Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture

Laura Flanders, Curious Communications
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Uncensored history meets bold voices with Laura Flanders, award winning journalist and author. 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 60+ community radio stations via PRX Exchange and Pacifica, and is available on YouTube and here as a podcast. Subscribers receive lots of video and audio web exclusives in addition to the weekly episode. Recent field reports and specials include: Jimmy Carter; 60th Anniversary of Selma Bloody Sunday March; Bernie Sanders' Fighting Oligarchy; Labor Movement vs. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Teachers Under Attack; And interviewee highlights include Award Winning Actor, Director, Writer, Liev Schreiber on his documentary "Meeting Zelensky"; Award winning journalists Maria Hinojosa (Award Winning Suave Podcast and host of Latino USA) & Chenjerai Kumanyika (Award Winning Podcast Series Empire City) on Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech; Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? with Bloomberg Economist & host of Truponomics, Stephanie Flanders; Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley on fascism then and now; Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor on the arc of history and “End Times Fascism”; Congressman Jamie Raskin on Donald Trump, Elon Musk, DOGE, and congressional oversight of the executive branch."

  1. [Full Uncut Conversation] Unions Can Save US Democracy Experts Say

    2D AGO ·  BONUS

    [Full Uncut Conversation] Unions Can Save US Democracy Experts Say

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week we explore how workers and their allies are confronting authoritarianism—and building power from the ground up. Full Conversation Release: 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. DESCRIPTION [Original Release Date July 9, 2025]:  The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference? “I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han “I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís Ramos Guests: Alex  Han: Executive Director, In These Times Tarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents   RESOURCES: - Watch the episode released on YouTube.; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE.    Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]  Watch  / Listen:  Episode • Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley:  Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation •  Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor:  Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?"  - Watch / LISTEN:  episode &/or full conversation • Bernie Sanders & AOC:  "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode • Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN:  Full Uncut Conversation • 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN:  episode &/or full conversation   Related Articles and Resources: In These Times magazine Political Research Associates Future Currents   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    35 min

  2. 6D AGO

    [episode cut] The Data Center Revolt: John Cassidy & Faiz Shakir

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week, we turn our lens on the AI Data Center Revolt underway. Red and blue state's alike people across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires and they're speaking out.   This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description:  An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative? “Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy “. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir Guests: •  John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI •  Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders   Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Full Conversation Release: 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.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   m and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI” by John Cassidy: *Get the Book (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Featured Clip Credit: America’s Dataland?  1st Amendment Under Attack:  There women arrested, produced by Johnathan Klett - Watch the full video   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”?: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation • Donna Haraway on Cyborgs, “Oddkin” & Resisting the Monoculture of the Mind: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation • The Lucas Plan at 50: A Radical Investment in Society, Not the War Machine:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversations- Brian Salisbury and Hilary Wainwright   Related Articles and Resources: • Small Towns Are Rising Up Against AI Data Centers, “We don’t want to be the next Data Center Alley,” by Joe Wilkins, May 4, 2025, Futurism • The AI Backlash Keeps Growing Stronger, by Reece Rogers, June 28, 2025, WIRED •  The Dangers of AI and Extreme Wealth Inequality, by David Atkins, January 5, 2026, Washington Monthly • At least four Wisconsin communities signed secrecy deals for billion-dollar data centers, by Tom Kertscher, January 26, 2026, Wisconsin Watch • Anti-data center protesters arrested during Port Washington meeting, by Claudia Levens, Jessie Opoien and Francesca Pica, December 3, 2025, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel •  How Sam Altman Outfoxed Elon Musk to Become Trump’s AI Buddy, by Keach Hagey, Dana Mattionili and Josh Dawsey, July 17, 2025, The Wall Street Journal •  Curtis Yarvin’s brave new world: we need a corporate dictatorship to replace a dying democracy’ by Boris Munoz, August 19, 2005, El Pais   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    29 min
  3. [full uncut conversation] The Data Center Revolt: John Cassidy & Faiz Shakir

    MAY 11 ·  BONUS

    [full uncut conversation] The Data Center Revolt: John Cassidy & Faiz Shakir

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week, we turn our lens on the AI Data Center Revolt underway. Red and blue state's alike people across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires and they're speaking out. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description:  An AI revolution is underway, but so is the resistance. People across the country are feeling the strain of the huge energy-sucking data processing centers that AI requires, and telling their elected officials to slow down or stop new big tech projects for firms like OpenAI, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Data from a 2025 Pew study shows that only 17 percent of Americans think AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years. But it’s a David vs. Goliath battle. Today’s guests say AI expansion is not a red or blue issue; it’s about who gets to decide how human and natural resources are distributed, who controls the technology, and who stands to benefit. Faiz Shakir is the Founder and Executive Director of the labor-focused news platform More Perfect Union, and serves as a political advisor for Senator Bernie Sanders. John Cassidy, staff writer at the New Yorker, is the author of the recent book, “Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI”, in which he draws our attention back to the Luddites, the 18th century workers whose revolt deserves our closer attention. Plus, our correspondent’s coverage of a shocking scene at a public comment meeting in Wisconsin when a local woman was arrested and dragged away. If AI is the new face of capitalism, what is the new alternative? “Luddites, when I was growing up, was a term of abuse. It was people who were sort of antediluvians and didn't understand the modern world. . . . They understood the modern world as it was in their times perfectly, and they saw it was moving against them, and they saw that the political system wasn't coming to their defense.” - John Cassidy “. . . There's more and more pushback, which hopefully portends the possibility that a lot of these communities can strike better deals if they are going to have data centers. There's no reason why we can't be asking that the teachers are well paid, that the electricity rates don't go up, that we have decent affordable housing in those communities. That is all possible because we're playing with incredible amounts of dollars and deep-pocketed people . . . ” - Faiz Shakir Guests: •  John Cassidy: Staff Writer, The New Yorker; Author, Capitalism and Its Critics: A History: From the Industrial Revolution to AI •  Faiz Shakir: Founder & Executive Director, More Perfect Union; Political Advisor & Former Campaign Manager, Senator Bernie Sanders   Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Full Conversation Release: 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.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    37 min

  4. MAY 6

    [episode cut] Activists Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin explore storytelling as an organizing tool

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week, get inspired by courageous activism! Learn from lifelong activists like 95-year-old Dolores Huerta on using narrative to break through fear and build movements. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description [original airdate October 24, 2025]: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director and producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers with César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura. “. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin “. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . .  The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta Guests: •  Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab • Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation   Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episodes air on community radio  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Music Credit:  "Steppin" by Podington Bear,  "Funk 4 Peace" by Fort Knox Five featuring Mustafa Akbar from their album Radio Free DC courtesy of Fort Knox Recordings, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Additional Crew: Director of Photography: Brian Dentz, Fig Pie Media Sound Mixer: Alexander Marshall, Blowtorch Productions Credits: “The People, United” video short Writer, Director & Executive Producer: Ellen Gavin Producers: Alana Maiello, Natasha Estrada Director of Photography: Sevdije Kastrati Dill   RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen:  Episode •  These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen:  Episode •  Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the  “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation •  Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover-  Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation   Related Articles and Resources: • California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media •  Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO • Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025:  Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes •  About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    28 min
  5. [full uncut conversation] Activists Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin explore storytelling as an organizing tool

    MAY 4 ·  BONUS

    [full uncut conversation] Activists Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin explore storytelling as an organizing tool

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week, get inspired by courageous activism! Learn from lifelong activists like 95-year-old Dolores Huerta on using narrative to break through fear and build movements. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description [Original Air Date - October 19, 2025]: People are taking to the streets and calling out fascism in bold, unique ways, but we’re not all there yet. If you need some encouragement, watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. In this episode, lifelong activists and old friends Ellen Gavin and Dolores Huerta join Laura Flanders to explore how narratives help break through our silos and fears under this second Trump administration. Gavin's works as a writer, director, producer have brought millions of views to social justice storytelling; she is also founder of Gavin Creative Collab and founding artistic director of Brava! for Women in the Arts. Huerta is co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside César Chávez and founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Still organizing at 95 years old, she is recognized as one of the most influential labor organizers of the twentieth century and coined the iconic rallying cry “Si Se Puede.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Find out how narratives shatter fear and build movements, plus a commentary from Laura.  “. . . We want people to be on our team. We want people to be touched in a way that says, ‘I want to be that neighbor. I want to be that helper. I want to be that person who sees something and does something instead of reacts with fear.’ When they say that fear is contagious, and then they say, courage is contagious.” - Ellen Gavin “. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . .  The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta Guests: •  Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab • Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation Full Conversation Release: 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. Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio,  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast. Additional Crew: Director of Photography: Brian Dentz, Fig Pie Media Sound Mixer: Alexander Marshall, Blowtorch Productions Credits: “The People, United” video short Writer, Director & Executive Producer: Ellen Gavin Producers: Alana Maiello, Natasha Estrada Director of Photography: Sevdije Kastrati Dill   RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Farm Workers to Farm Owners- Watch / Listen:  Episode •  These Films Keep People Out of Prison- Watch / Listen:  Episode •  Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the  “Meanwhile”- Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation •  Mamdani, Black Farmers, USDA & ICE: The Stories BIPOC Journalists Uncover-  Watch / Listen:  Episode and Full Uncut Conversation Related Articles and Resources: • California City Residents Denounce Plan to Build State’s Largest Immigrant Detention Center, by ACoM, August 4, 2025, American Community Media •  Dolores Huerta Leads Protest Against California’s Largest Planned ICE Detention Center, by Steve Virgen, CA Neighborhood Reporter, July 30, 2025, 23ABC News KERO • Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2025:  Building What’s Next, September 25, 2025, Forbes •  About el Teatro Campesino’s Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    44 min

  6. APR 29

    [Episode Cut] Special Report: Petrochemical Boom Threatens Communities Already Battered by Katrina

    Synopsis: Two decades after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana, the state is now facing a new kind of storm: the rapid expansion of liquified natural gas facilities that are displacing residents and polluting minority communities. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the United States, killing 1,833 people, displacing hundreds of thousands more and causing more than $100 billion in damage. Louisianans wanted change and climate action, but 20 years on, a state ravaged by climate disasters is now ground zero for a whole new kind of storm: liquified natural gas facilities. The Trump administration okayed several new LNG plants on the Gulf this year, but residents are still picking up the pieces after the first LNG plants entered their neighborhood under Democratic administrations. In this episode, Laura speaks to Louisianans whose lives have been turned upside down by the expansion of LNG exports, and an expert who says minority communities benefit little from the jobs in the petrochemical facilities that surround them, yet suffer disproportionate pollution effects. Their message? Climate refugees exist in the U.S., and there will be more: “Wake up, open your eyes!” “[I’m a] climate refugee, more than once . . . I'm no scientist, but I'm more of an expert than the experts. Living it’s a whole different ball game.” - Travis Dardar “[Companies] demand big tax incentives to come here . . . We are last in transportation, last in healthcare, last in education . . . We’re almost last in every measurable area because we give tax breaks to the big oil companies and petrochemical companies.” - General Russel L. Honoré “Donald Trump doesn't live next to an oil refinery and he never will.” - Kimberly Terrell Guests: •  Travis Dardar: Commercial Fisherman; Founder, Fishermen Interested In Saving our Heritage (FISH) •  General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY •  Kimberly Terrell: Visiting Scientist, Center for Applied Environmental Science (CAES); Former Research Scientist & Director, Community Engagement, Tulane Environmental Law Clinic Additional Crew: for this special report includes Dan T. Peters of Dan T. Peters Media and Calvin Blue Jr..  Special Thanks:  Gina Kim and Anne Rolfes Music credits: Jagged and Thrum of Soil by Blue Dot Sessions and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper   Watch the episode released on YouTube August 1st, 5pm ET; PBS World Channel August 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast August 6th. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. -Related Podcast:  Uncut Conversation with General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY   RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen:  Episode, Full Conversation •  BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen:  Episode, Full Conversation •  Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen:  Episode Related Articles and Resources: • "Immunity for oil & gas companies are on the horizon if HB804 becomes law in Louisiana:" -  A new bill from State Rep. Geymann would restrict nearly any claims for damages caused by emissions. Environmental reporter Emily Sanders from ExxonKnews explains what's in the bill." by Carolyne Heldman, Behind the Lens Podcast • War in Iran increases demand for U.S. liquified natural gas providers, by Drew Hawkins, March 13, 2026, Morning Edition - NPR  •  Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center •  The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision.  The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming.  September 22, 2023,  By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker •  Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    29 min
  7. [Full Uncut Conversation] General Russell L. Honoré: Decades after Katrina, Louisiana is weathering a new storm: the petrochemical industry

    APR 27 ·  BONUS

    [Full Uncut Conversation] General Russell L. Honoré: Decades after Katrina, Louisiana is weathering a new storm: the petrochemical industry

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week we head to Louisiana for a special investigative report. Decades after Katrina, Louisiana is weathering a new storm: the petrochemical industry. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Full Conversation Release: 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. Description [Original release date August 3, 2025]: While our weekly Laura Flanders & Friends 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. The following is an extended interview from our upcoming podcast special “Louisiana Survived Katrina. Will it Survive the Petrochemical Industry? — that takes a deeper dive into the stories of the frontline communities fighting back. We speak with General Russel Honoré, the retired Lieutenant General who led the federal response to Katrina and now heads the GreenArmy, a grassroots environmental alliance. Since the Trump administration returned to office in 2025, a surge of federally approved LNG export plants has swept across Louisiana’s coast. Honoré warns these developments are accelerating land loss, worsening hurricane impacts, and deepening the crisis for communities already facing climate displacement. Many have been forced to move multiple times as storms intensify, floodwaters rise, and petrochemical pollution endangers public health—especially in Black, Indigenous, and working-class areas. In this urgent and unfiltered interview, General Honoré speaks out about government capture, corporate corruption, and the growing disconnect between environmental policy and public survival. For him, real resilience means challenging the industries and institutions that continue to put profit ahead of people. GUEST:  General Russel L. Honoré: Decorated 37-Year Army Veteran; Commander, Joint Task Force Katrina; Founder, GreenARMY   Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays at 11:00am, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE.   RESOURCES: Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations- Watch / Listen:  Episode, Full Conversation •  BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene- Watch / Listen:  Episode, Full Conversation •  Before the Ground Runs Dry: BIPOC Media on the US Water Crisis: Watch / Listen:  Episode Related Articles and Resources: • War in Iran increases demand for U.S. liquified natural gas providers, by Drew Hawkins, March 13, 2026, Morning Edition - NPR  •  Fishfolk are on the frontlines of the gas export boom, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, threatens the way of life on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, January 25, 2025, Southern Environmental Law Center •  The Biden Administration’s Next Big Climate Decision.  The liquefied-natural-gas-buildout-and fossil-fuel exports-challenge progress on global warming.  September 22, 2023,  By Bill McKibben, October 31, 2023, The New Yorker •  Pervasive racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S. petrochemical workforce, by Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash, September 2025 Science Direct   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    1h 16m

  8. APR 22

    [Episode Cut - Earth Justice] The Truth About America's "Wood Basket": Why the U.S. South is Losing Its Forests | Brittons Neck

    This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around the earth, the natural world and climate justice in action. This week we head to Brittons Neck, South Carolina to explore the Booming Forest Industry in the South - Economic Gains vs. Community Costs. Make a tax deductible and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate. This show is made possible by you!  Description: The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” 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. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity. “. . . 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 episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.. Full Episode Notes are located HERE.   Music Credit:  “Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES- Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast:  Episode & Related Commentary by Laura • Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation • Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast: Episode Related Articles and Resources: •  Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer.  Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News • Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out • Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance •  Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:  “Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings. Listen & Learn More   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer.   FOLLOW Laura Flanders and Friends Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/ Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriends YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lg Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriends Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriends ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

    29 min
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About

Uncensored history meets bold voices with Laura Flanders, award winning journalist and author. 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 60+ community radio stations via PRX Exchange and Pacifica, and is available on YouTube and here as a podcast. Subscribers receive lots of video and audio web exclusives in addition to the weekly episode. Recent field reports and specials include: Jimmy Carter; 60th Anniversary of Selma Bloody Sunday March; Bernie Sanders' Fighting Oligarchy; Labor Movement vs. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Teachers Under Attack; And interviewee highlights include Award Winning Actor, Director, Writer, Liev Schreiber on his documentary "Meeting Zelensky"; Award winning journalists Maria Hinojosa (Award Winning Suave Podcast and host of Latino USA) & Chenjerai Kumanyika (Award Winning Podcast Series Empire City) on Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech; Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? with Bloomberg Economist & host of Truponomics, Stephanie Flanders; Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley on fascism then and now; Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor on the arc of history and “End Times Fascism”; Congressman Jamie Raskin on Donald Trump, Elon Musk, DOGE, and congressional oversight of the executive branch."

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