The Resistbot Podcast

Culture and Current Events Apr 18, 2023

The war against critical race theory is a hot issue that people want to bury out of shame and guilt which unfortunately has been done already in some states. As we now lack a proper education on Black history in our nation, the time for raising awareness and spreading knowledge on the past is as important as ever. When delving into the uncomfortable truth behind the Black history of our country, sometimes the best way to get people engaged in learning is through comedy! Throw in some drinks with our guest and it’ll be a good time with great conversations! We’re joined by comedian and one of the hosts of Drunk Black History, Gordon Baker-Bone to talk about some of the current events that are paralleling Black history and how they are disproportionately affecting Black communities around the country.

Our guests today:

Gordon Baker-Bone

Mentioned on the air:

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Eyes on Policing Apr 04, 2023

When dealing with progressive policies that not everyone who votes blue can agree with, it can feel like a huge mountain to overcome. When dealing with one of the most protected groups in the entire country, that mountain just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Documentation of police brutality and the need for change is higher than ever, yet the leap of progress we were expecting never came. Organizing with conditions like these can seem like an intimidating jump to make with the issues that concern you the most, but our guest has a secret for you. It’s not a short battle, we’re in it for the long haul! For anyone starting their journey into organizing, our guest has you covered! We’re joined by DeRay McKesson from Campaign Zero to talk safety beyond policing, policing policies, and their story with approaching organizing.

Our guests today:

DeRay McKesson

Mentioned on the air:

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Red State Repro Justice Mar 28, 2023

Regardless of which state you live in, blue or red, what’s happening in other states around the country directly affects you and those who can’t fight by themselves. In an area where support for social justice issues isn’t as abundant as blue states, red states really need all the support possible. So instead of ushering people to leave red states, which isn’t realistic or an actual solution in the first place, let’s look towards the amazing organizers in those red states who are fighting relentlessly for those who need the help. In the red state of Louisiana where bodily autonomy is under attack, Lift Louisiana is stepping up to challenge the oppression against our rights. Michelle Erenberg, the co-founder and executive director of Lift Louisiana, joins us and shares the great work her organization is doing and how you can join the fight for our bodily autonomy wherever you are in the states!

Our guests today:

Michelle Erenberg

Mentioned on the air:

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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The Movement for Pro-Trans Legislation Mar 21, 2023

✊🤖With the endless onslaught against trans people accumulating more and more in our legislation, it can be difficult to keep up with what our trans friends are facing around the country. Distressingly, 440 active pieces of anti-trans legislation are currently targeting trans youth and adults. That overwhelming amount is enough to get people to check out, but with the relentless action our guest has for tracking LGBTQ+ legislation, you can keep up with ease. We are ecstatic to be joined by independent reporter and activist, Erin Reed! With an extensive and impressive track record, Erin has done so much for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically the trans community and continues to do so with her widespread reporting via social media and her newsletter Erin In The Morning. We dive into what drives Erin to do the work she does for the community and what you can do to get involved yourself!

Our guests today:

Erin Reed

Mentioned on the air:

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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The Demandifesto For Access Now Dec 08, 2022

✊🤖 When we open up our table for everyone to sit at, we must make sure that everyone can get to our table in the first place. There has been a quiet fight for accessibility happening all over the country for years, yet little to nothing has been done about it. As universities continue to dance around abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the need for accessibility grows bigger and bigger. No matter where you land on the disability spectrum, our guest today shows us that there is always more to be learned and understood about disability rights. We are joined by Resistbot user and activist Megan Lynch of UC Access for an in-depth conversation on the University of California’s consistent ignorance of including accessibility for all and the demandifesto that has come out of this situation.

Our guests today:

Megan Lynch

Mentioned on the air:

UC Access Now: University of California Must Be Accessible To All!

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

Creators & Guests

Megan Lynch - Guest
Melanie Dione - Host
Angel Barrera - Producer

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Civil Rights: Global and Insuppressible Dec 01, 2022

✊🤖 We’re back botters! Although we’re in the season of being grateful, it can be easy to take our basic freedoms for granted. When we look to the news about the recent rising aggression from China towards their own citizens and Taiwan, we can be reminded of the privileges we have while living in our democracy. This is a topic that many may have trouble approaching and connecting with, but our guest breaks it down for you for easy understanding! We are happy to be joined by Resist Bot OG Christine Lu for an international perspective on the China and Taiwan conflicts, the protests happening in China, and how you can do your part in these discussions. We close this episode by tying these topics back to the current protests happening in the states for rail workers’ rights. Stick around until the end to learn how you can use the bot to take action in these fights!

Our guests today:

Christine Lu

Mentioned on the air:

Railroad workers deserve fair pay and time off!

Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.
Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Poll Position Nov 07, 2022

✊🤖 The midterms are finally here! Tuesday, November 8th is election day which means high voter turnout, long lines, and possible voter intimidation. With our democracy at risk, we’re here to keep you prepared for the polls! We’re joined by Ría Thompson-Washington to discuss your voter rights and how to secure your vote for this midterm election. It’s not too late to learn about how you can turn out voters with Resistbot's new vote drives!

Our guests today:

Ría Thompson-Washington

Mentioned on the air:

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Looking to the Past for the Present Oct 26, 2022

✊🤖 Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day across the country! Early voting has begun in many states, so this week we are revisiting some of the incredibly insightful conversations surrounding voting, bodily autonomy, housing insecurity, and issues you need to keep in mind when deciding how to vote. Stick around all the way to the end to learn about how you can turn out voters with your thumbs with Resistbot's new vote drives!

Mentioned on the air:

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Vote For My Child, If Not For Yourself Oct 18, 2022

✊🤖 When there are endless issues our country and loved ones face, you probably feel compelled to help and get involved. Don’t know where to start? Our guest this week has you covered! Activist, organizer, and Resistbot user Jess Craven chats with us about what keeps her motivated, the midterms, and personal experiences with her work.

Our guests today:

Jess Craven

Mentioned on the air:

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Equity From the Farm to the Table Oct 11, 2022

✊🤖 Wednesday, October 12, 2022 is National Farmer’s Day. Historically, through chattel enslavement and sharecropping, agriculture in the United States has relied heavily on the labor of Black people. However, as of November 2021, less than 1.4% of farmers identify as Black, and those numbers continue to dwindle. Listen in as Kaleb J. Hill of Oko Vue Produce Co. explains the challenges that come with keeping Black farming alive in this country, why he is passionate about continuing his family legacy, and how he uses food as activism in the battle against food insecurity in Louisiana.

Our guests today:

Kaleb J Hill

Mentioned on the air:

OkoVue Produce

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Texas A&M: New Golden Age, Old White Supremacy Oct 04, 2022

✊🤖 This week we take a look at the Texas A&M chapter of Students for a Democratic Society. With a legacy built on white supremacy, Texas A&M University is one of the most beloved colleges in the US. Known for its traditions and cult-like indoctrinations, the university insists on keeping these years-old traditions alive while actively ignoring all of their harmful beginnings. Listen along as we are joined by Ellis Howard and Jyothis James from the Texas A&M chapter of Students for a Democratic Society to learn what they’re doing to dismantle the racist foundation of the university and the multiple challenges many marginalized students still face to this day.

Our guests today:

Mentioned on the air:

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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#DayWithoutUs: I’m Telling Everybody Sep 27, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Season 2 of Resistbot Live. This week we take a look at Day Without Us: National Teach In. Are you exhausted from your day-to day, pandemic worries, the housing crisis, economic insecurities, and having multiple systems fail us? Day Without Us is an invitation to abandon borders, boundaries, and binaries to build solidarity across the country. Listen along as we are joined by Leslie Mac, Tiffany Flowers, and Vilissa Thompson from Day Without Us to expand on what this movement is and how you can join in on the fun on September 30th!

Our guests:

Mentioned on the air:

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!

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Calls to Action May 08, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 28, where we discuss the fallout from the leaked SCOTUS draft opinion over the ongoing fight for abortion rights and reproductive justice. Listen along with our amazing guests Helmi Henkin, the abortion fund link fairy, and Robin Wilson-Beattie, a disability, sexual health, and reproductive educator. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Chapters

(0:00) Intro
(0:51) Melanie Introduces the Show
(3:36) Conversation with Susan Stutz
(5:16) The Draft
(13:12) Lousiana Bill
(19:18) Interview with Helmi Henkin and Robin Wilson-Beattie
(20:56) Robin's upbringing and how she got started in her activism
(24:23) How abortions differ for those with disabilities
(30:59) How Helmi started her activism
(33:09) How abortion bans have made Helmi's work harder
(36:10) What abortions looked like for slaves and what we can learn from it
(38:46) A message to liberals
(45:04) Where to find Robin
(45:47) How Helmi Got Her Nickname: The Abortion Fund Link Fairy
(48:03) Abortion Funds Document List and donate4abortions.com
(51:36) Petitions
(53:57) Where to find Helmi
(55:29) Monthly Donors
(56:52) Closings

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Authoritarianism in Democracy May 01, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 27, where we discuss how democracy often finds itself in the crosshairs of authoritarianism, and look to Taiwan as an example. Listen along as we hear from our panelist, Christine Lu, and her personal experiences as a Taiwanese American as well as the history and current state of Taiwan and China and their citizens. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Chapters

(0:00) Intro
(0:56) Melanie Introduces the Show
(2:13) Introducing the Panel
(2:20) Susan Stutz
(4:00) Christine Lu
(4:53) Christine’s Background
(12:41) What Working in China Was Like for Christine
(17:03) China’s Awareness of Power
(21:30) What Life Looks Like for Chinese students in America
(25:03) The Lack of Freedom within American Borders and Extreme Consequences
(30:44) Petitions
(35:00) Panelists Closings
(37:49) Monthly Donors
(38:25) Closings

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Reworking the Poor Tax Apr 25, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 26 where we analyze the current attack on the unhoused being waged by New York, Tennesse, and other states in the union. Listen along as we discuss how the policies to combat homelessness further marginalize unhoused people and look at who is doing the amazing work to help these neighbors and how you can do the same! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show
2:20 Introducing the Panel
2:30 Athena Fulay
2:51 Susan Stutz
6:30 Homelessness in DC
9:54 Who makes up the unhoused population
12:32 Liberal areas and their relation to homelessness
15:23 Athena's spotlight organizations and how to help in your area!
22:22 Petitions
28:42 Houston's success with housing the unhoused
35:00 Panelist’s Closings
38:44 Monthly Donors
39:02 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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How to Help a Neighbor Apr 18, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 25 where we revisit the ongoing war in Ukraine and put a spotlight on a similar crisis happening in Tigray. Listen along as we discuss the harsh realities of what our Ukrainian and Tigrayan neighbors are facing, the dangers of misinformation, and how to support our neighbors in need with our panelists and special guest Vitali Dorosh. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Melanie
Susan
Christine
Vitali Dorosh

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show
2:16 Introducing the Panel
2:23 Susan Stutz
4:44 Christine Lu
8:02 Interview with Vitali Dorosh
17:07 How to Support our Ukraine Neighbors
17:28 Misinformation and the war
21:24 How the war is impacting supply chains
26:34 Open Letters and Petitions
29:20 Tigray Open Letters
31:17 Current state of China’s Covid Lockdown
34:43 Panelists Closings
36:34 Monthly Donors
36:57 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Follow the Money Apr 04, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 24 where we take a look at the situation in Mason, Tennesse regarding the Ford motor company and the corrupt plans that are being planned for the town. Listen along as we look at how funding, company DE&I, and community within corporations are affecting working minorities today with Qiana Patterson. We also briefly discuss the first-ever Amazon union and its leader Chris Smalls! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

This Week's Panel

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show
3:07 Introducing the Panel
3:14 Christine Lu
4:48 Athena Fulay
7:18 Interview with Qiana Patterson
14:15 What Indicates Proper DE&I?
20:19 The Relationship of Corporations and Community
30:42 Text RESIST to 50409 and create a petition!
35:40 First Amazon Union
38:11 The Importance and significance of Chris Smalls
43:26 Where to find Qiana
44:49 Panelists Closings
47:30 Monthly Donors
48:07 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Who Runs the Bot? Mar 28, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 23 where we honor and recognize the powerful femme voices that run Resistbot and got it to where it is now! Listen along as we look back at some of the best moments on the podcast with our guests and very own Resistbot power-organizer Jessica Craven. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Related Petitions

Confirm Lisa Cook and Biden's other Fed nominees NOW!
Or, write your own: text FEDERAL to 50409

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Melanie

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show
4:30 Jaike Spotted Wolf - Indigeneity in America
11:27 Nee Nee Taylor - What Happens When Your Coup Fails
18:06 Debra Cleaver - Voting Rights: What’s at Stake
22:13 Diondra Elan - Protect Trans People
26:03 Ría Thompson-Washington - Understanding Defunding the Police
31:29 Vilissa Thompson - Common Sense and the Hallway Commute
35:38 Interview with Jessica Craven
52:08 Petitions
54:09 Monthly Donors
54:31 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Erase Student Loan Debt Mar 21, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 22, where we discuss the weight of student loan debts and how they affect marginalized groups and the youth in our country. Listen along as we have an open and relatable conversation with our panelists about student loans and tuition evolution over the decades and personal experiences surrounding them. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

Related Petitions

Continue Student Loan Repayment Freeze and Cancel Student Debt
Cancel 50k in Student Loan Debt
POTUS: Extend the Pause on Student Loan Debt
POTUS: Cancel Student Loan Debt Now
POTUS: Cancel 50k in Student Loan Debt Now
Cancel Student Loan Debt
Or, write your own: text FEDERAL to 50409

Mentioned on the Air

Go Deeper on the Issue

This Week’s Panel

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show
2:05 Introducing the Panel
2:07 Athena Fulay
2:45 Susan Stutz
3:05 Christine Lu
4:36 Student Loan Debt Over The Years
7:25 Student Loan Debt and Women
10:08 Tuition: Past vs. Present
18:37 Student Loan Forgiveness
21:28 Pell Grants
25:27 Petitions and Student Loans
30:15 Eyes on This! Panelist’s Petitions
37:42 Panelists Closings
40:11 Monthly Donors
40:28 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. You can find her on Twitter here if you need a show edited!

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Protect Trans People Mar 14, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 21, where we have a critical conversation with our panel about the current threats and hardships trans people face in our country. Learn more about the dangers to our trans youth, listen to personal experiences, and learn how to support our trans neighbors. Resistbot encourages you to research what's happening in your state capitol on this and any other issue. Use your voice, or others will speak for you! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!

In the News

How You Can Help

Related Petitions

Protect Texas Youth: Denounce Abbott's Directive
Protect Texan Families, Children, and Medical Professionals
Protect Trans Children
or write your own, text STATE to 50409

This Week's Panel

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:52 Melanie Introduces the show
2:42 Introducing the Panel
2:48 Susan Stutz
3:31 Jason Putorti
4:29 Diondra Elan
5:13 Lauren Rouse
6:14 Bianca Mack
16:37 Interview with Andrea Segovia from TENT
30:44 Where to Find and Support TENT
43:23 Petitions
46:18 Panelist Closings
46:39 Where to Find Lauren Rouse
47:22 Where to Find Bianca Mack
49:22 Where to Find Diondra Elan
52:12 Donor Appreciation
52:59 Closings

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. You can find her on Twitter here if you need a show edited!

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Fight the Purge Mar 07, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 20 where we discuss purged voter rolls and which states are at the leading edge of disenfranchising voters. Listen along as we look back on the recent Texas primary election, share helpful voting resources, and inform listeners about Resistbot. Resistbot launched on March 8, 2017, and now celebrates five years of connecting constituents with electeds.

Related Petitions

Pass The Freedom To Vote: John R. Lewis Act Now!

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:52 Melanie Introduces the show
2:02 Introducing the Panel
2:10 Athena Fulay
3:18 Christine Lu
3:54 Aftermath of the Texas Primary
5:54 Purging and Which States are Vulnerable
17:19 Voter Resources
18:15 Happy Anniversary Resistbot!
18:23 What is Resistbot
19:17 Useful Resistbot Functions
22:58 Petitions
27:43 More at Resistbot
36:34 Panelists Closings
39:51 Monthly Donors
40:30 Closing

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Ukraine, SCOTUS, Anti-Trans Bills in Texas Feb 28, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 19 where we discuss the major breaking news between February 20-27, 2022. Listen along as we have an open conversation with our panelists about what we do and do not know about these major hot topics including Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Texas Anti-Trans Directives, and Russia invading Ukraine.

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Chapters

0:00 Intro
0:51 Melanie Introduces the Show
2:23 Introducing the Panel
2:33 Athena Fulay
3:51 Christine Lu
5:27 Susan Stutz
6:26 Judge Ketanji Brown Jackon Nomination
16:09 Texas Anti-Trans Directive
17:02 Petition for Judge Jackson
27:42 Russia Invades Ukraine
44:56 Ukraine Petitions
47:06 Texas Petitions
47:57 Panelists Closings
50:15 Monthly Donors
50:41 Closings

★ Support this podcast ★

Justice Beyond Punishment Feb 21, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 18 where we continue the conversation from last week’s about defining the police, by discussing Prison Abolition! Listen along as we tackle why prison abolition is a necessary goal for our future with returning guest Ría Thompson-Washingon, an all-around expert, activist, abolitionist, and co-chair of The United People of Color Caucus for the National Lawyers Guild.

Mentioned on the Air

Summer Thunder Part 1: The History of Policing in America

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Understanding Defunding the Police Feb 14, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 17 where we thoroughly explain one of the most misunderstood concepts: defunding the police! Listen along as we break down what defunding the police really means and what that could look like with this week’s guest Ría Thompson-Washington, an all-around expert, activist, abolitionist, and co-chair of The United People of Color Caucus for the National Lawyers Guild.

Mentioned on the Air

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Abortion Laws: Which Heartbeat Matters? Feb 07, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 16 where we deep dive into the age-old, ongoing conversation of reproductive justice and abortion. Listen along as we deconstruct one of the most popular theology-based talking points with this week’s guest Kia Smith, an unapologetic speaker, content creator, award-winning digital director, and V.P. of Communications for a national advocacy organization.

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Redistricting: Unblurring the Lines Jan 24, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 15 where we unravel the complexities of redistricting and reveal what communities are marginalized in the process along with this week’s guests Rashida Peterson, founder and CEO of 1847 Philanthropic; and Cristina Uribe, Director of Political Strategy at the Cultural Engagement Lab.

Mentioned on the Air

This Seat is Taken by Susan Stutz

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Common Sense and the Hallway Commute Jan 17, 2022

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 14 where we discuss teleworking with Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, founder and CEO of Ramp Your Voice!, an organization focused on promoting self-advocacy and strengthening empowerment among disabled people; and national award-winning and board-certified PK-20 career educator and strategy coach, Dr. Chae Chambers.

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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What Happens When Your Coup Fails Jan 10, 2022

✊🤖 Our first episode of 2022 covers the timeline, implications, and consequences of the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Special guests for episode 13 are Nee Nee Taylor, a conductor for direct action, rapid response, and community aid for Harriets Wildest Dream and a leader in DMV Black Mama Bailout; and Debra Cleaver, founder of Vote.org and VoteAmerica.

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

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Petitions and Protest Dec 21, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our twelfth episode to learn about the history of petitions and protests in the United States and worldwide; and how you can organize to make a difference. Special guests this week include Professor Buzzkill covering history, and Resistbot co-founder Jason Putorti discussing how Resistbot has developed and where it's headed in 2022.

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Sanctuary Cities Dec 13, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our eleventh episode to learn about sanctuary cities and migrant justice with Jennifer Amuzie of Sanctuary DMV.

Mentioned on the Air

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Congregate Care Accountability Act Dec 06, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our tenth episode to learn about congregate care and the problems in the “Troubled Teen Industry” with Dr. Athena Kolbe and Dr. Vanessa Hughes of Breaking Code Silence, a social movement organized by activists and survivors of institutional child abuse. If you liked this episode, join us on Twitter on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 pm ET for a spaces conversation on this subject with our panel.

Mentioned on the Air

What You Can Do to Help

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Indigeneity in America Nov 24, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our ninth episode, where we'll get a clear picture of what American life looks like for our indigenous neighbors and the need for supportive allyship from Jaike SpottedWolf, a water protector and member of the Mandan, Hidatsu, and Arikara tribes.

Mentioned on the Air

Support Jaike and the Water Protectors

Camp Migizi Amazon Wishlist
Donate to $JaikeSpottedWolf with Cash.app
Donate to @Jaike-SpottedWolf with Venmo

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here!

★ Support this podcast ★

Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights Nov 15, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our eighth episode featuring an interview with Laura Goodhue, V.P. of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, and a discussion of reproductive rights—under threat in the United States.

Mentioned on the Air

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
The Marshall Project
They Belong to Us by Susan Stutz

Related Petitions

This Week's Panel

Melanie
Athena
Susan
Laura Goodhue

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm

Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited you can find her on Twitter here!

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Voting Rights: What’s at Stake Nov 09, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our seventh episode filled with lots of valuable information about voting rights, voter registration, voter ID, and voter suppression with expert Debra Cleaver, founder of Vote.org and VoteAmerica; as well as the history of the Voting Rights Act, and things you can do to help register and turn out voters in future elections.

Mentioned on the Air

Notable Petitions

This Week's Panel

Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm on

Show edited by Angel Barrera, if you need a show edited you can find her on Twitter!

★ Support this podcast ★

Domestic Violence Awareness Nov 01, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our sixth episode covering domestic violence featuring family law professor Linda Weiksnar, who's also on the board of directors of Safe Space Florida. This episode is essential for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or thinks someone they know may be: learn from Linda how to escape a bad situation, red flags, and more.

0:00 - Cue the Music
0:51 - Melanie Introduces the Show
2:37 - Introducing the Panel
3:08 - Christine Lu
5:04 - Athena Fulay
7:14 - Susan Stutz
10:11 - Interview with Linda Weiksnar
20:44 - Panel Discussion
23:47 - The Violence Against Women Act
26:48 - Panel Discussion Continued
27:52 - Red Flags
38:17 - Closing Plugs

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This Week's Panel

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Relevant Petitions

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Our American Stories Oct 25, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our fifth episode covering real American immigration stories. Our first story is from our own Christine Lu, who immigrated to the United States from Taiwan as a two-year-old in the 1970s; and "Cece" who is in the process of immigrating to the United States from Nigeria as she is fleeing politically motivated sexual violence. Please skip this chapter if you don't want to hear this sensitive content.

0:00 - Cue the music
0:54 - Moderator Melanie Starts the Show
4:01 - Christine Lu's American Story
19:11 - Cece's American Story
41:09 - Panel and Q&A
54:18 - Wrap and End Credits

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This week’s guests, in order of appearance

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Referenced in the Show

Our American Stories by Scot Mactaggart
Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S. from Pew Research
Refugee Resettlement Resources in Ohio
Refugee Resettlement Resources from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement

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Asylum 101 Oct 18, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our fourth episode: an interview with Prof. Nancy A. Oretskin, J.D. and emeritus professor from New Mexico State University. Nancy is an attorney that has been representing asylum seekers pro bono at the border near El Paso, Texas since 2010; and is a preeminent expert in migration, asylum, and immigration.

0:00 - Cue the music
1:00 - Introducing this week's moderator: Melanie Dione
2:31 - Introducing this week's panel: Susan, Christine, Dr. Coohill, and Athena
7:51 - Kicking off the interview with Prof. Nancy A. Oretskin
22:50 - Seeking Asylum from Asia
25:10 - Has Asylum Changed Between Administrations?
28:04 - What Evidence is Required?
31:05 - History of Asylum with Prof. Buzzkill
35:45 - What is the Ideal Policy?
39:19 - The Remain in Mexico Program
42:58 - What Americans Can Do Right Now
47:29 - Land vs. Air Crossings
50:08 - Key Takeaways and Panel Wrap
57:26 - End Credits

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This week’s guests, in order of appearance

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Referenced in the Show

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Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster Oct 11, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our third episode covering the interconnected issues of Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster, and the Debt Ceiling in Congress. Today we introduce Christine Lu, co-founder of Cross Border Lab and America Innovates for a global and AAPI perspective.

0:00 - Intro
2:58 - Welcome Christine Lu
5:48 - Introducing Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster
8:40 - Melanie with Audience Q&A
13:04 - Professor Buzzkill
15:31 - Spotlight on the Violence Against Women Act
18:49 - Spotlight on HBCU Funding
21:51 - The History of the Debt Ceiling
29:39 - How the U.S. is Viewed from Abroad
35:01 - Civics Education
39:12 - Debt Ceiling and the Age of Obama
42:40 - Bipartisan Support for Infrastructure
47:05 - The Status Quo
50:46 - Wrap

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This week’s guests, in order of appearance

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Referenced in the Show

How the Infrastructure Deal Might Test the Limit of Popular Bills at 538
Save the Women by Susan Stutz
House Renews Violence Against Women Act, But Senate Hurdles Remain at NPR

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SSI and Complexities of Disability Programs Oct 04, 2021

✊🤖 Join us for our second episode and the second part of our series on disability programs. Our guest today is Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, a macro-minded social worker from South Carolina. Ramp Your Voice! is her organization where she discusses the issues that matter to her as a Black disabled woman, including intersectionality, racism, politics, and why she unapologetically makes good trouble.

0:00 - Welcome to Episode 2
2:50 - Introducing Jason Putorti, co-creator of Resistbot, and the Resistbot origin story
8:40 - Re-introducing Susan Stutz and Melanie Dionne to bring us back into #DemolishDisabledPoverty and social security safety net programs
12:58 - How the SSI legislation is working its way through Congress
16:38 - Introducing Vilissa Thompson to discuss her perspective on the challenges of navigating complex systems of disability programs
33:51 - Q&A for Vilissa
44:07 - Putting the SSI campaign in context with other popular issues in Resistbot history
48:57 - How organizers can best use Resistbot to advance issue campaigns or turn out votes
54:24 - Useful keywords for individual Resistbot users

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This week’s guests, in order of appearance

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Referenced in the Show

★ Support this podcast ★

#DemolishDisabledPoverty Sep 28, 2021

✊🤖 Our premiere episode is a discussion of the ongoing movement to end disabled poverty and to fix SSI and SSDI programs.

0:00 - Moderator Scot Mactaggart introduces the show.
2:26 - Introducing Susan Stutz, Resistbot policy writer, and content researcher, to open today’s topic of SSI and the #DemolishDisabledPoverty campaign.
9:20 - Introducing Athena Fulay in Washington D.C., community organizer, and Resistbot outreach volunteer, discussing the experience of delivering Resistbot letters in person to Congressional offices.
16:50 - Introducing Dr. Joseph Coohill (a.k.a. Professor Buzzkill) a 25-year professor of history who’s taught at Duquesne University, Penn State, and Oxford.
20:11 - Introducing Melanie Dione; writer, podcaster, and event organizer in New Orleans, La.; and the text for the Improve SSI in Recovery Bill petition.
31:07 - Introducing Matthew Berwick, disability advocate and President of the United Spinal Association of Western Pa, to discuss his personal experiences.
39:54 - Panel discussion on SSI/SSDI
1:08:24 - Outro

If you have comments, feedback, or want to volunteer, email pod@resist.bot anytime; or learn more about Resistbot on our website.

This week’s guests, in order of appearance

See the live show Sundays at 1 pm on

Use the chatbot on

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Messenger
Or text the word “resist” to the number 50409

Support Resistbot

Referenced in the Show

Improve SSI in Recovery Bill Petition
Congress Must Include SSI + HCBS in Build Back Better Petition
Matthew Cortland
World Suicide Prevention Day and Month by Susan Stutz
The New New Deal by Susan Stutz

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Episode Zero - What to Expect from Resistbot Live Sep 21, 2021

We get the team together for the first edition of our new live show. Join us as we explore the issues that matter to the users of Resistbot and learn from the experts about why these issues are important to you too.

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