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The Laura Flanders Show — Society & Culture
The Laura Flanders Show

Award winning host, author and journalist Laura Flanders interviews forward-thinking people from the world of politics, business, culture and social movements. The show explores actionable models for creating a better world by reporting on the people and movements driving systemic change. We spotlight the solutions of tomorrow, today. The show airs on PBS stations in over 80% of the US market, and airs on 40+ community radio stations, and is available on YouTube and as a podcast. Online subscribers receive lots of video and audio web exclusives. Recent specials include “Indigenous People’s Power”, “James Baldwin: Lessons for the US”, “Building Public Trust for Public Health”, “Countering the Coup From the Grassroots Up”. Recent special guests include Representative Karen Bass, environmental activist Jane Fonda, economist Robert Reich, author/activist Naomi Klein, agrarian reformer Shirley Sherrod, novelist Arundhati Roy, economist Michael Hudson and ’Next System” theorist Gar Alperovitz.

Latest Episodes:

The Edge of Democracy: The Rise of Authoritarianism in Brazil Nov 13, 2019

Show notes

In her new film, The Edge of Democracy, director Petra Costa tells the story of how Brazil went from a rising star among free nations to a democracy on the verge of collapse. With unprecedented access, Costa documents the rise and fall of Brazil’s Workers Party and its charismatic leader Lula da Silva, the impeachment of Brazil’s first female president, Dilma Rousseff, and the rise of President Jair Bolsonaro who has ushered in, as Costa puts it, a new era of rule by the bible, the bullet, and the banks. In this very personal conversation, Laura and Petra discuss life and politics in the U.S. and Brazil—nations built on land theft, genocide, and extraction. They wonder if democracy can survive in states that fail to reckon with their pasts. “Baiana (A Girl Born in Bahia)” by Gaby Hernandez from her album Spirit Reflection courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records.

Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? Become a member for as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.

Women of Color Lead the Way Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

This year at the Progressive Strategy Summit members of Congress and progressive change makers came together to build a movement that won’t only win back the White House in 2020 but also create long term systemic change. Laura interviewed activists and congresswomen to understand how they see this critical moment when business-as-usual politics simply won’t cut it. Will a movement led by women of color—inside and outside Congress—transform the government so that it truly serves the diverse people it purports to represent? Laura also interviewed actor and activist Jane Fonda at a Fire Drill Friday climate crisis rally before they both got arrested as part of an act of civil disobedience.

Guests:

Aimee Allison, She The People; Shelia Jackson Lee, Congresswoman TX-18th; Alicia Garza, Black Lives Matter; Mia Ives-Rublee, Women's March Diability Caucus; Jane Fonda, Fire Drill Friday's; Ted Danson, Actor Author; Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman WA-7th

Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? Become a member for as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.

Newark: Fixing The People’s Water Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

The people of Newark, New Jersey—the majority of whom are black and brown—are grappling with a lead contamination crisis that has drawn comparisons with Flint, Michigan. There, the state took control of the city’s water after municipal officials and a private management company failed to provide clean water. In Newark, local residents want to keep their water in public hands. Why? This week, Laura interviews activists working to fix their city’s water through more robust democratization rather than privatization. Music in the Middle: “For the Courageous” by Climbing PoeTree from their album Intrinsic, courtesy of Climbing PoeTree.

Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? Become a member for as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.

Guests:

•Sabre Bee and Anthony Diaz, Co-Founders of the Newark Water Coalition

•Yvette Jordan, a Teacher at Central High School in Newark, New Jersey

Special Report: Making Buffalo Our City Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

How do you revitalize a city without gentrifying it? In this episode of the Laura Flanders Show, Laura goes to Buffalo, New York, where years of post-industrial stagnation have recently yielded to new economic growth. She interviews grassroots activists working to make sure that this local renaissance leaves their city more inclusive and equitable—not less. She explores how progressive, intersectional organizations are helping to create affordable housing and provide job training while fighting for social and environmental justice. Music featured in the middle: “Keep It Moving” by Lady Alma from her album Twilight, courtesy of MashiBeats.

Guests:

Kathryn Franco, City Council Candidate for the University District of Buffalo New York

Rachel Dominguez, Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization

Whitney Crispell, Community Activist

Larry Scott, Buffalo School Board

Vanessa Glushefski, Deputy Comptroller

John Washington, PUSH Buffalo

Asim Johnson, PUSH Buffalo

Harper Bishop, PUSH Buffalo

Rahwa Ghirmatizion, CEO PUSH Buffalo

Luz Velez, PUSH Buffalo

Geovaira Hernandez, Climate justice organizer, Push Buffalo

India Walton, Executive Director, Fruit Belt Community Land Trust

Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? For as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.

How to Make a Democratic Economy Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

The U.S. economy, weak or strong, is the question at the heart of the election. But it doesn't get to the reality which is that, whatever else it may be, the U.S. economy is not democratic or good for the planet. But it could be. Marjorie Kelly and Ted Howard of the Democracy Collaborative say how in their new book The Making of a Democratic Economy. Music in the middle: “The Offering” by Mark de Clive-Lowe from his album Heritage courtesy of Mashi Beats.

Goal, reach 100 Patrons by end of year. You down? For as little as $3 a month support, be a part of our crowd.

Fighting for the Future of Hong Kong Oct 09, 2019

Show notes

This week the People’s Republic of China celebrates its 70th anniversary as months of pro-democracy demonstrations continue in Hong Kong. The historic demonstrations began in June as a response to the proposal of an extradition agreement with Mainland China. Concerned that the bill would further erode the civil liberties they enjoy under the one country two systems principle, many Hong Kongers took to the streets. All these months later, the city’s chief executive Carrie Lam has withdrawn the bill but the demonstrations have continued - the issues have become a lot bigger getting to the heart of the meaning of democracy and Chinese Imperialism. Music in the Middle: “Chaos” by DJ Sun from his album Qingxi courtesy of Soular Productions.

We're on a mission to reach 100 Patrons by end of year. Become a patron today for as little as $3 a month at Patreon.com/theLFShow

Guests:

Michelle Chen, Journalist/Labor Historian CUNY and Co-Producer of the Belabored podcast.

Joy Ming King, Student Organizer/Member, Lausan Collective

F-Word: The Global Corruption Rebellion Americans Don't Know They're Part Of Oct 07, 2019

Show notes

"In a system that's unequal, corruption is not just the way we swim, it’s the water we swim in..."

The F-Word, Laura Flanders' bi-monthly commentary.

Help us thrive and not just survive, by becoming a member you'll unlock additional audio extras and more. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow

How Can Municipal Government Promote Economic Democracy? Oct 02, 2019

Show notes

New York, NY...its a city with close to 100 billion dollar budget every year and 1 deputy mayor with some pretty creative plans for how to spend it. What can one city do? And what's it gonna take to create a non-racist democracy? An in-depth interview with J. Phillip Thompson, NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, on his priority initiatives, with particular emphasis on his role in expanding the city’s investment in minority and women-owned businesses, housing and economic development, and economic democracy initiatives. Music Featured, “Be The Change” by Mr. V featuring Michelle Rivera & Jaeden part of the EARTH NIGHT '19 compilation curated by DJs for Climate Action courtesy of EarthNight.org, a global initiative harnessing the power of music and nightlife to celebrate and support climate action.

Support this podcast and independent journalism by committing to making a monthly contribution for as little as $3... goto: Patreon.com/theLFShow

Reporting on Economic Hardship Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

Guests featured from the Economic Harship Reporting Project include David Wallis, Managing Director; Yoruba Richen, Board Member and filmmaker; and Joseph Rodriguez, Contributing Editor and photojournalist.

Music feature: "Be Love" by the Alexis P. Suter Band, courtesy of HipBone Records.

For more on the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and my guests goto Patreon.com/theLFShow where you’ll also find additional research materials and links to our related episodes.

Support this podcast and independent journalism by committing to making a monthly contribution for as little as $3... goto: Patreon.com/theLFShow

F-Word: Climate Strike/Auto Strike: Same Struggle, Same Fight Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

"Almost fifty thousand workers went on strike at General Motors Sept 16th, 2019, after management and United Auto Workers Union negotiators failed to agree on a new contract. GM has bounced back from recession thanks to a taxpayer bailout, government tax breaks and contracts and a brutal restructuring of the workforce. Now even though the company’s made $35 billion in the last few years - they want concessions, and yet more plant closures and layoffs."

Help us thrive and not just survive, by becoming a member you'll unlock additional audio extras and more. https://Patreon.com/theLFShow

image: courtesy of Flipboard

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