Laura Flanders and Friends: New Economy, Democracy, Solutions, BIPOC Journalism

Laura Flanders, Curious Communications
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Laura Flanders and Friends: New Economy, Democracy, Solutions, BIPOC Journalism

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 300 US markets, and airs on 50+ community radio stations, and is available on YouTube and here 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.

  1. 48 MIN. AGO

    Police Violence Against Latinos: The Shocking Data We Now Know

    La Raza Database Research Project is bringing awareness to police violence against Latinos who are the second most likely demographic to be killed by law enforcement in the U.S, relative to their population. Short Description: You wouldn’t know it from the data, but Latinos are the second most likely demographic to be killed by law enforcement in the U.S, relative to their population. We only have these statistics now thanks to the work of La Raza Database Research Project, a group of volunteers in Southern California who are bringing awareness to systematic police violence against the Latino population. “. . . Racism and policing has almost always been viewed through a black and white binary, is very often viewed in very narrow terms. And in turn, the same goes for the Latino community. We are almost always viewed through the prism of immigration . . . We are seldom brought up in conversations involving policing and violence.” - Roberto Camacho “Under a Trump administration, I’m not sure that there will be truth, justice or transparency, and especially not for people that are seen as savages or subhuman. But it is time for the community to organize and demand community oversight.” - Ivette Xochiyotl Boyzo “There’s no federal mandate or state mandate to do this, so if it’s not there, they’re not going to do it . . . They were individuals, they were journalists that took this issue as their own and started the drudgery of identifying deaths through their newspaper articles or police reports.”  - Jesus M. Garcia “[César Antonio Rodriguez] got profiled and that's what a lot of police officers tend to do, especially to the Hispanic and Black community . . . I know that if he would’ve been white, he would still be here.” - Priscilla Rodriguez Guests: • Ivette Xochiyotl Boyzo: Research Project Manager, La Raza Database • Roberto Camacho: Journalist; Social Justice Reporting Fellow, Laura Flanders & Friends • Jeremiah Cothren (Co-host): Senior Producer, Laura Flanders & Friends • Jesus M. Garcia: Research Project Statistician & Demographer, La Raza Database • Rosa Moreno: Mother of César Rodriguez • Priscilla Rodriguez: Sister of César Rodriguez Support for the podcast comes from our member supporters. Please join our member by making a one off donation, or make it monthly at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate

    29 min

  2. FEB 19

    The Truth About America's "Wood Basket": Why the U.S. South is Losing Its Forests

    Synopsis: With tariffs increasing on Canadian timber, deforestation is accelerating in America's "wood basket." Explore how organizations in the South are fighting back with initiatives that promise both ecological and economic benefits. Short Description: According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But frontline communities are telling a different story. Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. “. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra “. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry “. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith Guests: • Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance • Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance • Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation (Watch the show weekly airing on 300+ PBS stations, on YouTube, search Laura Flanders, and airing on coummunity radio via PRX and Pacifica) 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 available to all=> https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-notes-s5-122301713

    29 min
  3. Full Uncut Conversation- Brittons Neck Community Forest: Climate Resilience & Reparations

    FEB 14 · BONUS

    Full Uncut Conversation- Brittons Neck Community Forest: Climate Resilience & Reparations

    Synopsis: Explore the intersection of forestry, environmental justice, and economic development in the American South as communities advocate for equitable policies and climate resilience. While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Episode Description: According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But frontline communities are telling a different story. Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. “. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna Smith Guests: • Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance • Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance • Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate. Thank you for your continued support!

    44 min

  4. FEB 12

    What Happens After a Prison Shuts Down? A Report from Rural Craigsville, Virginia

    LF&F Special Report: The Augusta Correctional Center employed many residents and brought business to Craigsville, Virginia, a two square-mile, 900-person town in the Shenandoah Valley. But when the prison closed with minimal warning, Craigsville residents and the town’s economy were hit hard. Join us as we envision the future of Craigsville and investigate how decarcerating the economy can become a win for all. (Watch the show weekly airing on 300+ PBS stations, on YouTube, search Laura Flanders, and airing on coummunity radio via PRX and Pacifica) Guests: • Sincere Allah: State Organizer, REFORM Alliance • Margaret Breslau: Co-Founder, Virginia Prison Justice Network • Pam L. Carter: Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Craigsville, Virginia • Richard L. Fox: Mayor, Craigville, Virginia • Chelsea Higgs Wise (Correspondent): Journalist & Policy Advocate, Richmond, Virginia • Tracy Martin: Fire Chief, Volunteer Fire Department, Craigsville Virginia • Sandy Oscar Sprouse: Owner, Grandma’s Busy Bee • Fred Sprouse:  Superintendent of Maintenance, Craigsville, Virginia • David Swink: Cattle & Hay Farmer, Craigsville, Virginia • Catherine Moyers-Youell: Retired Teacher, Craigsville, Virginia • Bill Youell: Retired Chemical Engineer, Craigsville, Virginia • Lewis Raven Wallace (Correspondent): Journalist & Activist, Durham, North Carolina • Claudette Wilcher: Pastor Bells Valley Worship Center, Craigsville, Virginia This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!

    30 min

  5. FEB 5

    Los Angeles Wildfires: BIPOC Media Are Telling Stories Other Media Aren’t (broadcast edition)

    Synopsis: As toxic air and water risks rise in the aftermath of the LA fires, local journalists highlight community resilience and recovery efforts in the face of adversity. Brief Description: In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires. Guests: • Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main • Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News • Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News (Host) 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/episode-notes-s5-121205824

    29 min
  6. Full Conversation- Los Angeles Wildfires: BIPOC Media Are Telling Stories Other Media Aren’t

    JAN 31 · BONUS

    Full Conversation- Los Angeles Wildfires: BIPOC Media Are Telling Stories Other Media Aren’t

    Episode Synopsis: Beyond the flames, L.A. communities face long-term challenges from gentrification and loss. Join our "Meet the BIPOC Press" panel as local journalists explore the environmental and social impacts of recent fires. Full Conversation: 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. Laura passes the mic to Kadia Tubman of Scripps News to host this month’s meet the BIPOC press. In this episode we hear what BIPOC Media are telling about the Los Angeles Wildfires that the other media are not. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. This Episode, Short Description: In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires. Guests: • Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main • Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News • Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate. Thank you for your continued support!

    30 min

  7. JAN 29

    The Escalation of Violence: A Warning from the Front Lines in Homegrown Documentary

    Synopsis: Filmmaker Michael Premo discusses 'Homegrown', a documentary on the Proud Boys and the path from political ideas to political violence Short Descritpion: 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 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. 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

    28 min
  8. Full Conversation: Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?

    JAN 24 · BONUS

    Full Conversation: Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?

    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

    39 min
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About

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 300 US markets, and airs on 50+ community radio stations, and is available on YouTube and here 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.

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