XRNOW!: Recent Episodes
Extinction Rebellion Los Angeles
Extinction Rebellion Radio brings you the people and orgs engaged in direct action and civil disobedience to address the climate and ecological emergencies. plus intersecting causes, both in Los Angeles and around the world.
Rebecca’s new research uncovers how 70 years ago, Big Oil and what’s now the Western States Petroleum Association responded to a smog crisis in LA by creating a disinformation campaign that has since become the playbook for corporate destruction of our planet.
Evan joins us as part of Climate Defiance’s national recruitment tour to share strategies for confronting the multi-trillion dollar fossil fuel cartel using non-violent civil disobedience.
Greenpeace’s Democracy Campaign Director joins us to discuss the $300 million lawsuit by pipeline giant Energy Transfer, falsely claiming Greenpeace led the Indigenous resistance at Standing Rock.
Team XRNOW! -- Cate, Andrea, Eric & Steven -- on despair, hope, and everything else we’re feeling following election day 2024.
The Deputy Director of Amazon Watch shares urgent breaking news from Amazonian Indigenous leaders now gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the 16th year of Biodiversity COP.
The Deputy Director of Amazon Watch gives us a tough look at the fires currently threatening the very heart pump of our global weather system, which are already far worse than the devastating fires of 2019.
We’re joined by the co-founder of The Freenet Project to break down how Freenet’s soon-to-be-released global, decentralized platform can help individuals bypass Big Tech gatekeepers, empower uncensored climate reporting, combat misinformation, and amplify voices for environmental justice.
We’re joined by the co-founder of The Freenet Project to break down how the soon-to-be-released global, decentralized platform can help individuals bypass Big Tech gatekeepers, empower uncensored climate reporting, combat misinformation, and amplify voices for environmental justice.
We’re joined by the Senior Organizer for Southern California Food and Water Watch to discuss everything from the campaign to shut down Aliso Canyon to SoCal Gas’s role pushing the Angeles Link Hydrogen pipeline project, part of the larger attempt by the fossil fuel industry to greenwash business as usual by selling so-called “Green Hydrogen.”
We’re joined by the Senior Staff Attorney for Communities For A Better Environment (CBE) to discuss the recent, surprise California Superior Court ruling in a suit brought by one of LA’s biggest oil companies, which restricted the city’s ability to ban new oil projects and accomplish its planned phase-out of existing oil infrastructure.
We’re joined by two of LA’s leading youth activists ahead of their fifth Youth Climate Strike September 20, which promises to bring union and workers’ rights groups into our local movement, acknowledging that the climate crisis impacts us all, especially the workers who keep this country running.
In just five short years of consistently showing up for XRLA and allied organizations, Eric has become a leader in the city’s activist scene, known for his stalwart capability and compassion. He discusses the sense of community he’s found at XRLA, and the importance of building meaningful relationships in the movement at large.
Communities for a Better Environment attorney Theo Caretto helps us see through the greenwashing of Hydrogen, revealing a dangerous attempt by the oil cartels to perpetuate the toxic legacy of fossil fuels.
The author of the 2018 essay “Deep Adaptation” that inspired many in our movement, Jem Bendell joins us to discuss his new book, Breaking Together: A Freedom-Loving Response to Collapse, which author Aaron Vandiver called “a signpost for people made politically homeless by the craziness of the last few years.”
Only 18 months after Peter Kalmus and Rose Abramoff were kicked out of the American Geophysical Union and Rose lost her job for bringing Scientist Rebellion to a major scientific conference, the Ecological Society of America embraces the Rebellion with inclusion on its official program. Jennifer Krauel and Marina Salmon join us to explain how they made it happen.
A timely visit with two of the Rebellion’s leading White Coats as they prepare for an action at the Ecological Society of America Conference in Long Beach, CA, calling on scientists everywhere to raise their voices on behalf of the planet.
Robin takes us through the changing seasons of the XR movement, from the spring of its formation through the Pandemic winter, and into the current moment of massive government repression.
A timely interview with the co-founder of Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain, just after five JSO members received four-and five-year sentences for planning a peaceful protest on a Zoom call, and just before the new Oil Kills initiative hit tarmacs across Europe.
We’re joined by Martin Winiecki of the Tamera Peace Research & Education Center in Portugal to examine the climate and ecological crises through the lens of water in anticipation of the upcoming online “What Does Water Want” summit, and the documentary Water Is Love: Ripples of Regeneration.
On the heels of a historic collaboration with XRNYC to stage Enemy of the People in Times Square, a wide-ranging conversation with the team behind Theater of War about participatory performance as a mode of engagement to improve communication across political divides.
Two of LA’s water gurus join us to demystify the political chicanery behind the systems that bring water to our faucets, from the Metropolitan Water District to the Governor’s office. Topics include the Delta Tunnel, the Cadiz water grab, and the Hydrogen solution illusion.
We’re on the ground with XRNYC and Theater of War for their historic takeover of Times Square to perform Henrik Ibsen’s Enemy of the People starring Bill Murray, plus a panel discussion and audience participation.
In advance of a historic piece of activist theater starring Bill Murray in Times Square, we’re joined by part of the crew making it happen.
In an episode brought to us by Andrea León-Grossman from Vote Solar, we learn the ins and outs of Community Solar, including the potential environmental justice benefits, and the obstacles in the way of widespread adoption.
We’re joined by the co-founder of the prolific protest group Letzte Generation on the week that the German government declared it a criminal enterprise, believed to be the first such charges against a climate activism organization.
Wolfgang “Wollie” Metzeler and his partner Claudia join us on the 74th day of his radical action of self-sacrifice. Wollie is refusing to eat until German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledges the climate catastrophe as a threat to human civilization.
Highlights from the first of its kind public hearing, in which frontline Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC voices from all over the world came together in New York to level charges of Environmental Racism against Citibank, and deliver a set of demands for change.
In case you missed the action at City Hall this week, we’ve got audio highlights from the main stage, plus exclusive interviews with organizers Sim Bilal, Josiah Edwards, and Shekinah Deocares.
Having inspired her family to turn Vegan at 6 years old, Genesis was giving her first Ted Talk at only 10. The now 17-year-old activist shares the change-making strategy that brings her to D.C. this week to advocate for a landmark legal challenge.
Dana traces her journey to writing her first book for a general audience, and shares its research-based approach to studying the efficacy of various activist approaches in driving societal change to address the climate crisis.
Lisa traces her interest in Environmentalism all the way back to her childhood, and breaks down the Neighborhood Council system as a vehicle for direct engagement in local politics.
Theater actor and XRNYC Activist Nate Smith takes us through his headline-making interruption of the Broadway play from both the strategic and personal perspectives.
Jacob Lubega, Shafik Kalyango and Abdul Aziz Bwete of Justice Movement Uganda share the inspiring story of their fight against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.
Episcopal Minister, longtime advocate for the fight against climate change, and the host of EarthTalk Today, Peter Kreitler joins Steven for an intimate conversation.
The inspiring Tatiana Seryán brings us a big picture view of Extinction Rebellion and Scientists Rebellion, with an emphasis on the ongoing effort to improve coordination and collaboration between the different components of the global movement.
Ecology Professor and Scientist Rebel Ornela De Gasperin Quintero brings a holistic perspective on extreme economic injustice and its role in the climate crisis, but a hopeful take on paths to an alternative future. Then UCLA’s Silas Crocker joins us with cutting-edge research about a more accurate way to measure warming.
Members of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network and the Rainforest Action Network join us in advance of an upcoming Week of Action to get the insurance industry out of the fossil fuel business.
Our exclusive reporting from the recent dedication ceremony featuring the iconic civil rights hero himself, plus archival audio with Reverend Lawson and the late Congressman John Lewis.
Indigenous Elder Roberto Mendoza on the early days of the American Indian Movement, the confluence between indigenous and communal values, his current involvement with the People’s Movement Assembly, and much more.
Gladys gives us the latest on the efforts to end drilling in LA County, including an upcoming opportunity for community members to make their voices heard. Plus a new addition to our news updates: a weekly round-up of climate and environmental justice news from Sacramento!
Yvonne takes on her journey from academia to militant research embedded within social movements, and now to the front lines of direct democracy here in LA.
The Deputy Director for Vote Solar joins us to discuss issues surrounding equitable access to clean energy and water, especially here in Southern California.
Organizer Jay Ponti on the publication of his first book, Be The Revolution: How Occupy Wall Street and the Bernie Sanders Movement Reshaped American Politics
Our second installment from the Temple of the Way of Light in the rainforests of Peru, with plant medicine facilitator Públio Valle. Plus an update from COP28 with Kevin Patel, chair of the LA Youth Climate Commission.
From the rainforests of Peru, Steven speaks with Maestra Teresa Rojas Toesta and Maestro Urias Garcia Junta from the Shipibo tribe, guardians of a sacred tradition of plant healing at the Temple of the Way of Light.
Haley and Aidan on the growing movement to transform the culture of legal education by stigmatizing firms that service the fossil fuel industry.
Matt takes us through his journey from politics to climate justice, including lessons in table manners from Mikhail Gorbachev, and new initiatives to green Los Angeles.
Rob Callender of Debt for Climate and XRUK on the truth about capitalism, and the campaign to cancel the debt of the Global South.
Ines Smyth of Oxfam and Coco of Debt for Climate, both also with Extinction Rebellion, on the role of women in the movement, and how it can better serve them.
Paul recounts his journey as an activist, finding a home at Amazon Watch, and building the movement one victory at a time, including big recent wins in Brazil and Ecuador.
The inimitable Marlow joins us to explore a positive vision for a world beyond the influence of extractive capitalism. Listener warning: Your perspective may be widened.
An inspiring hour with aerial artist John Quigley, who’s also the founder of SpectralQ and the founding director of Artists for Amazonia.
The co-founder of XR Africa and XR Uganda, Annette speaks to the unique demands of organizing on the continent, and the importance of elevating voices from the Global South.
Scott gives us an inside view of Climate Week in NYC, plus a major call to action in the Bay Area this November.
Esme and Niko from XR Youth LA join us to discuss their Youth Climate Strike this past week at City Hall, plus Meredith Rose on the upcoming Mothers Rebellion action.
Lina Blount, Director of Strategy and Partnerships for Earth Quaker Action Team, joined by Eric Gill of XRLA, both fresh off the VANGUARD SOS campaign action in LA this week... plus a discussion of the longer-term campaign strategy to disrupt the money pipeline coming from one of the largest fossil fuel investors in the world.
Sonali Kolhatkar, author of the new book Rising Up, on the power of narrative in service of racial and economic justice, and her solutions-focused approach to journalism.
We spend the hour with Mun and Tom of Seven Circles Alliance, fresh off their well-publicized blockade of the road into Burning Man. There’s a lot to unpack!
Our second interview with Hardi Yakubu of Africans Rising, where we get an update on the progress of the Pan-African movement to organize for unity, justice, peace, and dignity.
Simone Johnson on how the Future Coalition and March On fund intergenerational activist groups across Indigenous, Frontline and BiPOC communities.
Shekinah Deocares and Sim Bilal of Youth Climate Strike LA and Youth Interest PAC on the under-appreciated intersection between the labor and climate justice movements, plus their wake-up call to City Hall.
The second part of our series on the burgeoning Climate Necessity Defense (CND) legal strategy, joined by Troy Horton, a great-grandfather standing trial in Phoenix for his climate activism, and Ted Hamilton, an attorney with Climate Defense Project who successfully used CND to defend Standing Rock activists and more.
Lauren Regan, founder and executive director of the Civil Liberties Defense Center, discusses the Necessity Defense as a legal strategy to amplify climate activism.
Investigative Journalist Aaron Cantu takes us through his recent reporting on the climate crisis at the state and local level, plus XRLA’s Cate Swigart and Mary-Linn Hughes discuss Mothers Rebellion.
Part II with City Hall insider Andy Shrader, who gives us his climate advocacy to-do list for the new City Council. Plus XRLA founding member and Arts Working Group superstar Mary-Linn Hughes on the intersection of art and activism.
Andy Shrader, the recently departed Executive Director of Environmental Affairs for City Council member Paul Koretz, on the inner workings of City Hall, the environmental urgencies facing our current LA City Council, and more.
Today's show features the conclusion of last week's interview with futurist Daniel Pinchbeck, as well as a segment with conscientious objector Francesco Davinci, plus a visit from Taylor Nichols of KPFK's own Bike Talk.
The first part of our interview with futurist Daniel Pinchbeck, in which he discusses his experiments with psychedelics as a way beyond materialism, and the potential of collective consciousness to mitigate climate disaster.
With governments across the West cracking down on climate activism, we bring you Henryk Garberg and Janine O’Keeffe of Restore the Wetlands in Sweden, two activists facing prison time for their role in a blockade. Plus a personal reflection from XRLA member Joshua Hirsch.
Our roundtable with members of XR US West, the rapidly growing coalition developing actions and building allyship with Indigenous and front-line communities all over Turtle Island West.
Melanie Winter brings her 30 years of experience to our ongoing discussion of the LA River, especially the Sepulveda Basin Restoration Project.
Steven spends the hour with the amazing and indefatigable Lydia Poncé, plus the latest news in climate activism.
Voices from the burgeoning movement's Mothers Day weekend events in 21 countries and 62 cities on six continents!
Steven interviews Bill Moyer, Executive Director of Backbone Campaign, and a long-time strategy and tactics guru for social movements all over the US.
Steven’s reporting from The Big One in London features Jamie Kelsey-Fry on Citizens Assemblies, and Cate Swigart interviews Karen “Figlynn” Morgaine about Mothers Rebellion and much more.
XRNOW! host Steven Starr reports from XRUK’s “the Big One,” where 60,000 people descended on London to demand an end to fossil fuels.
Plus Max Gomberg, who resigned in protest from the California State Water Resources Board, on the injustices of our water allocation, and a more equitable path forward.
Dan Kidby shares his on-the-track perspective of Animal Rising's recent disruption of the Grand National, horse racing's most famous event, and tells us why animal rights can no longer be the orphan of the left. Plus youth activists from Families4aFuture and XRYouthLA!
Richard Ecclestone joins us to discuss the Big One, XRUK’s plan to attract maximum participation in its Earth Week events, and force Britain’s government to make the changes the public demands for all of our futures.
Director Daniel Goldhaber talks about his new movie How to Blow Up a Pipeline and its message of climate civil-disobedience as self-defense, plus Steven interviews the amazing Cate Swigart of XRLA!
Lindsay Sturman, co-host of KPFK’s Bike Talk and co-founder of Livable Communities Initiative, shares a practicable action plan to address our city’s interrelated housing and climate crises.
A deep-dive interview with Hardi Yakubu, the leader of Africans Rising, the largest people-powered Pan-African activist organization on the continent, spanning 54 nations.
Steven interviews defenders of Virunga National Park Lucien Kamala, Francois Kamate, and Reddy Kubuya, plus XRLA member Cate Swigart shares a talk on the validity of all emotional responses to the climate crisis.
Sunrise Movement-LA Coordinator Josiah Edwards breaks down environmental racism and much more, and offers his vision for the future of the movement.
Former DWP Commissioner and LA City Council candidate Aura Vasquez shares her inspiring journey from childhood activism in Colombia to politics and social service work in New York, and community organizing in Orange County and now LA.
Two of our local refineries continue to use one of the world’s most dangerous chemicals, Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), despite decades of demands to convert to a safer alternative. We’re joined by Steve Goldsmith, Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, and Cliff Heise to break it down.
Sim joins Steven for an intimate conversation about growing up multiculturally in South LA, remarkable family mentors including a grandfather who was a Tuskegee Airman, and life on the front lines of the city’s climate movement.
Founder of EcoLeaks Esteban Servat shares his story of persecution and exile after taking on mega-mining and fracking in Argentina, plus dehumanization in Silicon Valley and the burgeoning Debt for Climate movement.
Kevin J. Patel, founder and executive director of OneUpAction, joins us to discuss his activism origin story, the LA County Youth Climate Commission, the LA River, and much more.
Our interview with Gabi and Ile about how Extinction Rebellion Brazil differs from its Northern counterparts, plus their take on recent events in Brasilia, and their hopes for the Lula administration.
Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell joins us to discuss XRUK’s recent WeQuit! proclamation, and what it means for the rest of the movement.
Bii Gallardo & Lex Saenz of International Indigenous Youth Council join us to discuss their journeys to activism, the "Free the River, Heal the Land" street mural, and showing up to do the work!
Families4aFuture's Youth Climate Warriors Maya (14), Shelby (14), and Liv (16) describe their journeys to the climate movement and share visions for its future, in an interview by XRYouth National Coordinator Keya Chaudry.
Plus, Families4aFuture co-founders Vy Nguyen and Cameron Levin talk to Steven about the work they're doing to empower the city's next generation of leaders.
A full length interview with OpenAI's ChatGPT, as well as original content created for the show by the AI language interface. Even the promo image was generated by DeepAI based upon a description of the show!
We catch up Rose Abramoff and Peter Kalmus, inspiring leaders of scientific activism, as they carpool to a conference in Chicago to build the movement
Part I of our interview with Human Rights Attorney Steven Donziger, plus a look inside an XRLA blockade at Van Nuys Airport