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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

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 a new documentary, CYCLE, that's breaking the silence around police killings. Subscribe to Laura on Substack:  https://lauraflanders.substack.com/ Description: Would we know from our media that over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in the U.S.? The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are exceptions, but for the victims we don’t hear about, there’s CYCLE. The newly-released investigative feature documentary from LionArt Media focuses on the 2019 killing of Ty’rese West, an 18-year-old Black teenager from Racine, Wisconsin who was shot to death after being pulled over by a Mount Pleasant police officer for riding a bicycle with no headlights. No videos were taken, the details of West’s death were withheld from the community and the subsequent police report. Made in close collaboration with West’s mother, Monique West, the film follows the story of Ty’rese’s death and the lawsuit that ensued. CYCLE is an invitation, “. . . to interrupt the silence that follows so many cases that never go viral — cases where there’s no footage, no public pressure, and no accountability,” say director Laura Dyan Kezman and co-director William Howell, both Racine natives. Kezman is an award-winning director, DP, and editor, and the founder of LionArt Media committed to telling bold, socially driven stories that examine justice, culture, and civic engagement. Howell is a cinematographer, editor, and director based in Milwaukee. He was the cinematographer of ‘The Rise and Fall of Coo Coo Cal’ and the director of the 2020 film ‘You Don’t Know Me’. Join the CYCLE directors and Laura Flanders for this powerful conversation on police accountability and community action, plus a commentary on the media quiet about Trump’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean. “. . . We started this film in 2019 with the intention of not making an angry film, but we didn't quite know what the film needed to be yet. Then COVID hit, Ahmaud Arbery was killed, and then Breonna Taylor was killed, and then George Floyd was killed . . . We felt it then, that this was something so much bigger than us in terms of us telling Tyrese's story in that moment.” - Laura Dyan Kezman “The call to action, that's when I see, more than anything, that we achieved our goal. People are not leaving these theaters angry . . . They're leaving and saying, what can we do? What can I do? What can we do together as people to help create this change?” - William Howell Guests: • William Howell: Co-Director, CYCLE • Laura Dyan Kezman: Director, Editor & Producer, CYCLE   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: •  Police Violence Against Latinos: The Shocking Data We Now Know:  Watch / Listen:  Episode •  Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”:  Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation •  The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality:  Watch / Listen:  Episode   Related Articles and Resources: •  ‘CYCLE’ comes home:  Racine premiere unites community in a call for action, by Heather Asiyanbi and Grant Ritchey, July 21st, 2025, Racine County Eye • Mapping Police Violence: “Law enforcement agencies across the country are failing to provide us with even basic information about the lives they take. So we collect the data ourselves…” •  The U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division Dismisses Biden-Era Police Investigations and Proposed Police consent Decrees in Louisville and Minneapolis, May 21, 2025, Justice.gov •  Wisconsin DOJ reversed decision to release cop names after pushback from police groups, by Annie Pulley, April 2025, The Badger Project •  Trump administration drops police oversight spurred by Floyd, Taylor Killings, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, May 21, 2025, Reuters •  Trump signs orders targeting sanctuary cities, seeking military involvement in law enforcement, April 28, 2025, by Alex Galbraith, Salon.com •  MAIT:  How Wisconsin’s investigations into police shootings protect officers, by Isiah Holmes, February 12, 2025, Wisconsin Examiner   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper 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 a new documentary, CYCLE, that's breaking the silence around police killings. Subscribe to Laura on Substack:  https://lauraflanders.substack.com/ Description: Would we know from our media that over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in the U.S.? The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are exceptions, but for the victims we don’t hear about, there’s CYCLE. The newly-released investigative feature documentary from LionArt Media focuses on the 2019 killing of Ty’rese West, an 18-year-old Black teenager from Racine, Wisconsin who was shot to death after being pulled over by a Mount Pleasant police officer for riding a bicycle with no headlights. No videos were taken, the details of West’s death were withheld from the community and the subsequent police report. Made in close collaboration with West’s mother, Monique West, the film follows the story of Ty’rese’s death and the lawsuit that ensued. CYCLE is an invitation, “. . . to interrupt the silence that follows so many cases that never go viral — cases where there’s no footage, no public pressure, and no accountability,” say director Laura Dyan Kezman and co-director William Howell, both Racine natives. Kezman is an award-winning director, DP, and editor, and the founder of LionArt Media committed to telling bold, socially driven stories that examine justice, culture, and civic engagement. Howell is a cinematographer, editor, and director based in Milwaukee. He was the cinematographer of ‘The Rise and Fall of Coo Coo Cal’ and the director of the 2020 film ‘You Don’t Know Me’. Join the CYCLE directors and Laura Flanders for this powerful conversation on police accountability and community action, plus a commentary on the media quiet about Trump’s massive military build-up in the Caribbean. “. . . We started this film in 2019 with the intention of not making an angry film, but we didn't quite know what the film needed to be yet. Then COVID hit, Ahmaud Arbery was killed, and then Breonna Taylor was killed, and then George Floyd was killed . . . We felt it then, that this was something so much bigger than us in terms of us telling Tyrese's story in that moment.” - Laura Dyan Kezman “The call to action, that's when I see, more than anything, that we achieved our goal. People are not leaving these theaters angry . . . They're leaving and saying, what can we do? What can I do? What can we do together as people to help create this change?” - William Howell Guests: • William Howell: Co-Director, CYCLE • Laura Dyan Kezman: Director, Editor & Producer, CYCLE Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel 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: •  Police Violence Against Latinos: The Shocking Data We Now Know:  Watch / Listen:  Episode •  Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile”:  Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation •  The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality:  Watch / Listen:  Episode   Related Articles and Resources: •  ‘CYCLE’ comes home:  Racine premiere unites community in a call for action, by Heather Asiyanbi and Grant Ritchey, July 21st, 2025, Racine County Eye • Mapping Police Violence: “Law enforcement agencies across the country are failing to provide us with even basic information about the lives they take. So we collect the data ourselves…” •  The U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Civil Rights Division Dismisses Biden-Era Police Investigations and Proposed Police consent Decrees in Louisville and Minneapolis, May 21, 2025, Justice.gov •  Wisconsin DOJ reversed decision to release cop names after pushback from police groups, by Annie Pulley, April 2025, The Badger Project •  Trump administration drops police oversight spurred by Floyd, Taylor Killings, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, May 21, 2025, Reuters •  Trump signs orders targeting sanctuary cities, seeking military involvement in law enforcement, April 28, 2025, by Alex Galbraith, Salon.com •  MAIT:  How Wisconsin’s investigations into police shootings protect officers, by Isiah Holmes, February 12, 2025, Wisconsin Examiner   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends 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 turn to the state of journalism—at a moment of deep disruption, consolidation, and consequence.  But journalists aren’t simply standing by—they’re pushing back, reimagining their work, and, in many cases, taking matters into their own hands.   This week we’ll hear from the long-running independent collective Third World Newsreel, still thriving in an era some are calling “media carnage,” showing what it looks like to endure—and to resist. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: It’s almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There’s lots to learn about how they’ve adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today’s “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing. “I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi “We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold “People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila Guests: •  Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now! •  Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist •  JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel   Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast February 25th, 2026. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut  •  BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut •  Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut   Related Articles and Resources: •  Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times •  My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold •  La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer •  Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker •. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc •  Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila •  Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel •  Have You Seen It Yet?  The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

This month, on Laura Flanders & Friends, we turn to the state of journalism—at a moment of deep disruption, consolidation, and consequence.  But journalists aren’t simply standing by—they’re pushing back, reimagining their work, and, in many cases, taking matters into their own hands.   This week we’ll hear from the long-running independent collective Third World Newsreel, still thriving in an era some are calling “media carnage,” showing what it looks like to endure—and to resist. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: It’s almost unheard of for an independent media collective to survive as long as Third World Newsreel has. Since 1968, they have chronicled some of the most pivotal movements in human history and continue to expand on their collection of over 700 titles. There’s lots to learn about how they’ve adapted through technological revolutions, political persecutions, philanthropic booms and busts — and how the oldest media arts collective in the U.S. is making do in today’s “media carnage”, as Laura Flanders puts it. Joining us are JT Takagi, an independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the longtime executive director of Third World Newsreel. Tami Gold is an artist and activist whose documentaries grapple with everything from imperialism to sex work. Her films include My Country Occupied, Another Brother and Land Rain Fire among many more. Puerto Rican-born Juan Carlos Dávila works in film as well as TV, where he reports on social movements around environmentalism, militarism and the struggles of the working class on the island. His films include The Stand-By Generation, Viequez: An Endless Battle and Drills of Liberation. Join us as we look at the past, present and future of Third World Newsreel and ask how film can be used as a tool for organizing. “I'd say we feel more urgent now than ever before. Every day there's something happening that makes it clear that our rights and liberties, and people's lives all over the world are at stake. Not being in touch with the history and media that shows the truth of what's going on is really decimating people's ability to, as Juan said, know what to follow and what to do.” - JT Takagi “We need to retake the theater, the physical space that is being ignored by the corporations. Perhaps now that is the opportunity that we have . . . A theater is being rented by people who are organizers, and they're using their collective spirit and know-how to organize huge, huge crowds to come.” - Tami Gold “People can shoot stuff with the phone . . . I see a lot in Puerto Rico that people are still wanting to produce with the corporate industry standards. Many young filmmakers like myself tend to think that we need so many personnel to be doing films. Right now we can actually make films with less.” - Juan Carlos Dávila Guests: •  Juan Carlos Dávila: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist, Puerto Rico Correspondent, Democracy Now! •  Tami Gold: Filmmaker, Artist, Activist •  JT Takagi: Executive Director, Third World Newsreel   Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism- Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut  •  BIPOC Press for the People: Bursting the Corporate Media Bubble- Watch / Listen: Episode Cut •  Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?- Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut   Related Articles and Resources: •  Documentaries Ripped From the Headlines Are Becoming Harder to See, by Marc Tracy, December 18, 2024, The New York Times •  My Country Occupied, Documentary by Tami Gold •  La Generación Del Estanbai (The Standby Generation), Documentary by Juan C. Davila and Third World Newsreel, Trailer •  Why Frederick Wiseman Was the Greatest Documentary Filmmaker Ever, by Richard Brody, February, 17, 2026, The New Yorker •. Fredrick Weissman Filmmaker, Producer and Theater Director, Zipporah Films Inc •  Drills of Liberation, Documentary by Juan C. Davila •  Third World Newsreel (TWN) Brings Historic Newsreel Retrospective To BAM, Anthology Film Archives, And DOK Leipzig, October 2025, Third World Newsreel •  Have You Seen It Yet?  The Algorithm Problem In Movie Marketing, by Charity Maxson, January 27, 2026, TR!LL Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel