the roots of change podcast

the roots of change agency

🧑‍🌾 Cultivating Connections, Empowering Change - Host Sam Chavez (she/they/he) connects with fellow organizers, communicators, and movement leaders boldly creating change in today's social, political, tech, & media landscape with heart, hope, & a grounded nervous system. Let's grow and build our collective organizing together! Become a Seedling Member to unlock our private podcast and library of resources. Learn more and get our private podcast

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

    Jun 1

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

    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 ★

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

    May 4

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

    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 MemberAbout Get Free Join Project Fulcrum Follow Get Free Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify 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 FeedAbout 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    48 min
  3. 🎙️ From Human Doings to Human Beings Radical Love at Middle Church

    Apr 6

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

    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 ChangeMedia, 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 activistAmplify 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    34 min
  4. 🎙️ [Preview] Texas-Sized Stories: Christian Nationalism & the Republican Party

    Mar 30

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

    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 activistAmplify 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    5 min
  5. 🎙️ Cowboys & Queers | Understanding Modern Masculinity through Texas Storytelling

    Mar 24

    🎙️ Cowboys & Queers | Understanding Modern Masculinity through Texas Storytelling

    Hi y’all! 👋🏽 this week, we are in Marfa, TX talking about cowboys, masculinity, and queerness. Women's History Month 2026 has been one of reckonings. The mask of patriarchy, as flimsy as it was, is being ripped off across our society. Growing up in Texas, toxic patriarchy and Christian Nationalism are nothing new for me. I reflect on Texas culture and its threads to growing fascism today. Watch today's episode. Giant (1956) & Queerness in HollywoodElizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, & James Dean as mirrors of our societyTexas culture & toxic patriarchyCountry music and masculinityReality of borders and migration 🌱 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 Giant (1956)Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    4 min
  6. 🎙️ The Interconnected Roots of Disability Justice & Housing Rights with Janiah Miller

    Mar 16

    🎙️ The Interconnected Roots of Disability Justice & Housing Rights with Janiah Miller

    Hey y'all! In a time of turmoil, I was delighted to chat with Janiah Miller, a Black Feminist organizer, with a focus on disability justice and housing rights. She helps us explore the critical intersection between disability justice and housing rights. We root into the systemic racism behind housing and disability policies, highlight examples of successful community organizing, and how collective care is our superpower. "Systemic racism is what got us here."Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode Personal Stories in Housing JusticeAccessibility as a Basic Human RightThe systemic roots of housing and disability crisesThe impact of systemic racism and government policiesInclusive organizing and embedding disability frameworksThe trickle-up effect and the curb cut analogyReclaiming community through gatherings and shared spacesPolicy work in Cincinnati and local advocacyBuilding sustainable systems and the role of cooperativismTenant advocacy and local policy victoriesSelf-care and community care as resistancePersonal care routines and joyful connectionStorytelling, systemic change, and imagining futuresReferences / Resources Homes GuaranteeAddressing Housing Instability with Equity in MindHousing for the People. Housting Justice as a Central Voting IssueGentrification: The Destruction of the PoorThe Curb Cut EffectTransgender MarxismCommunity Meal at Casa ChavezKansas City TenantsWe're More Segregated Than EverAbout Janiah Miller (she/her) Janiah Miller (she/her) is a dedicated advocate with experience in Black Feminist organizer with expierence as an cross-movement organizer, campaign managemer, and political strategist. She currently serves as the Senior Campaigns Organizer at Black Feminist Future, advancing the transformative power of Black feminisms for collective liberation. Her career began at Cincinnati City Hall, where she led community organizing during the pandemic and civil unrest. She contributed to police accountability reforms, fought for affordable housing through legal action against exploitative landlords, and elevated political awareness on housing justice. The first woman to serve as President of the Southwest Ohio Young Black Democrats, Janiah has received the NAACP Outstanding Community Service award. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Social Justice and a certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Integrative Studies from Northern Kentucky University. Follow Janiah on LinkedIn Grow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify 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

    50 min
  7. 🎙️ [Re-Air] U.S.-Israel | The Global Context of War in the Middle East

    Mar 9

    🎙️ [Re-Air] U.S.-Israel | The Global Context of War in the Middle East

    Hi y’all! 👋🏽 As the U.S. and Israel unleash their vengeance in the Middle East, I wanted to return to our 1st ever podcast episode from 2023. In my conversation with communications expert and organizer, Nadia Rahman, we discuss the interconnected issues in Israel and Palestine, colonial history in the region, and our role in the U.S. Watch today's Intro. Before we jump into the podcast, I want to acknowledge the emotions and grief surrounding the region. At the roots of change agency, we lead with heart and empathy in a path towards liberation for all including anyone who is oppressed in this world. I understand one podcast cannot fully express the deep, painful history in the region, the anti-semitism that has surged since Trump’s election, and the Islamaphobia that has only become more visible again. Browse our archives for Part 2 where we finish our conversation about what this means for the 2024 election. Our predictions were pretty darn accurate! In the Episode Colonial history in the Middle East & ties to Turtle IslandNadia's lived experience of visiting Israel and Gaza in 2022What has shifted for her as an organizer in this momentHow people in the U.S. can take actionWhat October 7 means for the 2024 election References / Resources 🎙 Part 2: Israel-Palestine & It's Impacts for U.S. Organizing in the 2024 Election🌱 Healthy (Social) Media Practices During Conflict🌱 It Is a Global Cabal, Y'all!🌱 I'm Sick of the Patriarchy? | Woman, Life, FreedomFollow Nadia on InstagramFollow Nadia on MediumGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    30 min
  8. 🎙️ [Preview] Don't MAHA Me! Rooting into Health & Eating Affordably in U.S. | Fascists Outta My Kitchen

    Mar 2

    🎙️ [Preview] Don't MAHA Me! Rooting into Health & Eating Affordably in U.S. | Fascists Outta My Kitchen

    Hi y’all! 👋🏽 Who's hungry? As RFK Jr. and the MAHA movement continue to obsess with perfection, health, and ideal bodies, we turn to a more rooted approach to health. I share more about my new venture, Casa Chavez, and why I'm spending more time in the kitchen. We covered the Black Panther Party for Black History Month and why food is critical to fighting fascism. I hope you enjoy what I had a blast filming! Watch today's episode on PeerTube or YouTube. Become a member starting at $2/month to watch the full episode: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plans In the Episode: Food prices, quality, and sustainabilityMAHA's obsession with health and foodFood deserts and access to groceriesWhat's in a pumpkin? Using the whole pumpkin across the yearEmergent strategy in natureWhat's in Protein Powder?Vegan substitutes for healthy snacksInside Michelin Star KitchensMental health practices in the kitchenReferences / Resources 🗞️ The Black Panther Party,🎙️ Cesar Chavez, Farming, and Fighting a Living Wage🎬 2024 Election Coverage in Central Valley🎙️ MAHA, RFK, and the obsession with perfection🗞️ Food Deserts🏜️ Casa ChavezGrow with Healthy Media: Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify 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 ★ Support this podcast ★

    2 min
See All (74)

Trailers

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

🧑‍🌾 Cultivating Connections, Empowering Change - Host Sam Chavez (she/they/he) connects with fellow organizers, communicators, and movement leaders boldly creating change in today's social, political, tech, & media landscape with heart, hope, & a grounded nervous system. Let's grow and build our collective organizing together! Become a Seedling Member to unlock our private podcast and library of resources. Learn more and get our private podcast

Information

  • Creator
    the roots of change agency
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © the roots of change agency
  • Show Website
    the roots of change podcast