measures. Although the language of cybersecurity can seem overwhelming, simple tools and training can reduce an average person's risk by 80%, says our guest. For undocumented immigrants, women, and people of color, these practices can make the difference between life and prison. She and her colleagues know first-hand, from their own experience of a hack attack sourced to the extremist Modi government in India. Thenmozhi Soundararajan is the executive director of human rights and security startup Equality Labs, director of the film Dalit Women Fight!, and the first Dalit woman on Facebook. She is a transmedia storyteller, technologist, and journalist who has won countless awards for her versatile work. Find Equality Labs digital security one-sheets at https://www.equalitylabs.org/ #countersurveillance #digitalsecurity
Guest host Bhaskar Sunkara (editor of Jacobin Magazine) engages political voices Kate Aronoff and Jonah Birch in a conversation about the future of the Left: were the election results a testament to the decline of the Left, or is this a moment for a new left movement? When 13 million people in America cast a vote for a self described Democratic Socialist, is there hope to be found in a political movement propelled by the swamp in the White House? Our guests this week discuss how we got to Trump, and where we -- as progressives -- are going. Kate Aronoff is a writing fellow at In These Times, and writes for Truthout, Dissent, and the Guardian, as well as hosting the Dissent podcast. Jonah Birch is a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at New York University and a member of the International Socialist Organization, and also writes for Jacobin.
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Under the Trump regime, we’ll certainly have to be on the defense to protect the communities most likely to be attacked -- but we’ll also have to build powerful, alternative models where POC, Muslim, undocumented, disabled, and queer folks have leadership. In this week’s episode, Laura speaks with Aaron Tanaka, founder and director of the Center for Economic Democracy about his longtime advocacy and visionary work for the next system of solidarity economics. Tanaka wants to know if Trump will make us think think or act differently about extractive capitalism. To change the circumstances of injustice, whether it’s mass incarceration or mass displacement, we have to build our communities’ governance power to take control of their economic resources -- so says Tanaka. Tanaka and the Center for Economic Democracy are one of the many organizations behind Boston’s Ujima program, which is funneling the discourse of democratic economics into the practice we need. The Ujima project is helping communities of color direct their resources into the ideas they believe in, through a cooperative model of community budgeting. All this, and an F-Word from Laura on why we’ve got to look beyond personality politics to understand the actual culture that’s driving the nation’s voters.
Capitalism looks different to those who were once commodities, and that has implications for how we build a future not based in domination.
Supposedly, the far right have won. So what now? We ask our guests this week the same question, taking from a mixed pot of loss and success. Whether it's about the fight for reproductive justice in the South, or a movement for rural agency in progressive work, our guests offer some wisdom on what's happening now, and what's next as we head into the new administration.
The Facing Race conference, coordinated by Race Forward this November in Atlanta, brought together some of the most noteworthy names in progressive organizing right now. This week on the show, we have a special compilation of interviews from the conference with these very activists.
On this Holiday Special for the Laura Flanders Show Podcast, Laura speaks with Tarso Luís Ramos, executive director of Political Research Associates, about the far right's global dawn; Kim Diehl of the National Employment Law Project, on strategy for progressive movements.
For more on these organizations, check out our website at www.lauraflanders.com.
Supposedly, the far right have won. So what now? We ask our guests this week the same question, taking from a mixed pot of loss and success. Whether it's about the fight for reproductive justice in the South, or a movement for rural agency in progressive work, our guests offer some wisdom on what's happening now, and what's next as we head into the new administration. The Facing Race conference, coordinated by Race Forward this November in Atlanta, brought together some of the most noteworthy names in progressive organizing right now. This week on the show, we have a special compilation of interviews from the conference with these very activists. On this Holiday Special for the Laura Flanders Show Podcast, Laura speaks with Cara Shufelt and Jessica Campbell, of the Rural Organizing Project, on supporting rural mobilization; and Esha Pandit, from the Center for Advancing Innovative Policy, on reproductive justice victories in Texas.
At the Laura Flanders Show, we want to find the common ground that unites Americans, stories of progress, equity, and resilience -- to discover that there is more evidence of congress, than of division. Our guest this weeks speaks to some ways he has built a career on these very philosophies of equity and unity. Joining us for last new show of the 2016 year, is Anthony Flaccavento, founder of SCALE (Sequestering Carbon, Accelerating Local Economies) and author of "Building A Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up." Much of the Trump campaign and its cohorts campaigned for "trickle-down" economics -- the idea that, when those at the top (the 1%), do well, that prosperity "trickles down" to the bottom 10%. This concept has been disproven repeatedly. Flaccavento's experience and success in reinvigorating rural communities, which are often left out of macro policies, suggests one major way we can bridge the divides between these disparate parts of America. A resotorative, perhaps, for the shared economic struggles that led to Trump's ascent. Flaccavento hails from rural Virginia in Appalachian country, and has spent the last 25 years in community development advocating for directing government policy and resources towards building sustainable, thriving, rural communities. By building an economy from the bottom up -- that is, from the farm -- we make its foundations sturdy, says Flaccavento.
The Facing Race conference, coordinated by Race Forward this November in Atlanta, brought together some of the most noteworthy names in progressive organizing right now. This week on the show, we have a special compilation of interviews from the conference with a couple of these very activists.
On today's show we have Stephanie Guilloud from Project South and Suzanne Pharr, who founded the Woman's Project in 1981 in Arkansas.
For more on these organizations, check out our website at www.lauraflanders.com.
In the aftermath of the election, much has been said about what liberal government, media, businesses failed to do: contextualize his rise to office and connect with his voters to change their minds. In this episode, Laura interviews Adam and Arlie Hochschild, who have each spent their careers documenting the complexities of political behavior.
Arlie Hochschild, with pragmatic energy, undertook the work we’d all like to do: she left the liberal haven of Berkeley, CA to go to the Louisiana Bayou -- a stronghold of the conservative right. Hochschild interviews Trump voters about their “deep story,” what drives them and how they feel left behind by the same liberal policies they need the most. Her new book, National Book Award finalist, Strangers in their Own Land, hopes to find common ground with Tea Partiers and Alt-Righters beyond politics.
Adam Hochschild is a celebrated writer, cofounder of Mother Jones magazine, whose new book Spain in Our Hearts: Americans in the Spanish Civil War. Hochschild, author of eight books, writes with what the New York Times calls prose “constantly vivid yet emotionally restrained” about the struggle of young Americans who joined Spanish Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. In our current politically fraught time, Hochschild speaks to the hallmarks of fascism and how to mark its ascent.
On this week's episode, a special call to action against post-election complacency. Although many of us affected by this election will be embittered and jaded by the "nightmarish" election season, our guests this week, activists ranging from many backgrounds, communities, and ages have a thoughts on how we can continue to mobilize #AfterTheElection. Featuring words from a radical duo: Mab Segrest (Southerners on New Ground) and Agunda Okeyo (#GOPHandsOffMe). Read more at www.lauraflanders.com.
2016 is an exciting -- and precarious -- time to be an entrepreneur, particularly when you’re queer women. Serafina Palandech and her wife Jennifer Johnson, the founders of organic food startup, Hip Chick Farms, had to deal with a lot when they wanted to start their business. Now they’ve been able to secure an investment from Whole Foods (and Johnson’s cooked at the White House). But it hasn’t been easy, more like a misogynist gauntlet, in fact. Also in this episode: a visit with Mansfield Frazier, manager and founder of Chateau Hough, an award-winning vineyard in inner-city Cleveland. Chateau Hough employs local residents, formerly incarcerated workers, and youth as part of its project to invigorate the local community.
At the Laura Flanders Show, we say we talk with “tomorrow’s heroes today.” One of those could well be forward-thinker Pramila Jayapal, Washington State Senator, now running for Congress. If elected, Jayapal be the first south Asian woman in the House of Representatives. Jayapal describes herself as a “proud immigrant from India.” She founded Hate Free Zone (now OneAmerica) in response to hate and discrimination after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and played a big role in the push for a $15 minimum wage. Hear how Islamophobic racism, has shaped her campaign and why she believes politicians must address institutional racism head-on. Pramila Jayapal is running for Washington, U.S. House of Representatives, District 7.
Also running for Congress is Chase Iron Eyes, a populist candidate for indigenous voters and a leading organizer for the #NoDAPL fight. We talk with Iron Eyes about lifting up in the face of oppression. Chase Iron Eyes is a Native activist and attorney, and a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
All this, and Laura’s F Word on opening highways not gates.
Are we stuck in a two-party gridlock, or is there still room for democracy? Ralph Nader, former presidential candidate and famed political maverick, joins us to discuss what really constitutes “people power” when it comes to this election. Known for his lifetime advocacy for electoral reform and corporate accountability, Nader talks about what the 2016 election’s taught us about the need for a government overhaul. For Nader, the choice between what he calls a “warmonger” and an “empty suit,” is no choice at all. But that doesn’t mean voters can’t make a difference, especially on Congress.
Nader is the author a new book, ”Breaking Through Power: It’s Easier Than We Think.” Also in this episode, a look at those most integral to this election: the voters, with a retrospective from the Democratic National Convention, and an F Word from Laura on winner-take-all media coverage.
It may seem at times like theres a thousand movements to be a part of, a thousand and one tragedies in the news. How do we keep ourselves accountable to the communities we truly care about? Is "diversity" enough? And how do we stop ourselves from panicking? Our guest this week, celebrated journalist and author Jeff Chang takes on some of these questions. According to Chang, hope isnt yet lost and really, were going to be alright -- if we work together. Connecting the dots between modern American resegregation, the 2016 elections, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the hip-hop generation, Chang paints a picture of distress. Yet, theres power in this, says Chang. Collaboration, the likes of which we see in successful movements everywhere (Movement for Black Lives, #NoDAPL), can ebb the flow of oppression. Jeff Chang is the co-founder of CultureStr/ke and Colorlines. He currently serves as the executive director for Stanford University's Institute for Diversity in the Arts. latest release, We Gon Be Alright, from Picador, is in stores now. Also in this episode, we see a movement in practice at Standing Rock in Ohthi akwi territory. Indigenous activists and nations across the country are joining together in a historic effort to protect the water and defend the land against corporate energy. These indigenous leaders can teach us a lesson about doing radical work, even when facing improbable odds. Find out more at www.lauraflanders.com. For Jeff Chang's other works, http://jeffchang.net/
Credits––
Executive Producer: Laura Flanders Senior Producers: Anna Barsan, Jonathan Klett Editing: Tina Miller Social Media and Outreach Associates: Danica D'souza, Monica Mohaptra Guest: Jeff Chang, Lyla June, Cody Hall Music: Diego Chavez, "MoyenAge" Morgana Warner Evans, "Which Side Are You On" Lyla June, "Rise Up"
This week, we are joined by economist and professor Pavlina R. Tcherneva, who says the current practice of gender-blind and race-blind fiscal policy lacks visions and helps no one. Congress, according to Tcherneva is focusing on the wrong things. A self ascribed feminist economist, Tcherneva says feminist fiscal policy is real, not simply ideological, and should be a central part of the American economy. We'll encourage growth, she says, by creating employment -- not the opposite. And employment begins with targeting women and racial minorities as the benefactors of policy. Pavlina R. Tcherneva is assistant professor of economics at Bard College and author of “Full Employment and Price Stability: The Macroeconomic Vision of William S. Vickrey.” Tcherneva is famously known as the author of the chart produced by Bernie Sanders on the Senate floor. The chart reiterates one of our modern truths: how post-Reagan economic growth in America multiplied growth for the 1%, but reduced wealth for 99% of Americans.
Part 1 of our field reports from the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, or Seven Council Fires Community, at #StandingRock in Cannonball, North Dakota. Representatives from hundreds of nations have travelled to #StandingRock to defend their right to clean water, and more, to preserve their sovereignty against a state that has illegally decided to take this land. They are protectors, not protesters. Their historic effort is bringing attention to a long struggle against environmental racism, indiscriminate raids, and genocidal erasure. We follow the story and the story of how these communities, Standing Rock Camp and Red Warrior Camp, have come to be egalitarian and holistic actions. Featured in this documentary are two of the indigenous leaders working with the community: ] Michelle Cook - Legal Counsel for Očhéthi Šakówiŋ camp (Diné - The One Who Walks Around You Clan), and Terrell Iron Shell of Thunder Valley Organizing and the International Indigenous Youth Council (Oglala Lakotah, Eastern Band Cherokee). “We’ve been here. We know how to take care of the land. Just listen to us.” For more information, go to www.nativeorganizing.org, or ienearth.org. Support this coverage at www.lauraflanders.com/join.
Few words have had as little presence in the 2016 election as “socialism,” which was raised briefly in one of the earliest primary debates. Yet socialism could have a future in America, our guests this week argue, if we just think about it differently. Joining us this week are Bhaskar Sunkara and Sarah Leonard, co-editors of of a new essay collection titled “The Future We Want: Radical Ideas for the New Century.” Sunkara and Leonard say that people aren’t scared of socialism taking their money, they’re scared of Wall Street taking their money. In fact, in a socialist future, money might actually go where it’s supposed to: back to the people. Taking on intersections of class and race, class and gender, our guests explain the logistics of moving towards a socialist future. Sarah Leonard is a senior editor at the Nation, contributor to famous left-wing publication Dissent, and lecturer at NYU Gallatin. Bhaskar Sunkara is the editor and publisher of Jacobin magazine, a left-wing quarterly magazine recognized for offering socialist perspectives on contemporary issues. Also in this episode: a montage from our DNC coverage as we head into election heat. Who is the 99.99% and what do they want?
The struggle for Black economic independence: Not a lot of people, particularly people of color, have had a chance to design a new community, to be different and equal, co-owned by its residents. In 1969, Shirley Sherrod co-founded a collective farm in Lee County, Georgia. At 6,000 acres, it was the largest tract of black-owned land in the United States. What happened to the New Communities land trust they planned? Let's just say they were way, way ahead of their time but their time just might be coming back.
Shirley Sherrod is a long time civil rights organizer, and trainer. You may remember the scandal when right wing propagandist Andrew Breitbart doctored a tape of her and got her fired from her appointed post as Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture . Today, Sherrod sits on the executive committee of the Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative for Economic and Social Justice, a collective of women leaders in the South. All that and a commentary from Laura on America’s scapegoating of our poorest residents.
A social justice group that invites white people to fight racism is spreading like wildfire in the US. From 12 to 150 chapters in two years. Clearly a whole lot of white people are interested in fighting systemic injustice. But how? This week's guests have dedicated their lives to grappling with that question, for the sake of making real change. They are both organizers, educators, and feminist anti-racist activists.
Dara Silverman is the former Executive Director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice and is currently the National Coordinator for SURJ: Showing Up for Racial Justice, a network with over 100 chapters and affiliates across the United States moving white people into action for racial justice. Chris Crass is the former co-coordinator of Catalyst Project, an antiracist training organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. And the author of two books, Towards Collective Liberation: Anti-Racist Organizing, Feminist Praxis, and Movement Building Strategy and Towards the “Other America”: Anti-Racist Resources for White People Action for Black Lives Matter.
In this special episode, the Laura Flanders is at the scene of the Republican National Convention -- but while the party is on inside Quicken Loans Arena, much of Cleveland is still grieving. The 2014 death of Tamir Rice still rests in the minds of many city residents, but it is not the only one. And death is a topic; at the RNC, the rhetoric is targeting those who fear the death of middle class chances and white-working class jobs. There's a reality to that too, in a city where the normal family incomes are half the national average. In a city that's hurting, in a country that's hurting, who is speaking to all this hurt? The LF Show are on the ground speaking to Joel Anderson and Cassandra Johnson, the family of Tanisha Anderson, killed by Cleveland Police in 2014. They continue to await justice. Other guests include Jim Mason, Goodyear Unit President and member of United Steelworkers of America; Harriet Applegate, Executive Secretary at North Shore AFL-CIO; Imam Paul Hassan, Cleveland Interfaith Activist; Deb Kline, Director of Cleveland Jobs for Justice; and performances by Prophets of Rage. For behind the scenes, highlights, and more - follow us on Facebook! With special thanks to our supporters, Link TV, and Free Speech TV.
Bernie's success as a mainstream, socialist presidential candidate has taken most commentators by surprise; even after he'd been mathematically counted out of the Democratic nomination race, support for Bernie Sanders kept coming in. One person who wasn't surprised though, is this week’s guest, Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant. Kshama is a teacher, activist, organizer, and a member of Socialist Alternative. She was a visible presence in the Occupy Movement, and an activist in her union, the American Federation of Teachers Local 178. In 2013, Sawant ran for Seattle City Council on a platform of fighting for a $15/hr minimum wage, rent control and taxing the super-rich to fund mass transit and education. She defeated a 16-year incumbent Democrat to become the first socialist elected in a major US city in decades, and the first socialist on the Seattle city council since 1877. On the show, Sawant discusses the radical potential of Bernie's politics, the possibilities for Socialism in America; and argues that the Democratic Party's anti-Trump strategy, with Hillary at the helm, is critically flawed in the long run. Also on the show, Greek alternative energy expert Ioannis Margaris discusses going from theory to practice in the Left government in Greece. All that and a few words from Laura on Liberal Democrats and Rosa Luxemburg.
Palak Shah discusses The Good Work Code, an attempt to bring comprehensive worker’s rights to Silicon Valley. And Yochai Benkler asks why the people who create all the content on Facebook - you and me - don’t own it. All that and a commentary from Laura on Apple's questionable borrowing practices. Palak Shah is Social Innovations Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. In addition to helping create The Good Work Code, she has worked in state government, for Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, and in the grassroots, from Los Angeles’ Bus Riders’ Union to Generation Five and Oakland Rising, both in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yochai Benkler is author of The Wealth of Networks: How social production transforms markets and freedom. He is Berkman Professor of Entrepreneurial Legal Studies at Harvard Law School, and faculty co-director of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.
3.5 million Americans in Puerto Rico are in dire crisis. The island territory is mired in debt and facing imminent default. Media coverage has blamed the last twenty years - when tax breaks were rolled back and loans extended. But this week’s guests say the root of Puerto Rico's problems go deeper than that - to US colonial rule. If colonialism's at least in part the culprit here, it's pretty ironic that the solutions on offer from Congress seem so colonial as well.
This week, journalist Ed Morales and activist Charles Khan talk about the roots of the problem, and how a colonial approach to a colonial problem just might not do it. Later in the show, we visit with the Urban Bush Women at their Summer Leadership Institute, a training program for artists and organizers held every year in New Orleans. Founded in 1984 by choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Urban Bush Women seeks to bring the untold and under-told histories and stories of disenfranchised people to light through dance. All that and a few words from Laura on Yale University’s outrageous aversion to paying taxes.
Charles Khan is the Organizing Director at the Strong Economy For All Coalition, a Coalition of Labor Unions and Community groups fighting for economic equality, equal funding of public schools, and corporate accountability in New York State. He is also a leader of the HedgeClippers - an activist group taking on the Hedge Funds.
Ed Morales is a journalist who has investigated New York City electoral politics, police brutality, street gangs, grassroots activists, and the Latino arts and music scene. He is also the author of "Living in Spanglish and The Latin Beat: From Rumba to Rock." He also co-directed a documentary called "Whose Barrio?" and is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race.
One hundred years after the Easter Rising of 1916, the question of Irish sovereignty still looms large. New challenges face the Irish in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and slashes to public spending in the North have ignited fresh waves of resistance. In this special report, Laura Flanders returns to Ireland, 30 years after first reporting on the so-called "Troubles". With photographer Paula Allen she takes a fresh look at Irish nationalism through the stories of socialists, anti-imperialists, anti-austerity activists and several generations of republicans. With Fintan O'Toole of The Irish Times, Sinn Fein TD Eoin O'Broin, Clare Daly TD, and more. Made possible by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting #pulitzercenter.
Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill talks about the secrets he’s learned about our government’s assassination programs, and how our military policies are leading to more oppression at home as well. Then, Laura visits Ireland for the anniversary of a one hundred year old rising against empire, and her commentary looks at the undeserved power of hedge fund managers. Jeremy Scahill is an award-winning investigative journalist and a founding editor of The Intercept. He is the author Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield, and a producer of the film Dirty Wars, which was nominated for an academy award for best documentary. His newest book, co-written with the staff of The Intercept, is The Assassination Complex: Inside the Government's Secret Drone Warfare Program.
A bank founded by a garment workers union, and a global ice cream company founded by a couple of hippies from Brooklyn. Keith Mestrich, President & CEO of Amalgamated Bank, talks about running a big bank with a social justice mission. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream talk about Bernie Sanders and progressive business principles - do they exist? Later in the show, Laura comments on the rise of automation - is it the end of human connection?
Can the wealthy save the rest of us from themselves? Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer tells us what’s wrong with rich people, and former Goldman Sachs Vice President Raphaele Chappe tells us about her work to even the playing field between the 1% and the 99% with the Robin Hood Hedge Fund.
On this special Mother’s day episode, guest host Alexis Pauline Gumbs explores revolutionary mothering with a panel of guests including China Martens, Mai’a Williams, Victoria Law, and Cynthia Dewi Oka. Self-described Queer Black troublemaker and Black feminist love evangelist Alexis Pauline Gumbs is the author of Spill: Fugitive Scenes, coming later this year from Duke University press. China Martens is the author of, among many other works, The Future Generation: The Zine-book for Subculture Parents, Kids, Friends and Others, and co-editor of Don’t Leave Your Friends Behind: Concrete Ways to Support Families in Social Justice Movements and Communities. Mai’a Williams is a former journalist for teleSUR English and author of two books of poetry. Victoria Law is the author of Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women. Cynthia Dewi Oka works at Grassroots Global Justice Alliance and her book of poems, Nomad of Salt and Hard Water, was a 2015 Pushcart Prize Nominee.
Author and professor Peter Linebaugh discusses his new book, The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day. Later in the show filmmaker Avi Lewis discusses worker-owned factories in Argentina, and Laura focuses on the intersectional feminism of 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons. Peter Linebaugh is professor emeritus at the University of Toledo, and the author of many books, including the Magna Carta Manifesto; Stop Thief, The Commons, Enclosures and Resistance, and his newest, The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day. Avi Lewis is a filmmaker known for The Take, co-directed by Naomi Klein, and This Changes Everything, a documentary on climate change and resistance, released in 2015.
This Week: Making sense of the election season with a historian. From Confederate monuments to election politics to utopian communities, Eric Foner discusses today’s politics through the legacy of the past, and Laura takes a new look at a hundred-year-old proclamation. Foner is DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, is one of this country's most prominent historians, and the foremost expert and the civil war and reconstruction. He is the author of more than 20 books, including many classics, such as Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men: The Ideology of the Republican Party Before the Civil War; Nothing But Freedom: Emancipation and Its Legacy; and Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. His most recent book is Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad.
The Moral Mondays Movement in North Carolina is building a powerful, grassroots, struggle against the right wing. Laura talks with Reverend Dr. William J Barber II, the architect of that movement about Moral Mondays, Reconstruction, #BlackLivesMatter and morality and LGBT rights. Later in the show, we visit protesting workers from a Trump Casino in Las Vegas and Laura discusses bullies on TV, politics, and power.
Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is the progressive Chicago politician who forced conservative Democrat Rahm Emanuel into the first run-off in that city’s history. Dan Cantor is the cofounder and national director of the Working Families Party. Before co-launching the WFP, he was a union organizer in New Orleans and Detroit; a community organizer in Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri; and Labor Coordinator for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1998 presidential campaign. The two talk with Laura about how they see a path for progressives to change the Democratic Party, and national politics. Later in the show, Steve Phillips discusses the importance of cultural competence in electoral politics. Phillips is a civil rights lawyer, co-founder of PowerPAC.org and the author of th new book Brown Is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority
Single Payer Health Care, Free College for all and an end to subsidies for fossil fuel - if Bernie Sanders’ agenda sounds more progressive than his opponents', why have so few Progressive Congress people endorsed him? Laura asks Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, why so few members of his caucus have supported Bernie Sanders. Also in the show, middle east expert Phyllis Bennis tells Laura why we need more discussion of war and peace in the race for the White House. Phyllis Bennis is a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington DC. Her latest book is Understanding ISIS & the New Global War on Terror: A Primer. Also, a few words from Laura on cooperation among rival nations.
Author, activist Sarah Schulman, cofounder of the Act-Up Oral History Project, is out with a new novel, The Cosmopolitans, in which a group of mid-century East Villagers pull together to survive gentrification and modern life. Meanwhile, musician Lupe Fiasco is starting a tech entrepreneur program in one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods - we have an exclusive report. And with so much to spend public money on, asks Flanders in her weekly commentary, why are tax payers subsidising church?
Author Craig WIllse and organizer Imani Henry discuss housing, homelessness and the role of nonprofits in change-making (or not). Plus, an exclusive report from an upstate New York farm that's feeding people while fighting the school-to-prison pipeline. All that and Laura, inspired by Chicago’s teachers, wonders when we’ll be ready for a grand national sick out.
Can residents determine how their cities change? They can certainly have an impact, say Aaron Bartley and John Washington of People United for Sustainable Housing (P.U.S.H.) in Buffalo, New York. PUSH Buffalo brings people together to create sustainable neighborhoods with quality affordable housing, green jobs and next generation infrastructure. Could their model apply where you live? Also in this show, Laura discusses the “great corporate buy-up” of our cities. Is that public plaza public, private or who knows?
From poisoning Flint to bankrupting Main Street, can residents regain a say in what happens in their communities? In this episode, Laura discusses race, gender, and banking with Gwendolyn Hallsmith, the author of Vermont Dollars, Vermont Sense, and she asks Michigan Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence who - and what - failed the people of Flint, MI. Plus an F Word from Laura on shedding light on dark money. What might media cover if they weren’t so obsessed with Donald Trump?
Laura Flanders and guest host Pamela Brown learn from pirates, hustlers and hackers about how to build economic alternatives right here, right now. Alexa Clay is a co-author of The Misfit Economy: Lessons in Creativity From Pirates, Hackers, Gangsters, And Other Informal Entrepreneurs. Micky Metts is a hacker, activist and organizer, as well as a member of Agaric, a worker-owned cooperative of web developers. Janelle Orsi, co-founder and executive director of the Sustainable Economies Law Center, is a lawyer, advocate, writer, and cartoonist focused on cooperatives, the sharing economy, and community-supported enterprises. All that and a few words from Laura on free speech and democracy for workers.
Trans South Asian art duo Darkmatter is comprised of Alok Vaid-Menon and Janani Balasubramanian. They are deeply engaged in the connection of art and social justice, and have been performing to sold-out crowds in New York and internationally.
Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, is one of the most recognized street artists in the world. She has brought her art from the streets to galleries and museums. Among her recent projects include creating musical houses in New Orleans, a ceramic tile factory in Pennsylvania, a floating city on rafts in the Mississippi River, and rebuilding a community in Haiti post-earthquake.
Can a socialist choose Hillary over Bernie? Playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner discusses Socialism, Zionism, Hollywood, and the 2016 elections. Tony Kushner has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, an Emmy Award, two Tony Awards, two Academy Award nominations, and President Obama presented him with the National Medal of Arts in 2013. Last fall he was entered into the National Theater Hall of Fame - and no wonder; among his plays are Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes; and The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures. His many screenplays include Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln and Munich. He has also written or edited several books, including Wrestling with Zion: Progressive Jewish-American Responses to the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict. Later in the program, Laura visits with a Roma Gallery in Hungary that embraces Hip Hop and bell hooks. All that and a few words from Laura on recent political upheavals in Hungary.
This week Laura and Viggo Mortensen discuss heroes, outlaws, empires and justice in the Middle East. Academy Award-nominated actor Viggo Mortensen has appeared in scores of movies, including The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, one of the highest grossing film series of all time. What you may not know is he's also a poet, photographer, musician and painter. He speaks four languages, and he is the founder and publisher of an independent publishing house, Perceval Press. The twelfth anniversary edition of Perceval's collection of essays in response to the Iraq occupation: Twilight of Empire -- was released this winter with essays by Mike Davis, Amy Goodman, Jodie Evans and Dennis Kucinich among others - and a forward by Howard Zinn. This episode also features a few words from Laura on Hillary Clinton - her warmth and her wars.
Laura, discusses race, gender, feminism, and socialism with author Zillah Eisenstein. And an exclusive report from the Damayan Cleaning Cooperative, the first Filipina migrant worker-owned cooperative in the US. And a few words from Laura on the path forward for a new economy.
From sex workers in the US to prisoners in Guantanamo, artist and journalist Molly Crabapple has been there. Her bold and powerful work has also taken her to Abu Dhabi's migrant labor camps, and with rebels in Syria. Her new memoir, Drawing Blood, was just released in December. She is a contributing editor for VICE and has written for publications including The New York Times, Paris Review, and Vanity Fair. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. This episode also features a commentary from Laura on the dark magic of the art market.
Six years ago this month, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake. Billions of dollars in aid were pledged but little made it to the people in need. Why did that happen? Today on The Laura Flanders Show, Antony Loewenstein talks about Disaster Capitalism and the great Caribbean feminist Jacqui Alexander gives us a rare interview. All that and a few words from Laura on laissez faire capitalism - that isn't.
Today on The Laura Flanders Show: Naomi Murakawa indicts liberals for growing the system of mass incarceration, and we take a look back at our coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement. All that and a few words from me on mandatory minimums in 1790 and since.
The Laura Flanders Show in in Los Angeles talking about women and work. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas shares about her work with the Black Workers Center, and we visit with domestic workers who marched to Washington to meet with the pope. All that and a few words from me on the surprisingly low-cost emergency that can throw almost half of all Americans into a crisis.
Eric Mann from The Los Angeles Bus Riders Union talks about why working people from LA are attending the climate talks in Paris. And Ecuador's former Finance Minister Pedro Páez on when they renegotiated loans, cut debt payments and reinvested in the local economy. Plus a commentary from Laura on lessons learned from a 19th century African statue.
Land and food has been used as a weapon to keep people of color in second class status, in this episode Laura looks at the ways it can be used as a tool for liberation. Laura speaks with Jalal Sabur & Raymond Figueroa, who are using fresh food to rebalance the scale and dig up the school to prison pipeline. Jalal Sabur is the co-founder of the Freedom Food Alliance, a collective of farmers, political prisoners, and organizers in upstate New York, and Raymond Figueroa, Jr. works with the Friends of Brook Farm, an alternatives-to-incarceration program that works with young people affected by the prison system. Also in this episode, fisherman Bren Smith is modeling a future for fishing after fish - with Kelp Farming. All that and a few words from Laura on giving thanks and food power.
The “surveillance-industrial complex” has profound, but poorly understood impacts on our political, structural, economic, and cultural lives, says Hamid Khan, director of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, board member of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Political Research Associates, and Youth Justice Coalition. Also in this episode, we meet the students that forced Columbia University to divest from private prisons. And Laura on US government spying on Black Lives Matter movement activists.
Can one of the founders of the craft website Etsy.com - valued in the billions of dollars - lead a change in the way we do business? Etsy.com is the world’s largest certified socially responsible business, and they have now launched Etsy.org, a business education program for businesspeople who want to make a better world. Laura speaks with Matthew Stinchcomb, the Vice President of Values and Impact for Etsy.com, and the founder of Etsy.org; and Donna Schaper, Senior Minister for Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village and author of several books, including the upcoming The Time Famine, as well as a collaborator on Etsy.org. Also in this episode: The WORX Printing Cooperative gives a short history of unjust trade, and Laura discusses New Economy Week.
Like all men held at Guantanamo Bay, Mohammed el Gharani, who was imprisoned at the age of 14, is barred from entering the USA. But American artist Laurie Anderson found a way to bring him to the states, via telepresence. Laura talks with Anderson about presence, absence and the questions raised in Anderson’s latest attention-getting performance, Habeas Corpus. We also hear from el Gharani, who was held at Guantanamo from 2002 until his release in 2009, about prison-camp solidarity, the prisoner who is his hero, and his thoughts on slavery and the Middle Passage - then and now. All that and an F Word from Laura on a long, 40 second delay.
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The climate crisis is our best chance to build a better world - and the people most affected by the destruction are in the forefront of coming up with alternatives. We'd better listen to them. That's the message of a new film from this week's guest, Avi Lewis, director of the new film This Changes Everything, inspired by the bestselling book by his wife Naomi Klein. Avi Lewis co-created and hosted the award-winning Al Jazeera documentary series Fault Lines, and The Big Picture on CBC Television. His first documentary, The Take, followed Argentina’s legendary movement of worker-run businesses. Also: Laura discusses women leading the charge for change around the world.
Mercy - more and more people are talking about it in the context of the masses of Americans incarcerated. but is mercy enough? Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama, has done a lot to push this debate to the front. Also in the show - how you can be a part of EJI's history marking project. Plus a few words from Laura on the high cost of giving a cold shoulder to the poor in Hillary Clinton's neighborhood.
How does race and racism affect in your life? Anti-racist activist and writer Tim Wise is the author of six books, most notably his highly acclaimed memoir: White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son. His latest book, Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America is out this month. Also, New Orleans youth discuss how racism affects their lives. All that and a few words from Laura on security forces that stink.
Professor and author Greg Grandin talks about the enduring influence of Henry Kissinger's bloody and brutal foreign policy. Greg Grandin has been examining Empire in all its forms across seven books, including his latest, _Kissinger’s Shadow, _out this month. A professor of history at NYU and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Grandin writes on US foreign policy, Latin America, genocide, and human rights. He also served as a consultant to the United Nations truth commission on Guatemala. And Laura discusses war criminals in Guatemala and in the US.
Will the future be better or worse for workers? Peter Frase says with more tech tools, there's more leisure in our future, as there should be. He also is convinced that capitalism will end. Peter Frase is an editor of the magazine Jacobin, and has a book coming out next year from Verso Press, Four Futures. Also on this episode: Part two of our interview with Boots Riley, a poet, lyricist, MC, screenwriter, activist, organizer, radical, and founder and frontman of Oakland-based hip hop group The Coup. Boots Riley was also one of the most influential voices and leaders of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and is the only known musical artist whose surveillance by intelligence agents has been exposed due to Wikileaks documents. All this, and Laura discusses war, refugees and Dick Cheney's second home.
Fighting government repression through art and action: Laura interviews Ellen and Rachel Meeropol, a mother and daughter each seeking change -- one through the litigation and one through fiction. Ellen Meeropol is the author of two novels that deal with law, justice and government surveillance. Her most recent book, On Hurricane Island, explores a fictional secret domestic detention camp for citizens. Ellen's daughter, Rachel Meeropol, is the senior staff attorney at Center for Constitutional Rights, where she works on prisoners’ rights, Muslim profiling, and the criminalization of dissent. These issues have affected both of their lives. Ellen’s father and mother in-law, Rachel’s grandparents, were Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, who were executed by the US government as spies. Also on this episode: Part one of our interview with Boots Riley, a poet, lyricist, MC, screenwriter, activist, organizer, radical, and founder and frontman of Oakland based hip hop group The Coup. Boots Riley was also one of the most influential voices and leaders of the Occupy Wall Street movement, and is the only known musical artist whose surveillance by intelligence agents has been exposed due to Wikileaks documents. All this, and Laura takes a look back at Occupy Wall Street...and the politicians getting slandered now.
How do we break America's addiction to guns and gun violence? We talk with a young man who served ten years in prison on a gun-related crime and hear from cultural critic Jeff Chang about the cultural changes that have and haven't transformed America. Marlon Peterson spent his entire 20s in prison, charged with second degree murder, and convicted of attempted robbery and assault. Five years after his release, he's now a Soros Foundation Justice Fellow, working to end gun violence and increase community safety in New York City through the creation of zones where no one will need to carry a gun—not even police officers. Jeff Chang is an author, historian and cultural critic. He is the author of Can't Stop Won't Stop, A History of the Hip-Hop Generation, and Who We Be: The Colorization of America. Also in this episode, Laura discusses a prison-free state.
A look at the historical and present-day connections between democracy, land, housing and economic development. The history of the US is packed with people of color and poor people who’ve been stripped of their rights - to vote, to wages, to housing or even just the right to stay in the country - through incarceration, segregation, slavery and deportation. For just as long, black communities have created safety, and won a say in democracy, through buying and keeping land cooperatively. It’s not just history, either. Mark Scott is an organizer of #blacklandmatters, a group working today, and Tia Powell Harris is the director of the Weeksville Heritage Center, Brooklyn’s largest African-American cultural institution, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the 19th century African American community of Weeksville - one of America’s first free black communities. This episode also features an exclusive report, Cooperation vs. Gentrification: Bed Stuy Strives to Stay Local, which explores ways people in the Bed Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn are using co-ops to find ways to benefit local communities and prevent the displacement caused by gentrification.
Will labor endorse Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, or someone else? Larry Hanley began driving a bus in 1978, at age 21, in Brooklyn, NY, and attended his first union meeting soon after. He’s now international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union which represents some 200,000 bus drivers, rail operators, mechanic and station attendants across the US and Canada. Since his election in 2010, he has been outspoken on everything from greening the economy to outsourcing of public sector jobs and racism. He was also the first union president to speak up about the 2016 US presidential election, and he was supportive of Bernie Sanders. Also in the show, Morrigan Phillips tells us about how to bring science fiction and fantasy into social change and direct action.
Ten years since the flooding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, we look at the recovery, what worked and what didn't, with an extended interview with a former insider turned outsider. Oliver Thomas was city council president at the time of Hurricane Katrina, and was on his way to becoming the city's next mayor. Within a few years, he serving time in a federal prison, having pled guilty to taking a bribe related to permits on a parking lot. Now, he's a radio show commentator and activist, and discusses what went right and what went wrong in the recovery. We then hear another view on the recovery from New Orleans poet Sunni Patterson.
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What might a global Black Lives Matter movement look like? A discussion with Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi, a Black feminist writer, communications strategist, cultural organizer, and co-founder of the BlackLivesMatter Network. She is also executive director of the US' leading Black organization for immigrant rights, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. Also, we look at Chicago's successful campaign for reparations for the Jon Burge police torture. All that and a few words from Laura on patriarchal pretexts for racist killing, and how she isn't Dylann Roof's woman.
A conversation about capitalism with two brilliant minds, Cornel West and Richard D. Wolff, together in a rare joint appearance. Richard D. Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, and author most recently of Capitalism’s Crisis Deepens: Essays on the Global Economic Meltdown 2010- 2014/ Dr. Cornel West has written or edited dozens of books, including classics like Race Matters, and Democracy Matters. His most recent is Black Prophetic Fire, written in conversation with Christa Buschendorf. Also in the show, activist Manju Rajendran tells us about a small business that is successfully operating under an anti-capitalist economic paradigm. And Laura raises questions about the record-setting settlement with BP over drilling disaster in the Gulf Coast.
This week's episode focuses on modern warfare and US imperialism. Is drone warfare here to stay? It’s one of the few things Republicans and Democrats agree on. Andrew Cockburn has been a rare critical voice on the subject. He is the Washington editor of Harper’s magazine and the author of several nonfiction books on war and international politics. His new book is Kill Chain: The Rise of High-Tech Assassins. And later in the show, an excerpt from a new film about a young man held in the US prison at Guantanamo - Fahd Ghazy.
How do we shape our future, right now? Author and architect Keller Easterling discusses the role architects should take to shape a better world, and the invisible systems used by corporate power to exert control over populations. Also in this episode, we speak to scientist Helen Caldicott about facing the nuclear threat. All that, and a few words from Laura on police and women in crisis: the real vs the "seemingly violent".
Safety: every law enforcement officer and every politician tells us that they're for it. And yet for many, police are a problem in their communities, and today's policies are only making things worse. If what we're doing isn't the answer. What is? We explore this issue, and what we all need to learn from the disability justice movement, with this week's guest. Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha is a queer disabled writer, performer, poet, healer and teacher, inspired by poets and authors June Jordan, Suheir Hammad and Audre Lorde. She is the author of several books of poetry, including Consensual Genocide and the Lambda-award winning Love Cake. She has a new book of poetry called Bodymap, and a memoir, Dirty River. out this year. She also co-founded the performance group Mangos With Chili and is an editor of The Revolution Starts At Home: Confronting Intimate Violence in Activist Communities, a book that grapples with the difficult idea of addressing violence without police. All this, and Laura discusses the roads less traveled.
Protests against police violence continue across the US, and this week's episode continues our exclusive reporting on the movement behind the protests. How are the legacies of the eras of slavery, reconstruction, and Jim Crow still with us today? Laura talks to civil rights lawyer, advocate, and legal scholar Michelle Alexander about citizenship and the prison industrial complex. Michelle Alexander is author of the best-selling book _The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, _a book which has taken on even more urgency in the current protest moment. This episode also features an exclusive new report from Baltimore, with a look at the issues behind the recent uprising, from housing to education to jobs, and Laura connects the issue of lead paint in Baltimore homes to the death of Freddie Gray.
How is the Black Lives Matter movement reshaping models of social movement leadership? We continue our ongoing conversation on Black Lives Matter with another of the movements cofounders, Patrisse Cullors. Patrisse is an artist, organizer and freedom fighter. She is also the founder and executive director of Dignity and Power Now, based in Los Angeles. Among her projects are the Coalition to End Sheriff Violence, and she recently directed a theatrical piece titled POWER: From the Mouths of the Occupied, based on community stories of police violence. Also in this episode, artist and revolutionary Kai Lumumba Barrow discusses her new "visual opera," set to premiere in New Orleans on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and Laura explores the links between police violence in the US and internationally.
The two state solution has been declared dead too many times to count. But have we turned a corner? In the last Israeli elections, Prime Minister Netanyahu raised alarm about Palestinian citizens voting, and declared his opposition to a two state solution. This week's episode airs 67 years after the founding of the state of Israel, known to Palestinians as the Nakba, or tragedy. To mark the occasion, we speak to both Israeli and Palestinian activists.
Ronnie Barkan is an Israeli activist, a conscientious objector and co-founder of Boycott from Within - a group of conscientious Israelis who support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. He represented the Popular Struggle Coordination Committees at the European Parliament in Brussels, where he challenged EU institutional complicity in Israeli violations. Then we go to Gaza for an exclusive conversation with Dr. Haidar Eid, a Professor of Postcolonial and Postmodern Literature at Gaza's al-Aqsa University. Dr. Eid is a leader in the Palestinian movement for one democratic state, and a member of the steering committee of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. All this, and Laura discusses Gaza's missing millions.
In 2014, a 12 year old Georgia girl faced expulsion and criminal charges after writing on a locker room wall of her Middle School. A Detroit honors student was suspended for her entire senior year for bringing a pocket knife to a football game. In 2013, an 8 year-old girl was arrested for acting out. A 12 year old girl was threatened with expulsion unless she changed her hairstyle. Those are just some of the stories told in a shocking report released this year by the African American Policy Forum whose director joins us to talk about Black girls and the school to prison pipeline. Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw is a Professor of Law at UCLA and Columbia Law School, and is a leading authority on the overlapping contours of racial and gender bias. She is the Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum and the Center for Intersectionality - a term she coined - at Columbia Law School. Also in this episode: We go from the fate of our future generations to the fate of our parents and grandparents, with excerpts from CARE, a new documentary about the crisis of elder care, and those trying to do something about it. All this, and Laura discusses who's missing from all the talk about incarceration.
Many people know of Mumia Abu-Jamal as a journalist and political prisoner. But did you know he’s also a Star Trek fan? That’s one of the many revelations in the new book Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements, a collection of visionary fiction from Walidah Imarisha and Adrienne Maree Brown. Adrienne Maree Brown is a writer, organizational healer, facilitator, pleasure activist, and Science Fiction scholar, among many other roles. Walidah Imarisha is an educator, writer, organizer, filmmaker, spoken word artist, prison abolitionist and activist. In addition to editing Octavia’s Brood, she has written two books of poetry, Scars/Stars and the upcoming Angels with Dirty Faces: Dreaming Beyond Bars. They explain that for them, social change and science fiction are the same thing. Also in this episode: journalist and US political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal calls in via Prison Radio to read his essay for Octavia's Brood about what the film Star Wars has to say about US empire. Also, Laura discusses the Age of Acquiescence.
This week is US tax week, a good time to ask what will it take before we have a mass movement in the US offering economic alternatives. We explore this question with two guests who are in the trenches of the new economy movement. Stacy Mitchell is co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and directs its Community-Scaled Economy Initiative. She is the author of Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses. Esteban Kelly is the Co-Executive Director of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and a member of AORTA: The Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance, a worker-owned cooperative devoted to strengthening movements for social justice and a solidarity economy. Also in this episode: it's five years since BP caused the largest environmental disaster in US history, and we show scenes from the devastation on the US Gulf Coast, and from private gatherings of oil company executives. Also in this episode, Laura talks about corporate crime, taxes, and the cost of doing business, big business's way.
Where do art and social justice meet? From early roles in films like Bob Roberts and Five Corners to her award winning roles in plays including Wit and Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, to her current starring role in the award-winning Showtime series The Affair, Kathleen Chalfant is one of the most acclaimed actresses in the US. She has also been an outspoken advocate on issues like Middle East peace and incarceration. This episode also looks at Stanley Cohen, a radical lawyer who has represented Hamas and other official US enemies. Cohen is going to jail in a case seen as payback from the US government for his unpopular cases.
Jesse Hagopian is part of a movement challenging the regime of high stakes testing in U.S. schools. Global Warming, war, poverty, violence against women, disease... None of these problems can be solved by A B C or D thinking, he writes in a new book, so why do we continue to sink hundreds of millions of dollars into just that sort of test? Jesse Hagopian teaches history and is the Black Student Union adviser at Garfield High School in Seattle which made history when teachers, parents and students there chose to boycott the standard test in 2013. He's also editor of the new book More Than a Score: The New Uprising Against High-Stakes Testing. This episode also looks at ground zero in the school reform movement with a short film about the privatization of schools in New Orleans.
Alicia Garza is the co-creator of Black Lives Matter, and also Special Projects Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She helped start "Black Lives Matter" as a call to action for Black people after the killing of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Women are at the heart of this movement. Specifically young Black women - many of them calling themselves queer. We talk about what this movement wants and where it's going. From there, we look at other systemic issues facing Black communities in the US, through Even The Walls, a short documentary about the members of a public-housing neighborhood in Seattle grappling with the forces of gentrification.
With marijuana legalization passing around the US, are we finally entering the last days of the War on Drugs? Johann Hari had an early start as an op-ed columnist for The Independent at 23. Since then, he has written for the New York Times, the LA Times, the Guardian, Le Monde, Slate, the New Republic and The Nation among others. His new book, Chasing The Scream, is a bracing look inside the War on Drugs. This episode also looks at what resisting the war on drugs looks like at the grassroots, with a profile of Reverend Kenneth Glasgow and his organization T.O.P.S. - The Ordinary People Society. T.O.P.S. is an extraordinary criminal justice reform organization run by former prisoners in Dothan, Alabama.
In celebration of International Women's Day, GRITtv featuring leaders of the global women's movement, Agnes Pareyio and Monique Wilson plus a look at women of color's fight for rights with Standing on My Sister's Shoulders and Hillary Clinton's White Feminism with Laura's F-Word.
Ai-jen Poo, Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and Co-director of the Caring Across Generations campaign, has been organizing immigrant women workers since 1996. In 2000 she co-founded Domestic Workers United, the New York organization that spearheaded the successful passage of the state’s historic Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in 2010. As Co-director of Caring Across Generations, Ai-jen leads a movement that is reshaping labor and inspiring thousands of careworkers, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, and lawmakers. She received a 2014 MacArthur genius grant and was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and Newsweek’s 150 Fearless Women list.
The US media has been breathlessly reporting the spin about Uber, the $40 billion dollar car service that until recently was called "ride-sharing" by the AP. Bhairavi Desai, co-founder and Director of the Taxi Workers Alliance, presents the other side - including Uber and similar services' effects on the California cab industry, and workers' rights and the changing face of "work" in the US. Plus, Esther Cooper Jackson, creator of Freedomways, on fighting for equal rights for almost a century.
A short documentary in partnership with Toolbox for Education and Social Action. Watch as we go through concrete steps for building economic alternatives by creating worker-owned cooperatives. Featuring conversations with worker-owners from Union Cab; Ginger Moon; Arizmendi Bakery, Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance (AORTA); New Era Windows; and more.For supplementary materials from Toolbox for Education and Social Education, visit store.toolboxfored.org/own-the-change/
Is the economy recovering, or is the system itself the problem? Economist and philosopher David Harvey on money; which he calls "the great corrupter". Professor David Harvey is one of the world’s leading Marxist thinkers and most prolific writers on class warfare, capitalism, crisis and how we find our way out. Harvey has also coined key social movement concepts, such as the idea of "the right to the city". His latest book is Seventeen Contradictions and the End of Capitalism. Also on the show: a look at a meeting of movements as activists from Black Lives Matter travel to Palestine.
Why is it so hard to invest your money locally? Grassroots activists trying to build economic alternatives in the US encourage investing in the businesses in your neighborhood, instead of in far-off corporations. However, it turns out that it’s not so easy to move your money; there are even laws against it in the US. Laura Flanders talks with local finance expert Michael Shuman, and profiles a grassroots success story, CERO Group, that’s funding its start-up without deep pockets or Wall St cash. Find out more at grittv.org.
What is the fallout from Obamacare on the movement for universal healthcare, and is there any hope for change in the US electoral system? A discussion on organizing within the system with Chuck Pennacchio, Executive Director of Health Care 4 All Pennsylvania and founder of Citizen Solutions for Pennsylvania. He was also a 2006 US Senate candidate. He’s a longtime advocate of publicly-financed, privately-provided universal healthcare, and an organizing veteran of 34 years. Then, from the US to Greece, we speak with Yiannis Bournous, a leader of theGreek leftist political party Syriza, which is poised to win the January 25 elections. We ask him how they did it ad what their plan is. And, in commentary, Laura talks about Boko Haram, and asks why much of the media is silent...
The Laura Flanders Show on GRITtv is a weekly interview show with new movement leaders, unheard activists and commentary from Laura Flanders. Subscribe for more content and visit us at grittv.org.