the roots of change podcast

the roots of change agency
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semiweekly

Storytelling for Social Change - Host Sam Chavez (she/they/he) connects with fellow organizers, artists, and movement leaders boldly creating change in today's social, political, tech, & media landscape with heart, hope, & a grounded nervous system. We explore the roots of media, tech, & storytelling to cultivate a liberatory future. Unlock our private podcast and library of resources on Patron. Explore & Join Healthy Media

  1. Jul 16

    🎙️ Creating Space for Mental Health in Movements with Ashely Williams from Mind the Movement

    Free Community Episode | Explore & Subscribe | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 This week, I am so happy to chat with Ashley Williams from Mind the Movement. She shares her journey of founding a mental health organization for grassroots organizers, the importance of community support, and practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being in social change work. At a moment when organizations are being defunded and activists are in crisis, mental health is a key issue to uplift across our organizations and movement. Watch today's preview on PeerTube. "We have to fight for that joy."Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode Prioritizing Mental Health in Movements & PoliticsStarting Mind the MovementThe Front Lines of Social Change & It's ImpactsMental Health as a Social IssueAffinity Groups to Build ResiliencePracticing Liberatory Change in Our Small CirclesHow Leadership & Managers Can RespondUnmute Yourself About Mental HealthSupporting Our Loved Ones in a Mental Health CrisisCreating Care for New OrganizersThe Joys of Being VeganReferences / Resources 🌱 About Mind the Movement🎶 Noah Kahan🧰 Unmute Yourself Toolkits🌱 Share Your Story 🧰 QPR InstituteAbout Ashley Williams (she/her) For the past 8 years, Ashley has built and led national democracy and political programs. She’s the creator of the largest political organizing training of all time where she trained 60,000 people in 4 weeks during the height of the pandemic. Ashley is a long-time vegan, adoptee and the only person in her family to graduate from college. She’s also experienced mental health struggles since childhood and is committed to supporting others without a safety net in getting the support they need. She runs a consulting firm The Most Good (and two other small businesses). In her “spare time” she figure skates and is learning to crochet. Learn More About Mind the MovementMore About AshleyGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberFollow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkySupport independent media & assist an activist ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ If you enjoyed today's episode, consider supporting our work or joining our memberships for more rooted media & resources! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. Explore our Assist an Activist program for community-supported memberships.

    🎙️ Creating Space for Mental Health in Movements with Ashely Williams from Mind the Movement

  2. Jul 3

    🎙️ Birth of a Nation: How the U.S. Was Won

    A Road Trippin' for Change Episode | Explore the Series | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 We continue on our Road Trippin' for Change to reflect on the ties between the United States' founding and Trump's America. In Arizona, we discuss indigenous voting and the long history of white supremacist violence in elections. I share more about my experience canvassing for the 2024 election in Arizona. We end with some joy on a dirt road and another Radical Reads recommendation. Watch today's episode on PeerTube. *Content Note: In the episode, I refer to the Bosnian genocide, however, I meant the Armenian genocide, which took place during World War I. I also speak to colonizers as "deeply impoverished" I was referring to European settlers who came on the heels of the colonizers who were financed by monarchs or wealthy elites. Become a member for the full experience: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode From the U.S. Founding to the 2024 electionArizona's history of settler colonialismMapping the Southwest & it's historyWorld War II Aftermath and IsraelIndigenous history & White Settler Colonialism2024 Election ViolenceBook Recommendation: HItchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyDriving on a Dirt RoadReferences / Resources 🎬 Marfa, TX: Giant, Masculinity, & Queerness✊🏽 The Bloated Billionaire Bill📚 By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle🎙️ [Preview] Trump's America: Poverty & Ancestral Trauma in the U.S.🌱 Building Resilience Against Fascism🌱 Democrat's Won't Save Us, We Will📚 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberFollow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkySupport independent media & assist an activist ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ If you enjoyed today's Road Trippin' for Change episode, consider joining our memberships for the full experience! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month.

    🎙️ Birth of a Nation: How the U.S. Was Won

  3. Jun 24

    🎙️ Mastodon Meadow vs. Big Tech's Walled Gardens | The Social Media Alternative to Big Tech

    Seedling Episode Preview | Explore & Subscribe | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 We connect with our regular techs-pert Joe Cardillo (they/them) about growing off of Big Tech and for profit social media that only steals our data, manipulates our emotions, and harms our connection to each other. We discuss the fediverse as an alternative that hearkens back to the early Internet of social networking & community. For organizations looking to de-Big Tech their communications, we have advice on how to setup and build on the fediverse. Plus, get the 📋 Mastodon for Social Change Follow List to expand your fediverse follows! Watch today's preview on PeerTube. Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode What is the Fediverse?Why Transition Away from Big Tech?Walled Gardens vs. the MeadowCapitalization of the InternetWhy Creators & Non-Profits Should Join MastodonTips for Migrating AudiencesUsing Independent Social Media for Deeper Audience ConnectionsLiberatory Communications Off Big TechReferences / Resources 📲 Get Started on Mastodon (Privacy Guides)📋 Mastodon for Social Change Follow List✊🏽 Gaza Verified🎬 Follow Us on Mastodon / PeerTube📲 Follow Sam on Mastodon📲 Follow Joe on Mastodon📚 Toying with Our Emotions: The Social Media Algorithm📚 Why Even Post? Can Social Media Work for Social Change?📚 Anti-Gaslighting Guide to Social MediaGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberFollow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkySupport independent media & assist an activist ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ If you enjoyed today's episode, consider supporting our work or joining our memberships for more rooted media & resources! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. Explore our Assist an Activist program for community-supported memberships.

    🎙️ Mastodon Meadow vs. Big Tech's Walled Gardens | The Social Media Alternative to Big Tech

  4. Jun 18

    🎙️ 2024 Election: a Harbinger for Trump's America

    Free Community Episode | Explore & Subscribe | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hey y'all! 👋🏽 This year is a midterm election year and another opportunity to push back against the fascist agenda. We jump back to October 2024 and what it was like on the road talking to voters to stop Trump's 2nd term. Bear and I are going back out on the road to reflect on how we got to Trump's America in 2026 and how the roots of our history are holding us back. Watch today's preview on PeerTube. "This is my muddy boy, Bear. He is a full pembroke welsh corgi and my travel buddy."Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode 2024 Election and Trump's 2nd RiseWhat themes does media & tech intentionally miss?Talking with voters and understanding the cracks of the U.S.Trump vs. Kamala's Future AmericaReflecting on the stakes of 2024 electionMore about Bear the corgi!References / Resources 🎬 Southwest Swing State Roadtrip Video Series 🌱 Flexing Native Voting Power Against a GOP-Controlled Arizona🌱 Subverting U.S. Progressive Power: The Democratic Way🌱 How the Court was Corrupted: A Brief History of the Federalist Society🌱 Combatting Resistance to Biden's Diverse Cabinet🌱 Yes We Kahn! AI Climate & Regulation🧠 Art & Science of Changing Minds Zine Library📚 Build Your Voter Outreach Strategy | Guides & TemplatesGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberFollow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkySupport independent media & assist an activistThank you for being a listener of the roots of change agency! To access our podcast, media, & memberships, visit our website at rootschangemedia.com Want to share & support our work? Gift a membership to a heart-first activist in your life.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ If you enjoyed today's episode, consider supporting our work or joining our memberships for more rooted media & resources! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. Explore our Assist an Activist program for community-supported memberships.

    🎙️ 2024 Election: a Harbinger for Trump's America

  5. Jun 1

    🎙 The Ragging Waters of Our Polycrisis | Summer Podcast Kick Off

    Free Community Episode | Explore & Subscribe | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 We are back from our month-long hiatus to dig into the major news we missed and root into the long game of organizing against our polycrisis to build the future we deserve. While elites, Big Tech, and white supremacy are throwing everything they can at us, the truth is they are all the same root. Watch today's preview on PeerTube. "We deserve to tell our stories. We deserve to build the liberatory future."Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode Elites & Big Tech work to control & hoard Building news and media literacyOrganizing through an escalating polycrisisHow we navigate the ragging waters collectivelyOur theory of change and finding your role in social changeCorgi booty as community caredReferences / Resources 🗞️ The Pope Calls Out AI🗞️ Peter Thiel Preaching Anti-Christ at Vatican's Door🗞️ Malaysia Suing Israel Over Torture of Gaza Flotilla Activists🗞️ Trump's DOJ Gifts Him $1.8 Billion Slush Fund for Allies🗞️ The Supreme Court Ends Multiracial Democracy as We Know It 🗞️ Tennessee GOP Moves to Decimate Black Voting Power After SCOTUS Blessing of Jim Crow🗞️ More US Americans Buying Beans to Offset Costs🗞️ Billionaires, Dark Money Unprecedented Spending for 2026 Midterms🗞️ Big Tech & Elite's Stealing Water, Energy, & Resources🌱 Our Theory of Change: Storytelling for Social Change✊🏽 Explore Our Refreshed Resource HubGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberFollow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkySupport independent media & assist an activist ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ If you enjoyed today's episode, consider supporting our work or joining our memberships for more rooted media & resources! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. Explore our Assist an Activist program for community-supported memberships.

    🎙 The Ragging Waters of Our Polycrisis | Summer Podcast Kick Off

  6. May 4 ·  Bonus

    🎙 [Re-Air] Andor & Star Wars as Lessons in Activism with Get Free

    Free Community Episode | Explore & Subscribe | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hey y’all, 👋🏽 May the 4th Be with You! Star Wars Day also happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, we're re-releasing our Live panel discussion with Get Free about Andor and Star Wars as a place for organizing lessons. Sam Chavez (she/they/he) chats with Natalie (she/her) and Anthony Torres (he/him) from Get Free about their new program to get Star Wars fans involved in organizing called Project Fulcrum. In the hour-long conversation, we discussed: How Star Wars fandom can inform our activism on Earth todayMon Mothma’s unique role in The Resistance as someone with privilege within The EmpireNemik’s Manifesto and what lessons we can take about movement buildingGet Free’s Project Fulcrum as an opportunity for Star Wars fans to get involvedWhy we need The Force and joy for long-term movement building Explore the roots of change agency Read our Weekly Activist DigestFollow us on YouTube, Bluesky & MastodonHealthy Tech & Communications ResourcesAccess Our Private ChatsBecome a Seedling Member About Get Free Join Project Fulcrum Follow Get Free Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activist Amplify Grounded Activism 🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast Feed About Natalie Green (she/her) Natalie Green is a leader on Project Fulcrum, a Get Free initiative that mobilizes Star Wars and Andor fans across races, backgrounds, and generations to rebel against real-world authoritarianism. A lifelong Star Wars fend, she blends pop culture with politics to inspire action and build community. Natalie is a progressive communications strategist with over a decade of experience advancing the rights of women, survivors, and communities of color. She currently works in the reproductive rights movement and has previously served on Senator Elizabeth Warren’s digital team and as Communications Manager at UltraViolet, where her campaigns reached tens of millions. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Washington, D.C. About Anthony Torres (he/him) Anthony Vidal Torres is the Communications Director for Get Free. Anthony is a messaging specialist, political strategist, and organizer originally from Long Island, New York. He’s supported winning campaigns across the country and most recently served as the Director of Collaboration at ASO Communications and has been a key steward and trainer of the Race Class Narrative. Prior to this, he led communication efforts for the national grassroots campaign to impeach Trump in 2019, and held a variety of leadership roles in the climate movement. Get updates when new podcasts & resources are out: Explore the roots of change agency Read our Weekly Activist DigestFollow us on YouTube, Bluesky & MastodonHealthy Tech & Communications ResourcesAccess Our Private ChatsBecome a Seedling Member Sam Chavez (she/they/he) chats with Natalie (she/her) and Anthony Torres (he/him) from Get Free about their new program to get Star Wars fans involved in organizing called Project Fulcrum. In the hour-long conversation, we discussed: How Star Wars fandom can inform our activism on Earth in 2025Mon Mothma’s unique role in The Resistance as someone with privilege within The EmpireNemik’s Manifesto and what lessons we can take about movement buildingGet Free’s Project Fulcrum as an opportunity for Star Wars fans to get involvedWhy we need The Force and joy for long-term movement building If you enjoyed today's episode, consider supporting our work or joining our memberships for more rooted media & resources! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. Explore our Assist an Activist program for community-supported memberships. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    🎙 [Re-Air] Andor & Star Wars as Lessons in Activism with Get Free

  7. Apr 6

    🎙️ From Human Doings to Human Beings Radical Love at Middle Church

    A Road Trippin' for Change Episode | Explore the Series | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 The pope and the president are fighting and no that's not a punchline for a dad joke. We celebrate Easter the way the radical organizer, Jesus, would want, by talking about community and radical love! I sit down with two of my pastors from Middle Church, Rev. Natalie Perkins and Jillian Langford, to discuss Jesus, the rise of Christian Nationalism, and how Middle Church is building a community that's moving for change. This was originally recorded on August 19, 2025 as part of our ongoing Road Trippin' for Change series. Watch today's episode. In the Episode Jesus Teachings vs. Christian NationalismHow a church fire transformed Middle ChurchChurch as love and communityThe complexity of Christianity in the U.S.The spiritual work of becoming human beings, not human doingsChurch as movement organizingThe intersection of history and religionUsing religion and spirituality to move through the rise of Christian NationalismOctavia Butler's God is Change Media, Resources, & News Middle ChurchFierce Love by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis🎙️ New York Organizing for Our Future Today with Chris TorresUbunutu & Other Lessons from Black LiberationThe Will to Change by bell hooksFreedom Rising ConferenceNazis & Hegseth: Christian Nationalism Rhythms 🌱 Become a Seedling Member Today! Get more behind-the-scenes action from our trip and go deeper with activists & organizers at just $2/month. Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activist Amplify Grounded Activism 🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast Feed If you enjoyed today's Road Trippin' for Change episode, consider joining our memberships for the full experience! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    🎙️ From Human Doings to Human Beings Radical Love at Middle Church

  8. Mar 30

    🔐 [Preview] Texas-Sized Stories: Christian Nationalism & the Republican Party

    A Road Trippin' for Change Episode | Explore the Series | Watch | Upgrade & Support Hi y’all! 👋🏽 this week, we stay in Southwest Texas to talk about the rise of christian nationalism, Republican Messaging strategies, and the complex web of the early history of the U.S. Bear hits the streets of Marfa, TX to reflect on small town, rural life and how we can empower the people politically and socially. Watch today's preview on YouTube or PeerTube. In the Episode Christian Nationalism and settler colonialismJesus' teachings vs. MAGABeing two spirit and beyond genderInside Elon Musks's Election StrategyBreaking down Republican votersDemocrat's Messaging Failures in 2024  🌱 Become a Seedling Member Today! Get more behind-the-scenes action from our trip and go deeper with activists & organizers at just $2/month. References / Resources 📚 Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe🎬 Dazed and Confused (1993)🌱 Reawakening to Indigenous Queer Wisdom🎬 Giant (1956)✊🏽 Stop the Bloated Billionaire Bill with People Power📚 The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks🌍 MAGA Morphing of the Grand Old Party (GOP) Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activist Amplify Grounded Activism 🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast Feed If you enjoyed today's Road Trippin' for Change episode, consider joining our memberships for the full experience! Root into our private podcast discussions, resources for organizers & communicators, our healthy cooking show, and more. Join today starting at $2/month. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    🔐 [Preview] Texas-Sized Stories: Christian Nationalism & the Republican Party
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About

Storytelling for Social Change - Host Sam Chavez (she/they/he) connects with fellow organizers, artists, and movement leaders boldly creating change in today's social, political, tech, & media landscape with heart, hope, & a grounded nervous system. We explore the roots of media, tech, & storytelling to cultivate a liberatory future. Unlock our private podcast and library of resources on Patron. Explore & Join Healthy Media

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  • Creator
    the roots of change agency
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © the roots of change agency
  • Show Website
    the roots of change podcast