Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste

Dee Batiste
  • 5.0 (20)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Connections and Conversations, is an Advocacy Arena Podcast fostering pathways to strengthen our communities.    In 2021 I began hosting virtual roundtable type conversations to foster more civic participation. They were informative and inspiring.    I discovered some hidden heroes amongst every day citizens and felt they deserved hi lighting —   I want you to meet them and other change makers around the country in different fields.    We’ll peek behind the scenes to explore their contributions and impact.   I’m Dee Batiste, your host.  I’m also a veteran continuing to serve by focusing on community.    Advocacy Arena is here to help cultivate the growth of healthy, strong, thriving communities— I hope you will join me on this journey.   The podcast is an outgrowth of a growing grassroots community of diverse citizens with common concerns based in our shared search for solutions.  

  1. 10/05/2025

    Advocacy Arena's "Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste" Season 1 Finale

    In this final collection of Season 1 highlights, we revisit moments that moved us — words that challenged, inspired, and reminded us of the impact we each can make. Until next time, keep listening, keep learning, and most of all, keep connecting. HISTORIANS  Dr. Mary Marshall — Ep 1: Archiving Your Family History Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr. — Ep 5: Lifting As We ClimbDenise Oliver Velez — Ep 11: The Revolutionary Power of Community ActivismSOCIAL JUSTICE TRAILBLAZERS  Gywnne & Lauren --Ep 3: The Many Paths Taken to Social JusticeSOCIAL WORK CHAMPIONS  Ngozi --Ep 23: How Community-Based Mental Health Services Strengthen the CommunityAdrienne and AJ Young, Jr, and Ron Reeves --Ep 10: Look to the HelpersDOCTORS & LAWYERS Dr. Katrina Green — Ep 16: Exploring Grassroots Organizing and Activism Marc G. --Ep 13: Exploring the Legal Aspects of Our Political Climate w Law Professor - Part 1GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Chris --Ep 24: Exploring a Geopolitical Perspective of Democracy with ChrisGeoffrey -- Ep 19: The Vital Role of Independent & International Journalism with Geoffrey P JohnstonLAWMAKERS Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons --Ep 28: Front Line of Democracy: TX Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons on the Fight Against RedistrictingEDUCATORS  Steven -- Ep 9: A Collaborative Approach to Education with Steven EvangelistaDr Ty --Ep 8: Education Advocacy and Mentorship with Dr. Ty* "Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste" is an Advocacy Arena Podcast Series. Support the show

    47 min

  2. 09/28/2025

    Thank you!

    Dee teases the podcast's first season finale. Support the show

    5 min

  3. 09/21/2025

    Voices of Solidarity – UAW, Labor, and Legacy

    Gwynne, aka SoulSisterOG,  Former International Representative Public Relations Dept UAW President's Staff discusses how strategic communication and collaboration has been a driving force in the labor movement. We also reflect on the enduring legacy of Walter Reuther, the legendary UAW leader who helped unite the fight for workers’ rights with the civil rights movement. A powerful conversation on activism, messaging, and the future of organized labor. SoulSister is also the Co-host of Advocacy Arena Good Trouble Chat where she brings her labor union perspective and experience. 🐳Good Trouble Chat, Every Monday 12p C/1p E on Spoutible Support the show

    29 min

  4. 09/14/2025

    Legacy in Lyrics: Lord Melody Through His Son’s Eyes

    Chris Alexander, the youngest son of legendary calypsonian Lord Melody shares a rare and intimate conversation. He shares personal stories, untold moments from his father’s life, and what it meant to grow up in the shadow of a Caribbean icon. His father's songs were sung by Harry Belafonte, his performances wowed Princess Margaret and British royalty, and whose legacy endures across generations and continents. From the calypso tents of Trinidad to international stages, we explore Lord Melody’s enduring influence—not just on music, but on the family he left behind. 🎧 A must-listen for fans of calypso, Caribbean history, and those who believe music is a bridge between generations. Spotify Playlist: Lord Melody: Wit, Wordplay & Revolution 🎶Mama Look A Booboo Support the show

    17 min

  5. 09/07/2025

    The News We Deserve: Media, Power & the Politics of Engagement

    Susan Bordson, talks about how broadcast news and information sources shape public governance — not just through what’s reported, but through how we engage with it --"How We Reward Quality Journalism."  From headlines to policy, perception to power, the media we consume — and how we respond — directly impacts what we’re given next. We dig into the moral responsibility of the news industry, the feedback loop between media and public behavior, and why media literacy isn’t optional — it’s essential for democracy. Because the way we watch, click, and share doesn’t just reflect the news — it helps write it. Status newsletter by Oliver Darcy (media and news industry) Platformer newsletter by Casey Newton (tech) Substack: Margaret Sullivan (news & journalism standards) Reliable Sources from Brian Stelter Lucas Shaw’s newsletter from Bloomberg Podcasts: By Puck News: The Powers That Be (features media news every Monday) The Grill Room hosted by Dylan Byers Hardfork – covers tech & AI featuring Casey Newton & Kevin Roose Uncanny Valley by Wired Magazine Powerlines by Oliver Darcy Pivot with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway Support the show

    27 min

  6. 08/31/2025

    Power of New Movement Media: The Big Three Meets Fired Up Friday

    In this special crossover episode, we link up with the incomparable Candidly Tiff—media disruptor, political powerhouse, and co-host of The Big Three with @TwoRaw2Real and @TheZactivist—for a deep, unapologetic convo about what it means to speak truth in this moment. We go behind the mic and beyond the headlines to talk: The origins of Fired Up Friday & the power of platforming Black voicesWhat makes The Big Three a bold timely show in the media gameHow we hold space, build power, & stay grounded in purpose!This episode isn’t just for listeners—it’s for truth-tellers, movement builders, and anyone who’s tired of the noise and ready for the work. Fired Up Friday Show  https://advocacya.substack.com/podcast Candidly Tiff & The Big Three https://www.youtube.com/@Candidly_Tiff Support the show

    31 min

  7. 08/24/2025

    Radical Perception: How We Feel, Sense, and Build the World Together

    Scott Burdette and I go beyond the brain and into the body—exploring how sensation and perception shape our understanding of community, activism, and belonging. We connect the dots between psychology and protest—from how ACT UP made pain visible, to the sensory rituals of Burning Man, to what it takes to build spaces that are not just inclusive, but felt on every level. If you’ve ever wondered why certain moments stick with you—or why some communities feel like home while others don’t—this one's for you. Support the show

    22 min

  8. 08/17/2025

    The Digital Authoritarian Playbook: A High Fidelity Warning

    High Fidelity, HiFi, co-host of Radicalized: Truth Survives, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the dark architecture of this global authoritarian push — and why truth is under siege by this growing Transnational Crime Ring. From the infiltration of protest to micro targeting in this information war and the role PayPal Mafia members like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk play. HiFi unpacks how today's authoritarian creep didn’t come out of nowhere — it is rooted in white supremacy and class warfare. RADICALIZED: Truth Survives Podcast Support the show

    30 min
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5
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About

Connections and Conversations, is an Advocacy Arena Podcast fostering pathways to strengthen our communities.    In 2021 I began hosting virtual roundtable type conversations to foster more civic participation. They were informative and inspiring.    I discovered some hidden heroes amongst every day citizens and felt they deserved hi lighting —   I want you to meet them and other change makers around the country in different fields.    We’ll peek behind the scenes to explore their contributions and impact.   I’m Dee Batiste, your host.  I’m also a veteran continuing to serve by focusing on community.    Advocacy Arena is here to help cultivate the growth of healthy, strong, thriving communities— I hope you will join me on this journey.   The podcast is an outgrowth of a growing grassroots community of diverse citizens with common concerns based in our shared search for solutions.  

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