Laura Flanders and Friends: Next Economy, Labor, Intersectional, Climate, LGBTQ, Abortion

synopsis: "Delve into the gripping discussion with filmmaker Michael Premo about 'Homegrown,' a documentary highlighting the shifting dynamics within right-wing movements post-Capitol storm." Note: This interview took place on January 15th, 2025 prior to the inauguration. Since the taping of this interview, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol storming shortly after taking office. Christopher Quaglin, a prominently featured subject in the documentary "Homegrown," was pardoned alongside other members of the extremist group, the Proud Boys. Short Description: Hours after he took office, Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. One of those pardoned was one of the subjects of a gripping documentary: Homegrown. Director Michael Premo joins Laura Flanders to discuss how the film came to be, and the surprising diversity within the Right-wing groups he followed. Guest: Michael Premo: Journalist & Filmmaker; Director & Producer, Homegrown While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our supporting members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. The following is from our episode “Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?” with guest Michael Promo, a journalist and filmmaker who produced and directed the gripping documentary “Homegrown.” The film follows three members of the Proud Boys in the lead up to the January 6th insurrection. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Full Episode notes are also available at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/120710568

Synopsis: Dive into Dean Spade's guide on building resilient relationships and social justice movements in "Love in a F*cked Up World"—learn how to navigate conflict and strengthen community ties amidst global crises. 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! Short description: Activist Dean Spade offers tips for strengthening our relationships in order to survive.
Long description: In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! “Love in a F*ed Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together” from lifelong activist Dean Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Guest: Dean Spade: Author, Love In A F*ed-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together & Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)

Synopsis: Discover how Dean Spade, lifelong activist and founder of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, offers strategies for effective collaboration and mutual aid in turbulent times in his new release. In a time of climate catastrophe, genocide, mass incarceration and political turmoil, people need to work together – better! “Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell, Together” from lifelong activist Dean Spade shares tips on how we might get our interpersonal houses in order so that we’re better equipped to show up for others and the causes we care about. Guest: Dean Spade: Author, Love In A F*cked-Up World: How To Build Relationships, Hook Up, And Raise Hell Together & Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!

Synopsis: Unpack the complexities of Jimmy Carter's presidency: How his stances on Israel, labor rights, and energy conservation continue to spark debate. Join us for a deep dive into his enduring influence and misunderstood successes. Short Description: What is being left out of the conversation when it comes to Jimmy Carter, and why are many of his significant achievements under attack today? In this episode, Laura is on the ground in Georgia for Carter’s funeral events, and speaks with people who came from all around the country to pay their respects. Find out how Americans are remembering the 39th president. Join us as we explore why Carter’s legacy is so relevant today. Interviewees include Richard Li, Vice President of the Chinese American Business Association of Atlanta; Karin Ryan, the Senior Policy Advisor on Human Rights and Special Representative on Women and Girls at The Carter Center; and Greg Waddle, President of IATSE Local 479. All that, plus a commentary from Laura. 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!

Synopsis: Explore the history and impact of Illinois' decision to end cash bail statewide in 2023, featuring insights from key advocates and policymakers involved in this monumental change. Short Description: The discriminatory and unjust for-profit cash bail system 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, but Illinois implemented the first-of-its-kind Pretrial Fairness Act, ending cash bail statewide in 2023. 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 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!

Summary: **What Illinois Can Teach the Nation About Justice Reform** As the state leads the way in eliminating cash bail, we delve into the lessons learned and potential implications for criminal justice reform across the country. Short Description: The discriminatory and unjust for-profit cash bail system 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, but Illinois implemented the first-of-its-kind Pretrial Fairness Act, ending cash bail statewide in 2023. 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 This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!

Summary: Exploring the Unfinished Business of Occupy: How Far Have We Come in Closing the Wealth Gap? Insights from Experts and Activists, Including Marisa Holmes and Taifa Smith Butler. (episode originally released September 11, 2024) Short Description: Were you one of the hundreds of thousands of people on the streets during the Occupy movement? For many the movement was a political awakening, as people rallied to end economic inequality and support democracy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. On this 13th anniversary, how does the spirit of Occupy live on? And what progress — if any — has been made when it comes to the wealth gap? Guests: • Taifa Smith Butler: President, Dēmos • Marisa Holmes: Author, Organizing Occupy Wall Street • Amir Khafagy: Journalist, Report for America Member, Documented This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!

Summary: Explore how collaborative artistry and activism celebrate collective freedom in today's divided times. (episode originally aired June 5, 2024) Short Description: In a time of division, how do we create a sense of collective freedom? It’s a question that peace activist, artist and poet Genesis Be grapples with in all her work. Genesis Be joins Laura Flanders and co-host Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church, to discuss how to reject stigmas and advance liberation. Guests: Genesis Be: Poet, Peace Activist, Artist; Author, People Not Things: Love Poems & Paintings for Humanity This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. Thank you for your continued support! Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (Co-host): Senior Minister of Public Theology & Transformation, Middle Church, NYC

Synopsis: **Empowerment Through Experience:** In an engaging dialogue, Lateefah Simon and Barbara Lee discuss their journeys as Black women in politics, sharing insights on resilience against racism and the ongoing fight for justice—don't miss this enlightening episode that highlights the strength of minority voices! Short description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Guests: • Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District • Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. Thank you for your continued support!

Here at Laura Flanders & Friends, we offer a comprehensive fellowship program in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY) John Jay School of Criminal Justice. Participants work hands-on, gaining knowledge about our independent movement media operation producing our TV, radio and podcast productions. Throughout the program our entire staff spends time with each fellow, sharing expertise and knowledge from editing to scripting to promotions and technical skills. We mentor our fellows and guide them in producing their own media pieces. You are about to hear one of those stories produced by our Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley, a college sophomore pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Description: Many first-generation Latino students face unique challenges as they navigate the path from college to career readiness. ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) is a transformative organization providing mentorship, professional development, and a sense of belonging through its ALPFAmilia network. In this audio report, John Jay Justice Capital Initiative fellow Erika Harley explores how ALPFA empowers students to overcome barriers, featuring interviews with John Jay Chapter President Nayeli Zempoaltecatl and the New York Director of Student Affairs Kevin Durjpal. Together, they share how ALPFA bridges the gap for underrepresented groups, fosters equity, and transforms lives. Guests: Kevin Durjpal: ALPFA NY Director of Student Affairs Committee; Strategy & Consulting Analyst, Accenture Nayeli Zempoaltecatl: President, ALPFA John Jay Chapter At The Laura Flanders Show, we’re dedicated to providing a platform for diverse voices in the field of social justice. This report, a collaboration between The Laura Flanders Show fellowship program and CUNY John Jay College, reflects our commitment. The opinions presented are solely those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent The Laura Flanders Show’s views or those of CUNY John Jay College.