America Speaks Podcast

For the past 18 years photojournalist Tish Lampert has documented the ongoing, political and human rights issues that have compelled Americans to stand up and speak out. Her lens has captured the leading critical social uprisings of our era. In an effort to inspire moral consciousness and give voice to today's heroes on the front-lines the America Speaks Podcast is born. This Episode: The American Dream Are we the guards for the 800,000 dreamers who our lawmakers are playing political football with? Join Martin Sheen, and two of the undocumented activists who worked with President Obama to create the DACA program, in a compelling episode that inspires us to question the state and principles of our humanity. Martin explores what is at stake for today’s undocumented youth comparing their commitment with the social movements that defined the civil rights era.

As we lead up to military strikes in Syria we speak with environmentalist, pacifist, and veteran Garrett Reppenhagen. This is a compelling conversation examining how these strikes in Syria could lead us into large scale war. And how this military action could be a diversion away from trumps crisis here at home.

Dennis MacDougal, acclaimed novelist, biographer and journalist muses on his forthcoming biography on the dynasty of Governor Jerry Brown and what Brown’s legacy has meant for California, the 6th largest economy in the world. We explore how Gov. Brown has steered California to become the ultimate ‘city on the hill’.  This discussion inspires a comparison of Jerry Brown's vision for the future of California, in contrast to Donald Trump's assault on Brown's position on immigration, the environment and civil rights.

Part two of this smart, and compelling conversation with acclaimed author, journalist and historian Dennis Macdougal. We are starved for a leader worth listening to. A further examination of Jerry Brown and what a contrast he is to the disappointing man in the White House today, Donald Trump. This conversation dives into how a legend like Jerry Brown missed his opportunity to be president, and examines what Brown thinks is his legacy.

  We are proud to be joined by veteran CBS news producer, Robert Richter, who produced Walter Cronkite’s hourly news program for over fifteen years, and worked with Edward R. Murrow, Fred Friendly and Dan Rather. Robert speaks with humor and sobriety about his long career of reporting the truth to the public, including risking his life to expose disturbing U.S. policies related to torture training, and cover-ups at the Pentagon.

We are proud to be joined by veteran CBS news producer, Robert Richter, who produced Walter Cronkite’s hourly news program for over fifteen years, and worked with Edward R. Murrow, Fred Friendly and Dan Rather. Robert speaks with humor and sobriety about his long career of reporting the truth to the public, including risking his life to expose disturbing U.S. policies related to torture training, and cover-ups at the Pentagon.

Chico Brown’s provocative episode traces his days supplying cocaine for guns during Iran /Contra, and his eventual conviction. After prison Chico inspires a compelling perspective of how he turned his life around. Today he is a community leader and film producer. He is creator of Chico Rising, a forthcoming TV series produced by Mark Whalberg and Penny Marshall

  America Speaks a focus on candidates running for office, for the first time in 2018. These candidates will represent a new perspective and outlook needed to attract young voters to engage in politics and be the hope for the future. Dr. Hans Kierstead, is opposing Dana Rohrabacher in the hotly contested CA in the 48th district

Enrique Marones is the mother /father Teresa for the countless who are vulnerable at the gateway into the U.S./the Mexican border The conclusion of this three-part series on immigration describes the conditions at the California, U.S./Mexican border. We are introduced to the remarkable programs Enrique and his team are creating at Friendship Park. He talks about how the newly appointed administration of Border Patrol are now terminating beloved events, like the Door of Hope, and the children’s disabled telethon, dampening community spirits. Yet Enrique is determined to provide help and solutions. Today’s true hero.  

It’s harder to find a more passionate advocate for Latino issues in America than Border Angels founder, Enrique Morones.Enrique has been a constant face in the Media on all issues related to migration; and is the “go-to expert” whenever a major immigration issue faces America, from aftermath of the firestorms in San Diego, to the migration of refugee children in Texas from Central America in 2014. Enrique talks a bout the unacceptable moral compass in the US today. it’s time to face reality about what we stand for in the United States. Do we stand for family values?If Congress remains silent in the face of separating children from their parents at the US/Mexican Border than Everyone In our government who Does not do everything they can to stop this inhumane policy is complicit. This is a powerful discussion on family separation. Border Angels works tirelessly to help all the vulnerable and disenfranchised families, and people who are solely seeking a better life, escaping from violence and persecution.

Brad Friedman Investigative journalist, blogger, muckraker, troublemaker and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG,. Brad is the renown voice for voting rights , and host of the very popular Brad Cast...this lively discussion is on the crisis within our democracy, and the overall fix, if any : via the ballot box.

Part two of our conversation with Brad Friedman of the Brad Cast focuses on the many threats we are facing as we head to the polls in 2018. What the SCOTUS decision related to Ohio voter registration will mean for every state in the union. And a lively discussion on all things voting. 

Allegra Love 's journey is remarkable as she has now become a singular voice for those seeking asylum in the U.S. She is a no nonsense force to be reckoned with. Not prone to intimidation Allegra is outspoken about our misguided immigration policies from many administrations leading up to the cruel polices of zero tolerance from the Trump Administration. Allegra is a fighter and provides great clarity on the full challenge facing all of those who are fleeing the violence  and horrors threatening the countless who risk the treacherous journey from Central America on the rare chance they can find relief in the U.S.  This episode is part one of a two part series with Allegra Love

We have learned a great deal about ourselves as Americans since Donald Trump was sworn in as president. His administration has provoked us to examine who we want to be as a people and as a country. What has become evident is how ugly the moral character of those who have harvested the president’s policies of hate and persecution. It is simply shameful behavior by lawmakers to turn away from these families that have risked their lives to escape terror, violence, and extortion Our government would prefer to single out these families, and further impact their lives and their children’s lives, placing them in detention, all because they have committed a misdemeanor, a minor infraction like a traffic violation, Allegra Love is devoting her life to fighting for justice and freedom for those who have been persecuted by Session’s and Trump inhuman policies. Rounding up human beings, who are here because they are suffering and separating families from their children is no less vulgar than what we witness from the Third Reich. And placing ankle bracelets on toddlers, some so tight creating infection in their tiny ankles, to demonstrate what ? All in the name of our sovereignty ? This is not about illegal entry. This is about what direction we will allow our nation to go in. Our treatment of these families marks a definitive stand that we approve of these crimes against humanity. I want to thank Allegra Love and all the attorneys who are devoting their lives to fighting for the rights of migrants whose only crime is to seek a safe future for their children.  

Understanding why Central America invariably ranks as the most violent region in the world outside an official war zone has been a question that has always intrigued Maria Jose Mendez. But it was not until she started organizing with MIRAC (Minnesota Immigrants’ Rights Action Committee) that she realized the gravity of the matter and how the upsurge of violence in the region has led to increased migration. Moreover, Maria's participation in an activist caravan that traveled throughout Central America in March 2016 further attuned her to the deeper transnational dimensions of violence. Maria has conducted multi-sited fieldwork in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico and the United States between 2016 and 2018. During this research, she spoke to former gang members, local experts on the gang phenomenon, human rights activists, government officials, internally displaced peoples, and migrants.  

What are the underlying threats facing those living in Central America today and why these families are risking their lives, and their family's   lives to find safety in the U.S.. Citizens from all walks of life are living with daily threats of extortion. Maria Joes Mendez has  just teturned from Honduras and El Salavodor where she spoke to a wide spectrum of those who are impacted by the violence and extortion that is uncontrollable in the region at the hands of M-13 and the 18th Street gangs. 

Deb Haaland reflects the new wave of candidates running in the 2018. She is a veteran of political campaigns and a well respected Democratic party chair, in New Mexico. Deb is a strong advocate for women's rights , Native Americans, LGBTQ rights, Veterans, early education (one of Deb's real motivations) and a true honoring for our commons and our sacred lands. Deb is a down to earth single mom, who has devoted her life to issues all Americans care about. She is not driven by political empowerment but by doing what is most needed for all in New Mexico who are challenged by today's job market, today's flaws in public education , today's environment and a powerful advocate for Native Americans. This episode reveals the true heart and soul of Deb Haaland, a candidate who will reshape the future for her constituents in New Mexico and as well demonstrates a sincere caring about all American families.

Deb Haaland is running to make history in New Mexico, the first Native American woman who would represent the first district in New Mexico in Congress. Deb is committed to a campaign devoted to accountability, honest values, and a fierce dedication to her constituents.Deb has a vision for the future emphasizing renewable energy and green jobs. Deb is passionate about having the opportunity to represent New Mexico with a forward direction for today's youth. This conversation is outside the box of politics as usual. It will encourage you to ask tough questions about who we want to elect to represent us.

I WANTED TO BRING MARTIN SHEEN BACK ON AMERICA SPEAKS TO RE LISTEN TO HIS COUNSEL AND GET HIS PERSPECTIVE AS WE ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND COMMIT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US CASTING OUR VOTE, USING OUR VOICE AND STANDING UP WITH COURAGE TO UNITE AGAINST INTIMIDATION, CORRUPTION LIES AND THE EROSION OF OUR FREEDOMS, AND THE AMERICA WE HOLD DEAR.

Quentin is a previous FBI agent, a lawyer, a contract mediator, a respected educator with a lengthy record of successful deal-making and community advocacy, a messenger of reconciliation who is working with police departments across the country to create greater co-operation and harmony within urban communities.  As the new NFL season is upon us we decided to get a sense from Quentin of a more in depth understanding of the protests today by the players in the NFL and NBA. In part two of our conversation, next week, we look forward to going back and discovering Quentin' s remarkable origin years, the book he published for his son and how he is now a distinguished advisor and speaker bringing people together from all walks of life.

This is a compelling episode examining Quentin s remarkable life, his origin years, the book he published for his son and how he is now a distinguished advisor and speaker, working with police departments across the U.S., as swell as his aim to bring people together from all walks of life. Quentin is also an author, prolific international speaker, former FBI Agent, former federal prosecutor, work with the United States Attorney’s Office  

Here we are in 2018  and women are still having to pick up their swords to battle for their rights. We are witnessing a choreographed effort of obstructionism with this rushed appointment of Brett Kavanaugh despite evidence that should bring into question how this candidate should deserve a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court. Kathy Kleinfield, who heads the Houston's Women's Clinic, can attest to the character and bias of Kavanaugh who officiated the "Jane Doe" case of the undocumented minor who Kavanaugh refused to grant her legal right to an abortion. Kathy speaks powerfully about what is at stake with Kavanaugh's appointment and reflects on her role as a strong voice in the reproductive justice community.   

This episode reflects how Kathy Kleinfield, an impassioned woman dedicates her life to fighting every day for women. Everyday Kathy Kleinfield witnesses how women rely on her health clinic for their lives, and their children's lives. And yet all women in our country today are at the mercy of Senators, with old ideas in Washington, old disaffected men whose votes  are solely political with no regard to how their legislation will affect everyday lives. Women are a force to be reckoned with and women vote. Women are rising up in ways that will change business as usual in Washington.

Twenty-one youths, ages 9 -21, are suing the federal government, for climate damage; representing Juliana Vs US Gov't which has out smarted US government lawyers, for two years, as it heads to superior court in Oregon. This landmark suit takes on the U.S. government, as well as the fossil fuel giants, to answer to the determined millennials who are fighting for the planet’s future.

Represent US brings together conservatives, progressives, and everyone in between to pass powerful anti-corruption laws that stop political bribery, end secret money, and fix our broken elections. Headed by Josh Silver is a veteran election and media reform executive. He was the campaign manager for the successful 1998 Arizona Clean Elections ballot initiative, and is the co-founder and former CEO of Free Press, a leading media and technology reform advocacy organization. Silver has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal and featured in outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Newsweek, NPR, and CBS Sunday Morning.  

Our system of government is called a representative democracy and American citizens do not directly make governmental decisions. They elect officials to govern for them. But with the skyrocketing spending of super pacs, and influence of lobbying giants amidst the enormous contributions from high roller donors flooding dark money into campaigns across the country are Americans witnessing the merchandising of our elections? The outcome of this out of control spending allows wealthy individuals, corporations, and special interest groups to exercise a disproportionate level of influence over our political process. What Josh Silver and Represent US teaches us today is that we have the power to stop the corruption and outrageous spending in our political campaigns. WE The People are the republic for which we stand. We must engage in changing the statis quo and believe we have a distinct voice in the direction our government and our country is going in.

Today’s conversation with Kathy Eldon and Pat Chandler boosted my spirits and reinforced my resolve. We can be heard ! This is the perfect message we want to send everyone, as you go off to the polls. Each of us matters and as Kathy has reminded us historically we always boomerang back into the light, after these challenging periods of darkness. We are rewarded by our coming together in hope and acceptance of one another. Both Kathy and Pat and the full Creative Visions Foundation reflect what true activism is about , with compassion, and creative focus on storytelling to shine a light on the best of our humanity. They look beyond themselves at the world ‘outside the cornfields’ as it were. There is magic in each of us as we engage and place ourselves boldly into what will determine our future.  

Kathy Eldon, Pat Chandler and Creative Visions remind us we must find a way to reconnect and make greater effort to understand the plight that others are dealing with. To find our human connection. The virtue of being a storyteller is to high light a more compassionate message, with an invigorated focus on the individual narrative. How do we enliven participation and strike a chord to encourage our commonality? We are the stewards of our fragile planet and can put aside our differences to find solutions, together, and create the impossible.

A round table idea fest of the day after the election with Mary Angela and Host of America Speaks Tish Lampert , and Kim Langbecker, producer. A full menu of responses and zeroing in on the stunts Republican have created to suppress voting. What happened to democracy in Georgia?

Wilford Welch has been exploring the driving forces impacting our world for more than five decades as a U.S. diplomat in Asia; as an economic development and business consultant in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.; as the publisher of a world affairs magazine that appeared in 26 countries in six language editions; and as the leader of educational trips to numerous countries and culture Wilford developed future planning scenarios for a number of multinational corporations and governments, including Citibank, Toyota, the U.S. Navy, and the Korean Government. He was the leader of a research team that developed the Wealth of Nations Index using 63 variables to measure each nation’s economic, information technology, and social well-being. He is the author of In Our Hands: A Handbook for Intergenerational Actions to Solve the Climate Crisis, published in 2018, and The Tactics of Hope: How Social Entrepreneurs Are Changing Our World, published in 2008.       https://www.wilfordwelch.com/

Allegra Love, director of the Sante Fe Dreamer's Project and a tireless immigration attorney, devotes 24/7 to representing asylum seekers escaping the unforgiving violence in Central America. Allegra is these families best hope. She offers her legal services for free to those who have no other options than to put themselves at the mercy of the U.S. immigration court system. Her clients have endured great hardships  and trauma in their native countries and the journey to the U.S. with young children only to find the merciless treatment at the hands of border patrol, ICE and the Trump administration. Allegra unpacks the full challenge of her daily efforts as she represent these families.

Robert Miller could have one of the most difficult and challenging as well as rewarding and responsible jobs there is; as director of one of California's largest shelter systems. Rob oversees every aspect of the lives he is in charge of . He is no stranger to caring for dogs and cats in the clinic. After this conversation its clear that it was when he worked one on one with the animals in the vet clinics and humane societies he worked for the caring for the patients was when Rob was the happiest. This episode is more of a symposium on pet ownership and gives a thorough sense of Rob's life as Riverside director, and all the many layers of shelter life.

Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury ’s legacy and leadership in advancing the best interest of the global community are boldly imprinted in his pioneering initiative in March 2000 as the President of the Security Council that achieved the political and conceptual breakthrough leading to the adoption of the groundbreaking UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in which the Council recognized for the first time the role and contribution of women in the area of peace and security. As a career diplomat, Permanent Representative to United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, President of UNICEF Board, UN Under-Secretary- General, the Senior Special Advisor to the UN General Assembly President, and recipient of the U Thant Peace Award, UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal for Culture of Peace, Spirit of the UN Award and University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor’s Medal for Global Leadership for Peace, Ambassador Chowdhury has a wealth of experience in the critical issues of our time - peace, sustainable development, and human rights.  

Mary Kathryn Nagle is a playwright and a partner at Pipestem Law, a firm specializing in tribal sovereignty of Native nations and peoples. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK, and is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.[1] She currently serves as the executive director of the Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program Nagle is an alumna of the 2013 Emerging Writers Group, a prestigious program supported by The Public Theater for up-and-coming playwrights. During her time in the Emerging Writers Group she wrote Manahatta, a play that received recognition from the groups that give the William Soroyan Prize for Playwriting and the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award.[6][7] Sliver of a Full Moon is one of her most successful works to date, that tells the story the trauma of violence against women.

Norman Patrick Brown renown filmmaker, Writer, Educator and respected voice of Indigenous people. In this conversation Norman provides wisdom and a brief history of the Navajo Nation, from Norman's family to his views on humanity, the struggle of his people, how he learned from his grandmother to honor Mother Earth and his guidance for the future our planet.He speaks humbly and with reverence about his roots and his outlook for today's young Navajo youth and his hope for young people around the world to come together.   

Part two of our conversation discussing Norman's writing, films, his choices on what has impacted his art. This conversation is a prayer to life.  A true awakening to what's important. To how we live, and how we must respect all living things.  Norman brings us on a journey with his work as a writer, film maker, and as an activist. He provides for us a window into healing our spirits How his grandmother taught him how to respect life. How to be compassionate. Norman intersects his work in his upcoming film "Rainbow Boy", as his story reflects on how we in the 21 century have abused our planet.

Dr Victoria Impett is a remarkable breath of fresh air in Southern California's shelter system. She is the head veterinarian at Rancho Cucamonga animal shelter. She brings years of experience to her role at this busy animal control facility. Working with the remarkable staff there Victoria is focused on saving the lives of the animals in her care. This is a vital conversation that educates the public,  and provides key information about how to own a pet. How to care for a senior dog or cat, How to approach bringing a companion animal into your home. You will want to keep this episode handy for when you have any questions about pet adoption. and pet ownership .

The BLM rounded up 11,472 wild horses and burros in 2018 and permanently removed them from our public lands. This is almost 3x more than they removed in 2017 and more than they have rounded up and removed in almost a decade. Now with the holding facilities and off-Range corrals full the BLM is desperate to empty these out so they can round up and remove more wild horses and burros this year.The BLM just wants to get rid of the wild horses and burros and doesn’t really care if they end up at slaughter, just so long as they are removed from our public lands and from the holding facilities. In the wild, these horses had been healthy, disease free, and capable of carrying their foals to term. This private holding facility is a house of horrors, a deadly prison for wild horses. Instead of caring for the wild horses, as they are paid to do, they are killing them and covering it up. This facility should be shut down immediately and should never house our precious wild horses again. This is the ugliest truth, that the BLM does not want you to know. What can you do to help? Spread the word and Contact your Senators and Representatives.

I think we all can agree after listening to both conversations with carol walker that we as citizens can not allow these ongoing round ups, the tragic separation of these devoted wild horse families within these herds, the barbaric sterilization and the eventual disappearance of the species... this is simply not acceptable.  Contact the BLM (Bureau of Land Management.) Demand a new way of managing remaining wild horse herds. Wild horses have as much a right to live and breed on our open lands throughout our vast western states as any other herd, esp since they are now endangered. Our goal should be to protect America’s wild horses and burros by stopping the federal government’s systematic elimination of these national icons from our public lands. The government can't just continue removing wild animals from the land and warehousing them at an escalating expense, which it has done now for decades. The herds in Nevada and Wyoming are still there but not for long and please go to carol walkers website , and spend some time with her amazing photography. Carol is a remarkable artist, and has captured the spirit of our wild horses  

  Linda Hess’s crusade started with her holding a plate. She was at a memorial service. Someone was packing up the meal that she thought was meant for the family. The excess food was being plated for seniors that were around the corner. Linda went along to distribute this food and saw first hand the dire circumstances of people falling through the cracks in the middle of a metropolitan downtown area. These senior citizens  had nothing in their cupboards but cat food in one and no sheets on her bed and nothing in her closet. Linda asked herself “how do you walk away, how do you walk away?” She couldn’t.  40 % of the food produced in this country never gets to a food table We are a nation of over consumption in every which way you look at it. We are the wealthiest nation in the world. We have hunger and we have extra food. We simply don’t realize that one person's extra could make all the difference for a person who is hungry. And what Urban Harvester has done is become the center-point. Linda Hess and Urban Harvester are determined to change hunger in our nation.  

Have we come to a place where we are numb? Numb from the onslaught of one unthinkable act after the other ? This may be true because we have lost our appetite for taking in any more bad news since Trump.  Are we unable to find compassion these days? We must never close our hearts to children who are suffering. We have a responsibility to the children who are undergoing unimaginable consequences because their families have fled the violence in Central America risking everything to find safety for their children...these families have no other choice but to get their kids out of harms way but six children have died in our custody. Six children who came here to escape death. We are paying tribute to these six lives a well as to all the children who are in our custody in this episode today on America Speaks. Immigration attorney Allegra Love is joining us again to reflect on what she is seeing on the Texas and new Mexican border, and brings clarity the brutal circumstances these families are enduring as they wait for their asylum application to be processed.

Rick Cummings has a talent to put in perspective the times we are living through. His knack of spoken word poetry elevates our examination of the tumultuous administrations of both George Bush  and Donald trump. His craft navigates us through this history guiding us into the memory of events that stand out from the war in Iraq through the unfortunate administration of Donald Trump. His themes awaken our dulled minds and senses This is part one of the two part conversation that explores Rick's process  and who has influenced him the most as an artist.

Rick Cummings poetic work is a cultural fountain of words flowing  forth to strike a chord, wake up our minds and nourish our hearts... He seizes the challenge of recounting the horrors of this narcissist president, 45, and reminds us that we are smarter, braver and damn well capable of taking our country back. Here is part two with Rick Cummings

Chris Burnett 's interview gives us a unique opportunity to get true clarity on climate disruption ... Chris got his degree in chemistry specializing in earth science for earth science From the university of California in San Diego- Chris worked At  Scripps Institute of Oceanography for a number of years and was a bargaining representative for the UPTACWA local 9119 - Chris hosts the Weekly radio show Indy Media On Air on KPFK 90.7 FM IN LOS ANGELES every wed evening. Chris has for a long time been an organizer with anti-authoritarian movements and has for many years now been a voice for issues the main stream media does not report on. Chris enlightens all of us, laying out the truth re climate disruption

Austin attorney Mike Hull is on a solo walk at the Texas-Mexico border Hull started the trip on Boca Chica Beach and hopes to arrive in El Paso by Thanksgiving. With the “Walk of Hope” he wants to see whether the border is safe or not. He said he wants to see the face of fear and listen to the stories of asylum seekers and people who live along the border. “I want to walk and listen, listen to the people along the border and see what they have to say,” Hull said. “People have been so nice (here), they have been welcoming and inviting, sharing experiences and very, very kind.” Mike got the idea to do this after he read an article about one of the detention facilities for the children who come seeking asylum in the United States. He said he is very interested in that topic and even though he is not fluent in Spanish, he knows “enough to get in trouble.” “I want to see how we treat the children. Are we proud of how we welcome those (who) come with their hope, who ask for our help?” he said in a statement about the walk. “I want to walk and listen and offer my hope.”

What happened to us? This is a question each American must be asking themselves... we are pawns in this shameful political circus  thrust into the mindless abyss that Donald Trump has dragged us down into - the bottom continuing to sink deeper and deeper into a vile outcome. Join Garrett Reppenhagen and Tish Lampert in this serious discussion re dismantling of any hope for peace in the Middle East..a stark conversation of the stain this president is leaving with every demonic action he takes. This time he has set the stage to obliterate the largest ethnic group without a country: The Kurds...our allies who fought with us taking thousands of casualties themselves to eventually carve out a world without the threat of ISIS. Learn about the region that now will be occupied by Turkey: Rojava. Garrett,  as Executive Director of Veterans For Peace, is calling for everyone around the country and the world to call the Turkish Embassy in Washington D>C and demand a total reversal to the escalating assault. It is a defining time for everyone who cares about peace in this vulnerable region and it demands from us that we join together, in defiance, and call for an end to Turkish authoritarianism.

It’s a rare opportunity for us once again to join Mike Hull on his solo journey by foot..he has been an observer to an America few of us know...along the border region of Texas a witness to how the escalating presence of National Guard and an active presence of Border Patrol has impacted the quiet townships and hamlets in an undisturbed perimeter of Texas. Mike is having the rare opportunity to encounter the residents who have lived their lives along this divide for generations. It is a privilege to hear from Mike as he has undertaken this journey giving us his profound reflection on the  beauty and peace in this region ..the notion of listening and taking the time in one's life to have this experience is hardly what most of us can imagine. Mike shares that there is so much to learn about ourselves on foot with no distractions from our overloaded lives.As Mike states he hopes every foot print is planting a seed of hope.

Marcia Mayeda is the director of LA County Animal Care and Control for one of the largest animal care centers in the country. This is our Thanksgiving episode dedicated to shelter pets. Marcia gives us a full understanding of what the enormous responsibility she has overseeing such a large shelter system. This conversation truly informs all of us of the many programs and benefits that are put in place for our shelter pets, in LA County. This interview is packed with information that all of us should be aware of. Shelter pets' lives depend on all of us working together to either adopt or find a rescue, fosters, transporters, donations for medical , and when no foster pay for boarding. This is the first in our series on shelter pets. Please reach out to americaspeakspodcast @gmail.com with any questions about todays conversation

Our end of the year episode , this is our tribute to one of our heroes on America Speaks: Mike Hull "We are all related there is not a one of us bigger or smaller- WE WHO LIVE HERE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN THIS BORDER the river, the land, the plants, animals who are unwittingly and not consulted participants IN THE THIS BORDER ISSUE"..Mike sums up his thoughts after his nine hundred mile journey by foot. this past year on America Speaks we have been proud to bring you remarkable journeys, renown experts, powerful trail blazers and most important people who are all fighting for what they believe in ..the fight comes in many styles, passions, and is personal and nor always noisy but always from the heart it is in this spirit of raising our voices and our commitments to our collective family of us all that i wish all of our America Speaks listeners a truly happy coming year ,  

Laiken Jordahl is a hero. Everyday he gets up at the crack of dawn or earleir to drive two hours to be the eyes for the horrifying trampling on the sacred earth of the Organ Pipe National Monument. Trumps Wall, that no one in this region wants, is just plowing over every precious living creature, plant cactus, water way  and landscape  to make way for a senseless eyesore , WALL! This conversation will open you eyes on how you can help.

Andrea Ricon and the School Box project bring education and hope to the shelter three times a week, for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. This community of young people are linked by the commonality of misfortune that has placed them together. I was encouraged by their spirit and open-hearted kindness to each other that has not yet been extinguished by the trauma accompanying them on their journey. These children have slipped in and out of our news cycle and remain in danger of being forgotten. These are the children at La Roca De Salvacion Shelter, in Tijuana, who are waiting month after month for their families’ day in court. Sadly some of these children’s families have been deported and now remain in Tijuana with no where to go. Despite conditions that are very challenging, in crammed and harsh living quarters, these children possess a remarkable spirit. They teach all of us what resilience looks like. Ann Whitley brings clarity as a veteran elementary school teacher

Tish Lampert's lens is witness to the historic rise of the resistance, framing the struggle with images that span twenty years. As a photojournalist on a long and uniquely concentrated journey, Lampert champion's the currency of protest that fuels the good fight. Her book We Protest and Her podcast America Speaks celebrates the spirit that compels people to rise up 

As we in Southern California are stuck in lockdown, consider fostering a shelter pet. This would save these wonderful animal's lives and you would be part of the solution. Pets do not carry this virus, as you will learn from the experts who are on this show. Also this could be a heartwarming experience while you are stuck at home. And you will hear how you can still go to the shelter safely, when everything is closed. Our shelters ARE still open. By appointment you can pick up your shelter pet, without exposing yourself to any contamination. You can find out everything about this animals because LA County will be evaluating all their dogs. and they will let you know what you need to know about the dog you are interested in , including the seniors.  This episode gives you a first look at how to foster a shelter pet and also we at America Speaks will be doing a follow up to this episode as the foster program at LA County is implemented in place.

 Brooke Luciano and Jeff McKeever own and operate UltraRed Light, a health and wellness company in Newport Beach, California. They utilize FDA approved PBT, the power of light energy and frequencies, to empower their clients to alleviate pain and achieve optimal health and well being. They have both battled through life-altering spinal injuries and chronic pain, and recovered using their specialized LightMD PBM, so they come with an empathetic and compassionate understanding of pain.       UltraRed Light gives Brooke and Jeff the opportunity to share the light with their extended community and gives both humans and animals an alternative therapeutic modality that doesn’t require prescription drugs or surgery to feel better. Their combined 18+ years experience is unmatched in this emerging industry, which gives them incredible insight and experience in the many capabilities of light therapy as a tool to speed up the body and brain’s natural healing process.          Their passion and mission to share light with the world has helped them to ignite the desire in people to want to help others. Many of their own clients become LightMD device owners and now are able to share light with their own family and communities. Brooke and Jeff enjoy teaching others the benefits of adding LightMD to their practice or how to start their own business using Light. The more people and businesses that offer Light as a safe and highly effective therapeutic modality, the better, so that we can collectively heal as a society.  They are so excited to share their experience with you all today. Thank you for listening and joining us.  

David Groch Tochman has the weight of countless lives on his shoulders. He is the administrator of 20 transfer hospitals, in Los Angeles caring for elderly and infirmed patients and treating and monitoring Patients Under Investigation as they wait to learn if they have the monstrous corona 19 virus. The stress is overwhelming on a daily six sometimes seven day a week role in charge of a large staff, and procuring  protective gear which he knows is life saving  David is navigating a world of horror that has presented challenges to him he never thought he’d see on the front lines of his critical care facilities. Yet despite the loss of life he sees from this pandemic, and the fear in his staff's eyes,  he still finds a smile to wear on his face to keep his nurses and patients hopeful and upbeat.

How do you go from wishing you could be a fireman to fulfilling your dream? Lawrence Kim 's journey to now being one of LA's top officials and inspectors for the LAFD.. and now he is a part of a vital effort to set up Covid 19 testing centers throughout Los Angeles. Sean Penn's NGO CORE, is working with the LAFD and the collaborative operation is now providing testing to every Los Angelean who wants to get tested. The first city in the U.S. to offer this to every citizen

This is a powerful discussion of The Culture of Peace : what is truly important in life, bringing out the best in human beings and our work as a society and our humanity to come together to face tomorrow’s challenges. But we need to do this together... we hear this over and over again but this discussion truly inspires great depth and understanding of how we can transform our intentions, find greater compassion and examine our excessive consumption of “things”. This pandemic has been an awakening. And has brought out the best in humanity, to discover what is asked of us; to learn together how to survive these difficult times. The Culture of Peace seeks to change our mind set to inculcate peace and caring into how we live our daily lives. We are global citizens. We must start to think as a connected world. This episode is a milestone conversation that will indeed nourish how you move forward to protect the essence of what is vital in life.

This is a powerful discussion of The Culture of Peace : what is truly important in life, bringing out the best in human beings and our work as a society and our humanity to come together to face tomorrow’s challenges. But we need to do this together... we hear this over and over again but this discussion truly inspires great depth and understanding of how we can transform our intentions, find greater compassion and examine our excessive consumption of “things”. This pandemic has been an awakening. And has brought out the best in humanity, to discover what is asked of us; to learn together how to survive these difficult times. The Culture of Peace seeks to change our mind set to inculcate peace and caring into how we live our daily lives. We are global citizens. We must start to think as a connected world. This episode is a milestone conversation that will indeed nourish how you move forward to protect the essence of what is vital in life.

This is a powerful discussion reinforcing the importance of The Culture of Peace : what is truly important in life, bringing out the best in human beings and our work as a society and our humanity to come together to face tomorrow’s challenges. But we need to do this together... we hear this over and over again but this discussion truly inspires great depth and understanding of how we can transform our intentions, find greater compassion and examine our excessive consumption of “things”. This pandemic has been an awakening. And has brought out the best in humanity, to discover what is asked of us; to learn together how to survive these difficult times. The Culture of Peace seeks to change our mind set to inculcate peace and caring into how we live our daily lives. We are global citizens. We must start to think as a connected world. This episode is a milestone conversation that will indeed nourish how you move forward to protect the essence of what is vital in life.

I have focused my lens on controversy since 1967. When I see a crowd amassing, placards waving, when I hear the sound of feet pounding the pavement, voices rising over each other, I feel an uncontrollable urge to be among them, to follow the momentum and capture the spirit that compels people to rise up. The adrenaline is addictive; it’s been in my blood since I first picked up a camera and marched for civil rights In 2001, Americans felt disenfranchised after the presidential election of G.W.Bush. I was drawn in by the volatile mood that resulted from the Supreme Court’s decision. Before long I realized I was a player on this human stage, active and no longer just an observer. Marching with my fellow citizens enables me to share the anger and capture the frustrations of their struggle. My journey across America presented me with history in the making, as I carved my own path of discovery. I set out looking for that spark that energized my generation in the sixties and seventies, to come together for peace and love. We were idealistic back then. After twenty years on the trail, our nation is still deeply polarized. We may be conflicted but we remain determined as we pass the torch to the next generation. I am left wondering if this next generation will have more empathy and tolerance for each other; be able put aside their differences to better shape their future.      

It has been said that talent is a rare gift. With an artist /author like Lou Beach HIS talent is a gift to all of us. He is our first author to present original work on our limited edition narrative storytelling series. Lou Beach is a renown illustrator and fine artist and has perfected the craft of telling a great story in a short and memorable fashion. Every detail is to be savored.

Rich Whitley is the writer’s writer –starting from a young boy he fell in love with going to the movies ...and as he grew up and went to film school his appetite for film and tv became voracious. Throughout his youth he became a scholar of all genres of film from every era and his passion for great story telling led him into a career writing feature films(Rock N Roll High School) and TV( long list) . He has added teaching screenwriting, one day a week at USC, to his robust weekly schedule. This lively episode will bring you into the world of select magazine articles Rich has written for the Writer’s Guild of America 'Written By' series. From “Afternoon At The York”, to “Staffing Season” to “Downward Facing Writer”, (great for coping with today’s high level of stress). And you don’t want to miss hearing about Rich’s first meeting with Billy Wilder.Rich Whitley is a class act, who will inspire every one of you to indulge in a classic film, a bag of popcorn in your lap and shut out the world.

Rich Whitley is the writer’s writer –starting from a young boy he fell in love with going to the movies ...and as he grew up and went to film school his appetite for film and tv became voracious. Throughout his youth he became a scholar of all genres of film from every era and his passion for great story telling led him into a career writing feature films(Rock N Roll High School) and TV( long list) . He has added teaching screenwriting, one day a week at USC, to his robust weekly schedule. This lively episode will bring you into the world of select magazine articles Rich has written for the Writer’s Guild of America 'Written By' series. From “Afternoon At The York”, to “Staffing Season” to “Downward Facing Writer”, (great for coping with today’s high level of stress). And you don’t want to miss hearing about Rich’s first meeting with Billy Wilder.Rich Whitley is a class act, who will inspire every one of you to indulge in a classic film, a bag of popcorn in your lap and shut out the world.

Rich Whitley's delightful tale of how he came to sign his first breast at the commemorative screening of Rock N Roll High School, at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. A colorful story of how dreams can come true as Rich takes us behind the scenes on the making of Rock N Roll High School.

As we reach the end of the national disaster that was the Trump Administration we are proud to bring back Poet/ Musician Rick Cummings. His unique talent to put in perspective the times we have lived through from George Bush to Donald Trump is a creative triumph. His knack of spoken word poetry elevates our examination of these tumultuous administrations to fully remind us what we have endured. His craft navigates us through this historic era guiding us into the memory of events that stand out from four unfortunate and ugly years of Donald Trump. Each reading brings to life the outrage, the satire, the inhumanity of a failed president and his enablers.   link to Rick's first interview on America Speaks https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/1A_RICK_CUMMINGS_07.03.2019_01.mp3 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/_RICK_CUMMINGS_2_8.11.2019_01.mp3

As we reach the end of the national disaster that was the Trump Administration we are proud to bring back Poet/ Musician Rick Cummings. His unique talent to put in perspective the times we have lived through from George Bush to Donald Trump is a creative triumph. His knack of spoken word poetry elevates our examination of these tumultuous administrations to fully remind us what we have endured. His craft navigates us through this historic era guiding us into the memory of events that stand out from four unfortunate and ugly years of Donald Trump. Each reading brings to life the outrage, the satire, the inhumanity of a failed president and his enablers.   link to Rick's first interview on America Speaks https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/1A_RICK_CUMMINGS_07.03.2019_01.mp3 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/_RICK_CUMMINGS_2_8.11.2019_01.mp3

Rick Tuber was born into a literary family. His father wrote for television in the 50s and 60s and both his brothers were writers. He spent 40 years as a film editor working primarily in television. He worked on many of Hollywood’s icon shows including ER, Crime Story, The Unit, Bones, and countless others. He won Emmy and American Cinema Editors awards for an episode of ER. Working on a show in China changed his life. The show was called Flatland and starred Dennis Hopper. A one-month stay turned into five months. That experience caused him to write his first book at the age of 60, Shanghai Cuts-A Hollywood Film Editor’s Misadventures In China. It documented his time in Shanghai while a family crisis was occurring at home.      Bitten by the writing bug, he wrote his first novel, Should Have Seen It Coming. The noirish comedic murder mystery was based on his own dysfunctional family. Two sequels followed in quick order. Just My F***ing Luck and Well, I’ll Be Damned. Rick 's writing takes you into a captivating world of characters and story lines.

Dennis Macdougal is the renown author of twelve books. As an investigative journalist and documentary producer Dennis has told the stories of American heroes such as Lew Waserman (The Last Mogul) , The Chandler Family (Privileged Son), Jack Nicholson (Five easy Decades), Bob Dylan,Dylan The Biography, Mother's day - just some of his titles. With his new book :Operation White Rabbit Dennis takes us on a wild journey into the life of Leonard Pickard. The academics, scientists and high rollers who were the origin story of LSD

Rob Harris’ publicity credits have played in every movie house around the world. With nearly a hundred film credits he has worked on many of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed and blockbuster films. For decades now Rob has become a respected part of today's film industry in his role as unit publicist. We are excited to bring you a meaningful conversation with Rob about his book The trouble With Love In the Movies, a wonderful and inspiring love story. This episode is a great opportunity to slip into the magical world of movie making and yet at the same discover a heartfelt and honest story of a family and the courage it took to make big life changes while trying to keep your family together.  This is a beautiful love story. The conversation is honest, authentic, and reveals the many layers of a mans life as he he finds himself at a crossroads ...From the book "You don’t walk in lock step with another person you allow one to sprint while the other lags but you don’t let the distance grow so wide that the other is out of reach."

Rob Harris’ publicity credits have played in every movie house around the world. With nearly a hundred film credits he has worked on many of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed and blockbuster films. For decades now Rob has become a respected part of today's film industry in his role as unit publicist. We are excited to bring you a meaningful conversation with Rob about his book The trouble With Love In the Movies, a wonderful and inspiring love story. This episode is a great opportunity to slip into the magical world of movie making and yet at the same discover a heartfelt and honest story of a family and the courage it took to make big life changes while trying to keep your family together.  This is a beautiful love story. The conversation is honest, authentic, and reveals the many layers of a mans life as he he finds himself at a crossroads ...From the book "You don’t walk in lock step with another person you allow one to sprint while the other lags but you don’t let the distance grow so wide that the other is out of reach."

Caroline Leavitt is the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts Award in Fiction, and a Goldenberg Fiction Prize. She was also a National Magazine Award, Nominee in Personal Essay, a finalist in the Nickelodeon Screenwriting Awards and a finalist in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. A book critic for The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle and People, she has also published in New York Magazine, Psychology Today, More, Redbook, Parenting, and more. Cruel Beautiful World was named one of the Best Books of the Year by BlogCritics and by The Pulpwood Queens. Pictures of You was named one of the Best Books of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle, The Providence Journal, Bookmarks, and one of the top five books by Kirkus Reviews. Is This Tomorrow was named one of the Best Books of the Year by January magazine, and was long-listed for the Maine Prize, as well as being a Jewish Book Council BookClub Pick.

Ger Duany was born in Akobo, South Sudan, on November 9, 1978.[1] He had his first experience of war at the age of seven. His family and community were uprooted. At age 13, war separated him from his mother, and he resorted to becoming a child soldier[1] as a means of survival during South Sudan's struggle for independence.[2] Duany later became a refugee in Ethiopia and then Kenya,[1] and was resettled to the United States from Dadaab camp at the age of 15. Ger Duany went on to earn a college degree in the U.S.. He built a career as an actor and fashion model.During the 2015 World Refugee Day, Duany was announced as the UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador for the East and Horn of Africa Region. In 2014 he appeared alongside other refugees in the award winning film,  The Good Lie, inspired by the story behind the Lost Boys of Sudan. Ger is the author of  the acclaimed memoir, Walk Towards The Rising Sun .

Women are in their power. From all walks of life. It took a toxic decision that ended Roe V Wade to wake us all up! Women are angry...the right of a woman to choose has the support of the majority of voters in the United States. The fight to protect these rights has just begun. And in battlegrounds like Iran and Afghanistan the fight for their freedoms is demanding our support and solidarity. This episode brings you the heroes on the front-lines, fighting for women's rights: Kathy Kleinfeld and The Houston's Women"s Clinic, NY Times best selling author Caroline Leavitt, Dr Francesca Kress, Susan Dworke Teixiera, Alex Hernandez, Yana Bille Chung and Alexa Coblentz contribute powerful testimony and commentary to this part one of our series in celebration of women.

Women are in their power. From all walks of life. It took a toxic decision that ended Roe V Wade to wake us all up! Women are angry...the right of a woman to choose has the support of the majority of voters in the United States. The fight to protect these rights has just begun. And in battlegrounds like Iran and Afghanistan the fight for their freedoms is demanding our support and solidarity. This episode brings you the heroes on the front-lines, fighting for women's rights: Kathy Kleinfeld and The Houston's Women"s Clinic, NY Times best selling author Caroline Leavitt, Dr Francesca Kress, Susan Dworke Teixiera, Alex Hernandez, Yana Bille Chung and Alexa Coblentz contribute powerful testimony and commentary to this part one of our series in celebration of women.

Few documentary producers have received as many honors: National Emmy for "exceptional merit in nonfiction filmmaking"; ten Richter credited films honored by Motion Picture Academy; three DuPont Columbia Broadcast Journalism awards (TV's Pulitzer Prize); Distinguished Science Reporting Award from AAAS (American Academy for Advancement of Science); Peabody Awards; many US and international film festival awards; critical acclaim in the New York Times and other major papers. Robert Richter's documentaries have been telecast in prime time on HBO, PBS, CBS, NBC, ABC, TBS, Discovery, BBC and many other major overseas television outlets. Robert Richter has received several Oscar nominations and has made or helped to make over 90 films. In his early years, he was at CBS covering U.S. national politics and producing Walter Cronkite's acclaimed nightly news. Robert has released his new book a few months ago  titled DOCUMENTARIES AND SERENDIPITY sold on Amazon.com Please also listen to Robert's previous interview on America Speak https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/_KFSR_RR_FINAL_05.04.18_01.mp3 And https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/_KSFR_RR2_5.10.18_01.mp3    

Jess Burnquest is the Vice President of Education and Youth Empowerment at Creative Visions where the premier human rights programs Rock Your World and Rock Your Rights are under her purview. She is also the co-founder and author of Kindred Spirits, a human rights educational blog sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers.  Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Time, NPR, Sundress, Persona, Natural Bridge, Ms. Magazine and various online and print journals. She is a recipient of the Joan Frazier Memorial Award for the Arts at ASU and has been honored with a Sylvan Silver Apple Award. We are here at a pivotal moment in the United States ... our democracy and our rights to our privacy and long time freedoms are at stake with the coming election of 2022 We seem to be so lost in how to understand where we are going ..i think today Jess brought us back down to earth and really spoke about solutions. In my work in the last 25 years, I have had the opportunity to meet, protest, and to march with today's generation of powerful young voices who will lead us out of this disappointing era of small-minded political radicalism and racism. There is a time-honored phrase I have heard since marching against the Vietnam War: We are the ones we have been waiting for “ and  that phrase perfectly reflects our times.  when I think of today's 18- 35 year vote.... – these past three episodes have brought together honest conversations about women's rights, the core values of privacy that must be returned to all women, and how we must protect the way of life we thought we had in America... I ask myself today: Are we still a democracy? we all know what is at stake and we know that our vote can reverse the government's control over our bodies, our lives, and our futures.  

Jess Burnquist is the Vice President of Education and Youth Empowerment at Creative Visions where the premier human rights programs Rock Your World and Rock Your Rights are under her purview. She is also the co-founder and author of Kindred Spirits, a human rights educational blog sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers.  Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Time, NPR, Sundress, Persona, Natural Bridge, Ms. Magazine and various online and print journals. She is a recipient of the Joan Frazier Memorial Award for the Arts at ASU and has been honored with a Sylvan Silver Apple Award. We are here at a pivotal moment in the United States ... our democracy and our rights to our privacy and long time freedoms are at stake with the coming election of 2022 We seem to be so lost in how to understand where we are going ..i think today Jess brought us back down to earth and really spoke about solutions. In my work in the last 25 years, I have had the opportunity to meet, protest, and to march with today's generation of powerful young voices who will lead us out of this disappointing era of small-minded political radicalism and racism. There is a time-honored phrase I have heard since marching against the Vietnam War: We are the ones we have been waiting for “ and that phrase perfectly reflects our times.  when I think of today's 18- 35 year vote.... – these past three episodes have brought together honest conversations about women's rights, the core values of privacy that must be returned to all women, and how we must protect the way of life we thought we had in America... I ask myself today: Are we still a democracy? we all know what is at stake and we know that our vote can reverse the government's control over our bodies, our lives, and our futures.  

When will we come together as a global community to eliminate nuclear weapons? ...To stand behind the treaties signed to never use a nuclear weapon and create ways and means to reduce conflict and engagement in war? This epic conversation embraces freedom, and respect for one another, identifies ways for us to apply new ways of thinking to combat climate disruption and be steadfast to protect our oceans – we must believe and understand that change is possible- We must learn to respect the interests of others...we are in the middle of a  moral fork in the road: what is most important today?  -The rights of human beings over the rights of property.?..as Jonathan says "Love people use things; never love things and use people!"  This episode is a vitamin for our soul. A true landmark episode! To listen to Jonathan Granoff's first episode on America Speaks click here : https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/americaspeakspodcast/Preview_of_GranoffReppen