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Explore the grassroots organizing tactics that flipped Georgia and empowered Democrats, with lessons for inspiring voters and combating election denial. Description:  Organizers in Georgia did the impossible back in 2020: they managed to get overlooked voters to the polls and cracked the code on how to spark civic involvement. The election of two Democrats to the Senate from the state handed the presidency to Joe Biden and control of Congress to the Democrats that year. But as you’ll hear, this was no flash in the pan; it was the result of decades of organizing. There’s lots to learn from the state — especially now with the 2026 midterm elections in full swing. This week we are revisiting “The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections”, an oral history intended to record the strategies used in the state. Hear from the book’s editors, Ray McClendon and Steven Rosenfeld; and Andrea Miller, the Executive Director of the Center for Common Ground, People Demanding Action on the strategizing in Virginia. And get Laura’s two cents on election deniers. “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, for the Independent Media Institute   This program is made possible by listeners and viewers like you, subscribe at https://lauraflanders.substack.com/ or https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate   RESOURCES: Recommended books by our featured guests:The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections, Co-Editors Ray McClendon and Steven Rosenfeld Download the PDF   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Shirley Sherrod Watch • Ferguson to Detroit: Community Building from the Barbershop to the Polls Watch / Listen • Voting Rights: BIPOC Media Sound the Alarm Watch / Listen  Related Articles and Resources:• Special Report: “Voting Systems: How They Work, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation” by Steven Rosenfeld, Download the PDF • Blue Grit: Making Impossible, Improbable, and Inspirational Political Change in America by Laura Flanders Get the Book Here • Team Unity Georgia, Learn more here   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“Reality” by The Strange Content featuring So Strange, courtesy of Nylon Trax, 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

Before the 2026 midterm elections we revisit "The Georgia Way:  How to win elections", a conversation from 2020 with the book's editors. Description:  Organizers in Georgia did the impossible back in 2020: they managed to get overlooked voters to the polls and cracked the code on how to spark civic involvement. The election of two Democrats to the Senate from the state handed the presidency to Joe Biden and control of Congress to the Democrats that year. But as you’ll hear, this was no flash in the pan; it was the result of decades of organizing. There’s lots to learn from the state — especially now with the 2026 midterm elections in full swing. This week we are revisiting “The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections”, an oral history intended to record the strategies used in the state. Hear from the book’s editors, Ray McClendon and Steven Rosenfeld; and Andrea Miller, the Executive Director of the Center for Common Ground, People Demanding Action on the strategizing in Virginia. And get Laura’s two cents on election deniers. “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, for the Independent Media Institute   This program is made possible by listeners and viewers like you, subscribe at https://lauraflanders.substack.com/ or https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate   RESOURCES: Recommended books by our featured guests:The Georgia Way: How to Win Elections, Co-Editors Ray McClendon and Steven Rosenfeld Download the PDF   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Shirley Sherrod Watch • Ferguson to Detroit: Community Building from the Barbershop to the Polls Watch / Listen • Voting Rights: BIPOC Media Sound the Alarm Watch / Listen  Related Articles and Resources:• Special Report: “Voting Systems: How They Work, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation” by Steven Rosenfeld, Download the PDF • Blue Grit: Making Impossible, Improbable, and Inspirational Political Change in America by Laura Flanders Get the Book Here • Team Unity Georgia, Learn more here   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“Reality” by The Strange Content featuring So Strange, courtesy of Nylon Trax, 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 October we’re putting together the first-ever Book Month on Laura Flanders and Friends— just in time for Indigenous People’s Day and election season. And every extraordinary book we’re featuring this month is more timely than ever. 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: https://Substack.com/LauraFlanders Description:  Salman Rushdie praised A.M. Homes’ 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. 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.   “I definitely want to make work that is about prompting a conversation. That is not about creating characters that make people feel, I love that guy. You don't have to like them, but I want people to have questions, to debate, to wonder about things.” - A.M. Homes “Where we are right now, which I would say is very, very dangerous, is some people have lost track of what is a fact, what is actionable, what is real. The problem with that is…. absent any consensus on what is real and true, all bets are sort of off.”- A.M. Homes Guest:  A.M. Homes: Author, The Unfolding *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.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  The Forgotten Coup, January 6th, & Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy Watch / Download Podcast • Feminists Writing History: Cherrîe Moraga and Adrienne Maree Brown Watch / Download Podcast • Survival Guide For Humans Learned From Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs Watch / Download Podcast   Related Articles and Resources:• Why do so few men read books by women, by MA Sieghart, The Guardian Read Here • Stand with Salman: Defend the Freedom to Write. Event Featuring: Paul Auster, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Tina Brown, Kiran Desai, Andrea Elliott, Amanda Foreman, Roya Hakakian, A.M. Homes, Siri Hustvedt, Hari Kunzru, Aasif Mandvi, Colum McCann, Andrew Solomon, Gay Talese. New York Public Library Watch Here  •   An Unusual $1.6 Billion Donation Bolsters Conservatives by Kenneth P. Vogel and Shane Goldmacher, New York Times Read Here • A.M. Homes Wins The Women’s Prize Amidst Controversy, by Victoria Brownworth, Lambda Literary Read Here Book: American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy, by David Corn Find it here    Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“Miracle” by Ultra Naté from her new album “Ultra” courtesy of Peace Bisquit Listen & 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 October we’re putting together the first-ever Book Month on Laura Flanders and Friends— just in time for Indigenous People’s Day and election season. And every extraordinary book we’re featuring this month is more timely than ever. 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: https://Substack.com/LauraFlanders Description:  Salman Rushdie praised A.M. Homes’ 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. 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.   “I definitely want to make work that is about prompting a conversation. That is not about creating characters that make people feel, I love that guy. You don't have to like them, but I want people to have questions, to debate, to wonder about things.” - A.M. Homes “Where we are right now, which I would say is very, very dangerous, is some people have lost track of what is a fact, what is actionable, what is real. The problem with that is…. absent any consensus on what is real and true, all bets are sort of off.”- A.M. Homes Guest:  A.M. Homes: Author, The Unfolding These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate  Episode cut airs on community radio stations nationally (check your local station schedule) & available as a podcast Wednesdays.   RESOURCES: *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.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  The Forgotten Coup, January 6th, & Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy Watch / Download Podcast • Feminists Writing History: Cherrîe Moraga and Adrienne Maree Brown Watch / Download Podcast • Survival Guide For Humans Learned From Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs Watch / Download Podcast   Related Articles and Resources:• Why do so few men read books by women, by MA Sieghart, The Guardian Read Here • Stand with Salman: Defend the Freedom to Write. Event Featuring: Paul Auster, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Tina Brown, Kiran Desai, Andrea Elliott, Amanda Foreman, Roya Hakakian, A.M. Homes, Siri Hustvedt, Hari Kunzru, Aasif Mandvi, Colum McCann, Andrew Solomon, Gay Talese. New York Public Library Watch Here  •   An Unusual $1.6 Billion Donation Bolsters Conservatives by Kenneth P. Vogel and Shane Goldmacher, New York Times Read Here • A.M. Homes Wins The Women’s Prize Amidst Controversy, by Victoria Brownworth, Lambda Literary Read Here Book: American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy, by David Corn Find it here    Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“Miracle” by Ultra Naté from her new album “Ultra” courtesy of Peace Bisquit Listen & 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 October we’re putting together the first-ever Book Month on Laura Flanders and Friends. And every extraordinary book we’re featuring this month is more timely than ever. 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: https://Substack.com/LauraFlanders Description: 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. “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 Science-Fiction novelist, NYTimes Best Selling author; author of over 20 books, including the 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. Laura Flanders and Friends is made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate    RESOURCES: *Highlight of Books by Kim Stanley Robinson“The Ministry for the Future” Get the book here “The High Sierra: A Love Story” Get the book here “Red Mars” Get the book here “2140” 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:• Survival Guide for Humans Learned From Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • A.M. Homes: “The Unfolding” of American Democracy Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks? Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • Naomi Klein on the Case for a Green New Deal Watch / Get the Podcast • Green New Deal, Yellow Vests Watch / Get the Podcast • The Future of Energy is Indigenous (And it won’t involve pipelines!) Watch / Get the Podcast   Related Articles and Resources:• Kim Stanley Robinson on Science Fiction and Reclaiming Science for the Left by Daniel Aldana Cohen, Jacobin Magazine, Read Here • The Ministry for the Future: A passionate call to save the earth, book review, by Martin Empson, Climate and Capitalism, Read Here • Can Science Fiction Wake Us Up to Our Climate Reality? by Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, Read Here • Climate Change Is Ravaging the Colorado River. There’s a Model to Avert the Worst by Henry Fountain, New York Times, Read Here • California Begins to Implement 30x30 by CalWild, CalWild.org Learn More Here • California moves to accelerate to 100% new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, arb.ca.gov Learn More Here   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“False Alarm” by Ryan Amador and Alixa Garcia, and produced by Brad Kemp, courtesy of the artist. Listen & 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 October we’re putting together the first-ever Book Month on Laura Flanders and Friends. And every extraordinary book we’re featuring this month is more timely than ever. 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: https://Substack.com/LauraFlanders   Description: 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. “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 Science-Fiction novelist, NYTimes Best Selling author; author of over 20 books, including the 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. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate    RESOURCES: *Highlight of Books by Kim Stanley Robinson“The Ministry for the Future” Get the book here “The High Sierra: A Love Story” Get the book here “Red Mars” Get the book here “2140” 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:• Survival Guide for Humans Learned From Marine Mammals with Alexis Pauline Gumbs Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • A.M. Homes: “The Unfolding” of American Democracy Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • Yellowstone at 150: Can Indigenous Stewardship Save Our Parks? Watch / Get the Podcast, full uncut conversation • Naomi Klein on the Case for a Green New Deal Watch / Get the Podcast • Green New Deal, Yellow Vests Watch / Get the Podcast • The Future of Energy is Indigenous (And it won’t involve pipelines!) Watch / Get the Podcast   Related Articles and Resources:• Kim Stanley Robinson on Science Fiction and Reclaiming Science for the Left by Daniel Aldana Cohen, Jacobin Magazine, Read Here • The Ministry for the Future: A passionate call to save the earth, book review, by Martin Empson, Climate and Capitalism, Read Here • Can Science Fiction Wake Us Up to Our Climate Reality? by Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, Read Here • Climate Change Is Ravaging the Colorado River. There’s a Model to Avert the Worst by Henry Fountain, New York Times, Read Here • California Begins to Implement 30x30 by CalWild, CalWild.org Learn More Here • California moves to accelerate to 100% new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, arb.ca.gov Learn More Here   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:“False Alarm” by Ryan Amador and Alixa Garcia, and produced by Brad Kemp, courtesy of the artist. Listen & 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 we take a deep dive into the archives featuring timeless treasures from forward thinking authors in fiction and non fiction.  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; 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: • 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 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 we take a deep dive into the archives featuring timeless treasures from forward thinking authors both fiction and non fiction.  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 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 taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories.  Across these conversations, a common thread emerges: what happens when we move beyond fear, beyond punishment, and toward systems rooted in dignity, truth, and possibility? 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 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 taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories. This week we’ll look closely at what’s wrong with cash bail—and how one state chose to end it. Subscribe to Laura on Substack 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 Music Spotlight:  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 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/ 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 taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories. This week we’ll look closely at what’s wrong with cash bail—and how one state chose to end it. Subscribe to Laura on Substack 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/ 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 taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories.  This week we’ll examine abolitionist approaches to migrant justice, separating fact from fear when it comes to mass detention   Subscribe to Laura on Substack Description:  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?   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   *Recommended books:  “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.)   Watch Laura Flanders and Friends 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.   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  New Yorkers Welcome Migrants: What’s it Take to Make Sanctuary Real? Watch / Listen-Podcast •  Militarization & Uvalde: The Context Media Coverage Omits, Watch / Listen-Podcast •  Saket Soni: How Trafficked Workers Pulled Off “The Great Escape,” Watch / Listen-Podcast   Related Articles and Resources: • Know Your Rights Under Texas’ Deportation Scheme SB4, ACLU-Texas, Learn More Here •  Aron Thorn on Texas Border Standoff, CounterSpin, February 4, 2024, Listen / Download •  Most people think the U.S. crime rate is rising.  They’re wrong.  by Ken Dilanian, NBC News, December 16, 2023, Read Here   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast: RUMTUM remix of “Mirage” by Captain Planet courtesy of Bastard Jazz 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. 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 taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories.  This week we’ll explore how artists like Akinsanya Kambon bring histories of colonization and liberation to life—connecting past and present in ways that demand we rethink punishment, justice, and repair. Subscribe to Laura on Substack 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. 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.   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

This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we’re taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories.  This week we’ll explore how artists like Akinsanya Kambon bring histories of colonization and liberation to life—connecting past and present in ways that demand we rethink punishment, justice, and repair. Subscribe to Laura on Substack   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 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.   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

This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we’re taking a closer look at criminal justice—through the lens of abolition, accountability, and the power of the creative arts to tell fuller, truer stories.  At a time when fear too often drives policy, we’re lifting up voices that challenge the narratives shaping our systems— This week we feature filmmakers using their craft to bring judges a more complete, human picture of those facing prison for nonviolent offenses. Subscribe to Laura on Substack:  https://lauraflanders.substack.com/ Description:  An individual facing prison time may also be a dedicated parent, a valued employee, an asset to their community. Though it may sound obvious that a person is much more than a crime, the U.S. justice system does not typically function as if this were the case. Millions of people are in jail for non-violent offenses, many of which amount to little more than possession of drugs, parole violations, and misdemeanors. And racial bias, gender inequity, and economic disadvantage all play a role in the uneven sentencing of defendants. But what if judges could see a whole person before they sentence them? Would we turn away from endless incarceration—from punishment generally—towards empathy, rehabilitation, and reintegration? An organization called Complete Picture uses the power of film to give judges exactly that: a complete picture, an in-depth, humanizing look at the lives of individuals facing prison for non-violent crimes. Complete Picture has helped reduce or prevent prison time for every single defendant it's worked with and the organization’s founders say this is just the beginning: films like theirs could become a regular part of the sentencing process across the country. Today, it’s art that’s changing lives and healing a broken system, one person at a time. Joining me are Complete Picture founder and CEO Rebecca Grace and art director John Gray, partners in life and work, and two of the defendants that they’ve worked with—Gary Roberts and Chondra [CHAWN-DRA i.e. Cha Cha]. Later, I also speak with defense attorney Shari Rusk, who brought Rebecca and John their very first sentencing mitigation video project.   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Mariame Kaba:  Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm - Watch / Listen • New Justice: A World Beyond Prisons - Watch / Listen • Baldwin’s Lessons for Us All - Watch / Listen • The Pregnancy to Prison Pipeline:  Media Matters - Watch / Listen • GRITtv:  Got Docs, Prison Terminal - Watch 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. RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Mariame Kaba:  Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm - Watch / Listen • New Justice: A World Beyond Prisons - Watch / Listen • Baldwin’s Lessons for Us All - Watch / Listen • The Pregnancy to Prison Pipeline:  Media Matters - Watch / Listen • GRITtv:  Got Docs, Prison Terminal - Watch   Related Articles and Resources: • Who We Help, Complete Picture • Prison Policy Initiative • An ‘Absolute Emergency’ at Rikers Island as Violence Increases by Jonah E. Bromwich and Jan Ransom, NYTimes • Shooting First and Asking Questions Later by Alysia Santo and R.G. Dunlop, The Marshall Project • Breaking Down Biden’s Order to Eliminate DOJ Private Prison Contracts by Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Brennan Center   Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast: “Fight The Power” by Brownout, from their album “Fear of a Brown Planet”, a musical manifesto inspired by Public Enemy’s music and revolutionary spirit.  Read More / Listen 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