Stepping Into Truth: Conversations on Social Justice and How We Get Free

Talking with Run For Something Co-Founder Amanda Litman

Amanda Litman
Season 2  Episode 18
In this conversation Run For Something co-founder Amanda Litman (if she looks familiar you may have seen her on tv) and I talk about the importance of those local races that most of us often don't think about. Amanda also shares her point of view on the whole “lesser of two evils” argument.
We also talk about why you might be someone who should consider running for something and how her amazing organization helps young, progressive candidates. Even if that doesn't describe you, I'm definitely not under 40, Amanda gives us guidance on what we can do to help.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking with Disability Activist and Musician Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea
Season 2  Episode 17
In this conversation NPR Tiny Desk Concert winner Gaelynn Lea and I talk about her disability activism, politics, music, and more. This conversation made me think about things like our culture's ideas about beauty, for one, in entirely new ways.
Music, activism, politics, Gaelynn weaves all these together for a discussion that will likely expand your thinking on a whole lot of things. I loved talking with Gaelynn, I think you're going to love hearing what she has to say.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking About Fighting for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women with Rosalie Fish

Rosalie Fish
Season 2   Episode 16
In this remarkable conversation 19 year old activist Rosalie Fish and I discuss the current epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
A member of the Cowlitz tribe, Rosalie comes to this subject with deep personal knowledge and an unshakeable commitment to giving a voice to these women.
This was a hard conversation for many reasons, not the least of which is that no one should have to be fighting this battle, certainly not at 19. But these women need a voice and Rosalie gives these missing and murdered women the attention they deserve and asks that we all do the same.
I had known of this situation before, but talking with Rosalie gave me an understanding I didn't previously have. I think she's amazing. I think you'll agree.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking Everything You Probably Didn‘t Know (and need to) About ID with Kat Calvin

Kat Calvin
Season 2   Episode 15
In this episode I talk with Kat Calvin, founder of Project ID and Spread the Vote about why her organization focuses on getting ID for the millions of Americans who don't have any.
This goes so far beyond what I was expecting when I got into this conversation. I had no idea about some of the things people can't access without identification. Things that make just doing daily life really hard.
Have a listen! It's equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking About ”She Speaks” an Homage to Black Women with Filmmaker Don Estill

Don Estill
Season 2   Episode 14
In this beautiful and moving conversation filmmaker Don Estill talks about why he was compelled to make this documentary. He speaks of the women who inspired him directly and talks about the multitude of ways that Black women are amazing.
The voices of Black Women  are often misunderstood and overlooked. She Speaks shines a light on the depth and richness of these voices and showcases how and why Black Women are the future.
This is an interview that moved me deeply. I hope you feel the same.
NOTE: Don is currently in talks to secure the rest of the financing for She Speaks so there are no clips currently available. I’ll keep you posted on his progress with getting this important film made.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking Bringing Abortion Stories Out of the Shadows and More with Renee Bracey Sherman

Renee Bracey Sherman
Season 2   Episode 13
In this episode abortion rights activist Renee Bracey Sherman and I talk about why it’s so important that abortions stories are heard. We also talk about the deep bias that’s at the heart of the debate and the disproportionate impact on people of color.
Renee made me think about aspects of this issue that I hadn’t considered before.
Join us and expand your perspective on reproductive rights.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking the Arts as Activism, Mary McLeod Bethune, and More with Richarda Abrams

Richarda Abrams
Season 2   Episode 12
In this episode actor Richarda Abrams and I discuss her award winning one woman show, First By Faith: The Life of Mary McLeod Bethune. We also talk about the ways in which each of us can contribute to the greater good in our own way and why the Arts are so important in a healthy society. Richarda's one-woman show about black educator and activist Bethune has lessons for us in this moment when it can feel hard to see a way though. As we enter a new decade this episode will inspire you to think about the arc of time, your place in that arc, and the contribution you wish to make to the world.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking How to Start a Revolution and More with Lauren Duca

Lauren Duca
Season 2   Episode 11
In this episode Lauren Duca, author of How to Start a Revolution: Young People and the Future of American Politics, and I talk about what changed after the 2016 election. We talk about how many young people experienced a political awakening and the shift that has engendered. You’ve probably heard the term military industrial complex. But have you heard about the political-industrial complex?
We all hear that young people are the future, well of course they are. Lauren and I talk about the future that young people are trying to create and how we all, regardless of age, can be participants in democracy. The way the founding fathers intended. Best of all, Lauren gives us suggestions as to how we can make a difference without quitting our day jobs.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking the Power of Individuals and more with Rebecca Farnum

Rebecca Farnum
Season 2   Episode 10
In this episode London based Rebecca Farnum and I discuss a range of social justice issues from Volunteer-tourism’s ups and downs to gender based violence in North Africa. This conversation will definitely get your activist juices flowing if you're feeling stuck. If you're already in motion you'll also find inspiration here.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.

Talking Self Care, Managing Expectations, and More with Mara Glatzel

In this conversation Mara Glatzel and I discuss meaningful self-care (it’s not just baths and chocolate), managing our expectations of ourselves so that we aren’t setting ourselves up, and how thought patterns and belief systems play into self-care. We talk about taking risks and how taking a risk might be the best self-care there is and so much more.
I think you’re gonna love this deep conversation.
For a written transcript of this episode click here.