Sticky Note Conversations

Erika Washington

To keep my thoughts in order and my to-do lists remotely manageable I create arrays of sticky notes on my desk and wall. New idea? Stick note! Someone I want to meet with? Sticky Note! Need to remember to pay a parking ticket? Write it on a sticky note. Over the course of the last year, I have wanted to create a podcast that allowed me to dive deep into conversations with interesting people.. I wanted to have real conversations that were more than sound bites or regurgitated talking points about fluffy topics. My hope is that each episode feels like old friends catching up. Revealing great information but also humanity, struggle, victory, joy, grief, and possibly, a flicker of transcendence. I hope you will enjoy these as much as I do creating them. Join me here every Saturday as I pull a new sticky note off my desk.

  1. Revisited: DaMareo Cooper - "Democracy Is Right in Front of Us"

    39M AGO

    Revisited: DaMareo Cooper - "Democracy Is Right in Front of Us"

    In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with DaMareo Cooper, co-executive director of Popular Democracy. Erika and DaMareo engage in a rich discussion on topics such as the challenges of creating innovative social justice initiatives, the importance of grassroots organizing, and the current state of democracy in the United States. DaMareo shares valuable insights from his 15+ years of activism, including book recommendations and reflections on the intersections of race, class, and policies. The conversation also delves into the importance of the 14th Amendment, the potential impact of reparations, and the need for long-term community investments. This episode serves as a thought-provoking dialogue on how to foster a more cohesive and equitable society. (00:00) - Introduction and Host's Creative Struggles (01:42) - Guest Introduction: DeMareo Cooper (05:17) - Defining Democracy and Its Challenges (07:16) - Historical Context and Constitutional Amendments (14:11) - Current Political Climate and Social Issues (16:36) - Community and Organizational Roles (21:04) - Economic Inequality and Racial Capitalism (32:07) - Religion and Social Responsibility (43:10) - The Dilemma of Black Men Voting for Trump (44:13) - The Struggles of Black Communities and Political Disillusionment (47:17) - The Importance of Long-Term Investment in Black Men (54:26) - Building Power in Black and Brown Communities (01:10:19) - The Role of the 14th Amendment in Civil Rights (01:14:08) - Reparations and the Path to Equity (01:19:42) - Envisioning the American Dream (01:22:51) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 24m
  2. Democracy Recap

    APR 18 ·  BONUS

    Democracy Recap

    Erika Washington centers her recurring question—what is democracy and do we have it—noting democracy’s Greek roots (“people” and “rule”) and that there’s no single agreed-upon definition beyond voting. She compiles past guest perspectives that describe democracy as people choosing government, having a voice, freedom and constitutional protections, fairness and opportunity, and community responsibility, while many argue the U.S. is backsliding toward oligarchy or authoritarianism through weakened checks and balances, billionaire influence, voter suppression, and public apathy. Several guests stress local action, collective organizing, and defending civil rights as essential to keeping a “republic,” echoing Benjamin Franklin’s warning.

    59 min
  3. Claire Thomas - "You Don't Own Me"

    APR 11

    Claire Thomas - "You Don't Own Me"

    Host Erika Washington interviews former Nevada Assemblywoman and Air Force veteran Claire Thomas, who shares why she moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas, her experience facing racism and sexism in the Air Force, and what led her to run for Assembly District 17 after Tyrone Thompson’s death. Thomas discusses her opposition to 2023 school discipline bills AB285 and the governor’s SB330, arguing they pushed permanent expulsion for very young children and undermined restorative justice efforts like Thompson’s AB169, especially after COVID disruptions. She reflects on legislative culture, leadership and clique dynamics, and why she ran—and lost—a bid for Senate District 1. Thomas critiques current Nevada Democratic Party leadership, urges voters to focus on local races and accountability, and shares her vision of the American Dream centered on happiness, education, community engagement, and her pursuit of a doctorate in public policy.  (00:00) - SNC S3 Ep 10 Claire Thomas full final (00:42) - Introduction (00:47) - Claire's Background & Love for Las Vegas (05:01) - Air Force Experience (14:48) - Running for Office (20:39) - Education Bills & Assembly Votes (41:43) - Leaving the Assembly (45:30) - The Democratic Party & Nevada Politics (59:33) - Local Elections & What Matters (01:05:56) - The American Dream & Closing

    1h 10m
  4. Recap: "What's Your Version of The American Dream?"

    APR 4 ·  BONUS

    Recap: "What's Your Version of The American Dream?"

    Host Erika Washington revisits the recurring Sticky Note Conversations question—“What’s your version of the American Dream?”—through clips from past guests who define it as health and happiness, equality and cultural coexistence, a safety net for housing and healthcare, the right to rest and global awareness, hope as an immigrant, collective responsibility, freedom and time, safety for children, and reparations and equity. The episode also examines the origins of the term from James Truslow Adams’ 1931 The Epic of America, with scholars discussing how the dream was shaped by the Great Depression, Jefferson and Hamilton’s competing visions, industrialization, slavery, segregation, and critiques of assimilation and colorblindness, including references to MLK and Malcolm X. Erika closes by reflecting on whose dreams fit together, who is left out, and the need to keep talking.

    49 min
  5. Noé Orosco - "We Don't Need Another Hero"

    MAR 28

    Noé Orosco - "We Don't Need Another Hero"

    Host and executive producer Erika Washington and guest Noé Orosco discuss reactions to a New York Times investigation alleging Cesar Chavez was a rapist and child molester, and what the news could mean for the Latino community, civil rights movements, solidarity, and women and girls. Noé, a Las Vegas resident and former seasonal farmworker from California’s Central Valley, shares experiences harvesting and planting orchards, describing long, piece-rate workdays involving whole families and the impact of weather on income. He reflects on how labor organizing improved conditions (including limits on pesticide spraying over workers and banning the short-handle hoe) while noting tensions between the UFW and undocumented workers. They emphasize separating the movement from a single figure, discuss renaming Chavez-linked honors to better recognize Dolores Huerta, and argue for accountability and checks and balances within movements. (00:00) - Content Warning Intro (00:32) - Why Chavez Story Matters (02:44) - Meet Noé Orosco (03:51) - Identity and Indigeneity (05:58) - Growing Up Farmworking (07:39) - Inside the Orchard Grind (12:25) - Families and Child Labor Reality (14:53) - Did the Movement Improve Safety (18:32) - Chavez in His Family History (22:53) - NYT Allegations Gut Punch (25:22) - Separating Man from Movement (27:08) - Will This Derail Progress (29:17) - Movement Over Heroes (29:57) - Dolores Huerta Sacrifice (31:14) - Silence And Derailing (34:02) - Gender Dynamics Machismo (36:24) - Renaming And Reckoning (38:27) - Dangers Of Idolization (42:16) - Checks And Balances (45:09) - Training Behind Movements (51:21) - Accountability In Community (53:31) - Democracy And Storytelling (56:14) - Closing Thanks And Credits

    58 min
  6. Tomás Garduño - "We Built This City"

    MAR 21

    Tomás Garduño - "We Built This City"

    Host Erika Washington talks with organizer and author Tomás Garduño about his book, "Fundamentals of Electoral Organizing," and why organizing is “reorganizing” power so working-class people can speak with one voice and govern in their own interests. Garduño, born and raised in Albuquerque with deep New Mexico roots and 25+ years of organizing experience, defines democracy as working-class power and argues elites divide people by identity to weaken the 90% working-class majority. He shares key lessons for organizers—humility, reassessing the time/place/conditions, and taking risks with courage—and explains why electoral organizing is urgent to protect elections and counter authoritarian tendencies. They discuss that 70% of U.S. elections go uncontested and encourage people to run for office or support campaigns in roles that match their skills, with a focus on the midterms and flipping Congress. The book is available at fundamentalsofelectoralorganizing.org    (00:00) - SNC S3 ep7 Tomás Garduño "We Built This City" (00:05) - Introduction (03:40) - Who is Tomás Garduño (09:51) - What is Organizing (14:39) - Democracy Defined (32:50) - Courage and Risk in Organizing (38:45) - 70% of Elections Go Uncontested (48:55) - Why Keep Organizing (51:16) - The American Dream (54:46) - Midterm Election Goals (59:06) - Closing Thoughts

    1h 1m
  7. Derek Washington - "Wang Dang Doodle"

    MAR 14

    Derek Washington - "Wang Dang Doodle"

    Erika Washington and birthday guest Derek Washington lighten the season with a wide-ranging Oscars 2026 (98th Academy Awards) prediction chat ahead of the ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien. They discuss the historic nomination haul for the Black film “Sinners,” connect it to the legacy of #OscarsSoWhite and the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident, and debate whether the Academy will reward a film with “no white savior.” They share opinions on Best Picture contenders (including “One Battle After Another,” which Erika critiques for length and its portrayal of Teyana Taylor), acting races featuring Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, and others, plus directing, screenplay, and documentary nominees like “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Alabama Solution.” They end with plans to recap results and red-carpet fashion online. (00:00) - SNC S3 Ep6 Derek Washington FINAL RADIO (00:42) - Introduction (01:29) - Derek's Birthday (05:21) - Best Picture Nominees (06:38) - Oscar So White (14:15) - One Battle After Another Review (25:02) - Best Actor Nominees (33:55) - Best Supporting Actor (38:27) - Best Actress Nominees (40:34) - Best Supporting Actress (43:26) - Documentary Features (46:22) - Best Director Category (49:46) - Ryan Coogler's Impact (58:52) - Wrap Up

    1 hr
  8. Dr. Tricia Braxton - "Standing for Something"

    MAR 7

    Dr. Tricia Braxton - "Standing for Something"

    Erika Washington celebrates Women’s History Month on Sticky Note Conversations and frames education as part of reproductive justice, emphasizing safe, well-resourced schools and accurate curriculum. She interviews Dr. Tricia Braxton, an HBCU graduate, former New York City police officer, longtime Nevada resident, and first-time elected member of the Nevada State Board of Education representing District 1. Braxton shares why her family moved to Las Vegas, how Emerge Nevada helped her find her political voice, and why representation and accountability motivated her to run. She explains Nevada’s education governance structure, including the difference between local school boards, the Nevada Department of Education, and the 11-member State Board, and how the public can follow meetings, livestreams, and submit comment. Braxton discusses how rankings depend on criteria and funding, how law enforcement and family experiences shape her approach, and the legacy she hopes to leave.https://www.triciabraxton4nv.com/https://doe.nv.gov/boards-commissions-councils/publicmeetings/ (00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - Welcome & Guest Introduction (06:08) - Why Las Vegas? (09:11) - Running for Office (10:48) - Emerge Program (15:40) - Goals on the State Board (18:21) - School Choice & Individualized Education (24:26) - Nevada's Education Rankings (29:48) - State Board Structure & Function (39:34) - Policy vs Implementation (50:00) - Tricia's Mom - Breaking Barriers in NYPD (54:25) - Being the First (58:13) - Law Enforcement Background & Education (01:09:58) - Board Meetings & Public Engagement (01:12:49) - Who is Dr. Tricia? (01:14:54) - The American Dream (01:16:51) - Legacy (01:19:50) - Closing

    1h 21m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

To keep my thoughts in order and my to-do lists remotely manageable I create arrays of sticky notes on my desk and wall. New idea? Stick note! Someone I want to meet with? Sticky Note! Need to remember to pay a parking ticket? Write it on a sticky note. Over the course of the last year, I have wanted to create a podcast that allowed me to dive deep into conversations with interesting people.. I wanted to have real conversations that were more than sound bites or regurgitated talking points about fluffy topics. My hope is that each episode feels like old friends catching up. Revealing great information but also humanity, struggle, victory, joy, grief, and possibly, a flicker of transcendence. I hope you will enjoy these as much as I do creating them. Join me here every Saturday as I pull a new sticky note off my desk.

Information

  • Creator
    Erika Washington
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Make It Work Nevada
  • Show Website
    Sticky Note Conversations