Keeping Things Alive Podcast

Season 7 of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast is here! Listen to Laura and John Washington talk about what they have been up since last year and their intentions for the upcoming season. They discuss Laura's new book, Silent Seasons, and how it can help readers navigate current environmental issues and events.

The purpose of this episode is to share the exciting news that Laura wrote a book! "Silent Seasons: Chasing Sustainability Through the Law" will be published by New Degree Press this fall. The purpose of "Silent Seasons" is to offer accessible information about environmental law and new perspectives on sustainability for everyone, based on Laura's life. There are still 6 days left to pre-order your signed copy, get a ticket to launch party, and support the publication of this exciting project! Here is the campaign webpage: https://igg.me/at/silent-seasons

Samantha Nephew is a Healthcare Advocate with the Healthcare Education Project and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, focusing on programming and campaigns related to public heath, health and wellness, and the social determinants of health. Sam is a past podcast guest, all the way back to Episode 11 in 2017! In this episode, Sam and Laura talk about voting for Kimberly Beaty to be the next Erie County Sheriff, having kids while climate change rages, the Covid-19 pandemic, and more.

Just in time for the start of early voting in Erie County, NY (voting started this past Sat. October 23rd and runs until this Sunday Oct. 31st, followed by Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd), Episode 83 is the annual "ballot review" episode that I put together with John Washington for this Fall 2021 election in Buffalo, NY. This is the third election that John and I have reviewed what government positions will be on the City of Buffalo ballot. John is a thoughtful and experienced community organizer and political educator living in Buffalo, NY. The purpose of this ballot review episode is help listeners become aware of what government positions are on the ballot (in the City of Buffalo, which also includes some Erie County seats and voter propositions that apply beyond City of Buffalo residents) and how they may affect a person's life. We also talk about the Working Families Party, democratic socialism, and what we know and have experienced in and around the particular candidates who are running. For two of the races, we are clear on who we want to win, and why: vote for India Walton and Kimberly Beaty! Now please go vote, and when you're in the booth, remember to flip over your ballot to answer the propositions on the back!

In this episode, Laura speaks wtih Schondra Aytch, a Buffalo-based freelance writer and journalist who covers all things music and culture. Most known for creating the burgeoning Hip-Hop + R&B blog Sneakvibing, Schondra has also contributed her writing for staple WNY publications like The Challenger News, Cornelia Magazine, and Qween City. Listen to Laura and Schondra talk about the importance of women voices and commentary, Hip-Hop in Buffalo, the history of Sneakvibing, & more.

John Heim is a clean water activist with the Southwest Florida Clean Water Movement. In this episode (recorded over Zoom on July 19, 2021), Laura and John talk about water pollution issues in Florida, including the current devastation in Tampa Bay, where hundreds of tons of marine life have died due to an intense episode of Red Tide (a toxic algae that causes air pollution and harm to all life). This deadly event is extra big and toxic because the Piney Point fertilizer facility spilled chemicals directly into Tampa Bay this past April. Laura links this interview to past episodes 53, 54, and 55, which she recorded in Florida in February 2019, a few months after the 2018 Red Tide killed hundreds of tons of marine life (sadly this year is worse).

Congratulations City of Buffalo Mayor-Elect India Walton! In this month's info collage, Laura talks about last week's primary election and her experiences with the police in Erie County, followed by information about the healing properties of plantain (a backyard plant found everywhere in WNY). After that, Laura shares her conversation about cannabis in New York State with Reggie Keith, Pavel Belov, and Nhi Kha. And to close it all out, Laura and Eva Danielle pull the Page of Wands tarot card and talk about how it relates to the energy of the moment.

Episode 79 features Laura's conversation with EmZee, a childhood friend from Eden, NY. EmZee is an artist (@onyxarcplanet and @onyxarc), and will be making the background episode cover art for Season 6. In this conversation, Laura and Em talk about growing up in Eden, NY in the 1980's and 1990's, how art and mental health intersect, and reflecting/re-learning from the past as we move into the future. Happy Pride!

In this month's info collage, Laura speaks with John Washington about New York's new cannabis law, Sarah Sorci about a backyard edible and medicinal plant called self-heal, Eva Danielle about the Fool tarot card, and David and Kenny about their experiences with the police in Erie County.

Welcome to another season of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast! In this episode, Laura introduces plans for Season 6 and shares her conversation with Jim Anderson about where we are now in Buffalo, NY (recorded on April 21, 2021). Jim is a long-time activist for civil rights, nuclear peace, climate justice, and more. He hosts the radio show Conversations with Jim Anderson on Power 96.5 FM.

Season 5 has come to a close! This episode starts with Laura going through the season episode-by-episode and reflecting on what happened (recorded on Jan. 6, 2021). After that, at the 27:10 mark, Laura shares a Zoom conversation with John Washington (recorded on Dec. 30, 2020) where they reflect on 2020 U.S. Election results, Biden's Cabinet picks so far, & the Covid-19 pandemic. Note: this episode contains a conversation about the Covid-19 Pandemic and is NOT medical advice. If you want/need medical advice, look elsewhere (maybe start with your doctor and/or www.cdc.gov).

Jillian Hanesworth is a social justice spoken word artist from Buffalo NY who writes with the intent of promoting change. She is also the Director of Leadership Development at Open Buffalo, where she focuses on programming designed to equip people in the community with the necessary tools to help create sustainable community change. In this episode, Laura and Jillian talk about safety and interpersonal violence, people power, the connection between art and activism, & more.

Claire M. Gay is the owner of Inspiration Point, a spiritual goods and book store in Buffalo, NY, while Eva Danielle provides tarot readings at the store and online. In this episode, Laura, Claire, and Eva talk about tarot, astrology, reiki, small business ownership in 2020, & more.

Kristin Grohman is an herbal educator, community herbalist, and owner of Reciprocal Roots, where she is currently providing one-on-one herbal mentorship to her students online. She is also the Founder and Co-Director of the WNY Chapter of Herbalists without Borders, and organizes the annual WNY Herbal Conference. In this episode, Laura and Kristin talk about her path to herbal education, starting the WNY chapter of Herbalists Without Borders, building herbal community, and more.

Be informed when you enter the ballot box! In this episode, Laura speaks with John Washington about the upcoming 2020 U.S. Election and how each position on the 14213 ballot affects our lives. Learn about the U.S. Electoral College, how write-in campaigns work, specifics on how our political system is so messed up, & more.

Tiffany M. Nyachae is an Assistant Professor of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Penn State University. She is a member of the Galactic Tribe's Wakanda Alliance Program, which is featured in Episode 70. In this episode, Laura and Tiffany talk about her work to address classroom inequity with a focus on Black girls, Black feminism, education during Covid-19, and more.

Anthony Pierce, Da'Von McCune, and John Washington are members of the Galactic Tribe and help create the Wakanda Alliance Program in Buffalo, NY. In this episode, Laura, Ant, Da'Von, and John talk about Afrofuturism, superheros, celebrating Chadwick Boseman, & more.

Tito Ruiz is an artist and the owner/founder of TRu iNk Media®. Tito’s art focuses on the use of visual imagery in advocacy. He works to create alternative narratives to the portrayals of protesters by mainstream media. In this episode, Tito and Laura talk about his photography exhibit "Hope Rebellion & Justice", the story of Wardel Meech Davis, how media impacts and is impacted by current events, & more. Cover art photo by Bobby Morgan.

Christian Parra is the City of Buffalo Community Organizer for Citizen Action of New York and a member of Free the People WNY, a coalition of activists, organizers, and attorneys that envisions a world free from the violence and death of mass incarceration. In this episode, Laura and Christian talk about Free the People WNY's demands to hold police accountable in Buffalo and Erie County, community organizing, life in Buffalo, the Bronx, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, & more.

Myles Carter is a father and activist who was maliciously tackled by Buffalo police on camera as he was being interviewed during a peaceful protest in Buffalo, NY. He is currently advocating and working for the release of Deyanna Davis from the Erie County Holding Center. Please listen to this episode to hear Myles tell Deyanna's story and the stories of other specific black lives that matter in Buffalo, NY.

In this episode, Laura speaks with Adam Bojak about tenant rights, the Black Lives Matter protests, defunding the police, & more. Adam Bojak is a tenants’ rights attorney who has spent years working with Buffalo residents in order to help them fight back against their bad landlords and ensure they know their rights; he has also helped homeowners facing the loss of their houses due to bank foreclosure. He is running as a Democrat for NY Assembly District 149, and the Primary Election is June 23, 2020. Please get out and vote (or sign up to get an absentee ballot by June 12th!).

In this episode, Laura discusses the protests happening in Buffalo NY and around the country, demanding justice for George Floyd and the many other black and brown human beings who have died at the hands of the police. She talks about how the protests are connected to covid-19, systemic oppression, and the slow violence that is environmental racism.

Welcome to Season 5 of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast! In this episode, Laura talks about intentions for the season, life during covid-19, and thoughts about the new Michael Moore/Jeff Gibbs documentary, Planet of the Humans.

A special episode about COVID-19, where Laura has a conversation with John Washington about the current global pandemic. John is a community organizer with People's Action and has been on the podcast before (Episodes 48 and 60). This conversation took place on March 30, 2020 in Buffalo, New York, USA.

Season 4 has come to a close! Listen to Laura's reflections on each episode of Season 4, three book recommendations, and Laura's conversation with Emily Louis (owner of Live Inspired Events) about community energy planning, starting a small business, and more.

Ilyas, Aniyang, and Sophia are three members of the WNY Youth Climate Council, which formed in early 2019 with the mission "to elevate youth voices and bring concrete climate action to the various communities of Western New York." In this episode, Laura talks to Ilyas, Aniyang, and Sophia about why climate action, community organizing, and intergenerational solidarity are so important as we face our global climate emergency.

John Washington, Co-Director of Organizing at PUSH Buffalo, is a community advocate and activist for social, economic, and racial justice in Buffalo, New York and beyond. In Episode 48, John reviewed a 2018 election ballot, and now he is back to talk about his path, interests, and work. In this episode, Laura and John talk about Marvel comics and Afro-futurism, tenants rights, the upcoming City of Buffalo property tax assessment, and more.

New York now has the most progressive climate justice legislation in the United States! The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) is the result of years of community organizing across the state by NYRenews, a coalition of organizations committed to climate justice. In this episode, Laura reads the opening statements of both the CLCPA and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

It's time for New York to pass the Climate and Community Protection Act! Hear from NYRenews Climate Justice Organizer Geo Hernández (who has a home base at PUSH Buffalo and in Buffalo, NY) as we enter into the final days of the 2019 New York legislative session (it ends on June 19th). Laura and Geo talk about environmental racism, climate justice, the CCPA, and Tuesday's bus trip to Albany.

Andrew Marcum, PhD, teaches Disability Studies for the City University of New York and works at the Center for Self Advocacy in Buffalo. In this episode, Laura and Andrew talk about the history of disability rights in the U.S., the importance of public transit, accessibility, & more.

Dennice Barr is the President of the Fruit Belt Advisory Council, a board member of the Coalition for Economic Justice, and a member of Buffalo Transit Riders United (BTRU). In this episode, Laura and Ms. Barr talk about the state of Buffalo's public transit system, people power, & more.

Lindsay Cross is the Public Lands Advocate for the Florida Conservation Voters. She has worked for nearly two decades in Florida as an environmental scientist and conservation advocate. In this episode, Lindsay and Laura talk about environmental education, the importance of connecting wildlife habitat, red tide, & more.

Manuela Baron is The Girl Gone Green, a blogger and YouTube creator who lives her values by living a zero waste, minimal, plant based life with intention. She shares her experiences and knowledge online, which has inspired a community of people around the world to live more sustainably. In this episode, Laura and Manuela talk about Red Tide, minimalism, straw bans, & more.

Rob Webster is the Co-Founder / CEO / Director of Operations of Planet Love Life, whose mission is to "continue to provide education of marine debris, promote sustainable living, and to help preserve our planet's natural environments through the love and respect for life." In this episode, Laura and Rob talk about the causes & effects of plastic pollution in the ocean, what is being done to address this devastating problem, and how people can contribute by changing their consumption habits.

Rodney Rainey is the PUSH Buffalo Workforce Coordinator and a lifelong West Side of Buffalo resident. He also creates underground rap and hip-hop music and is writing a memoir of his life experiences. In this conversation, Laura and Rodney talk about work experiences, music, looking forward to 2019, and much more. Intro and outro beats by Lonnie Barlow.

Episode 51 of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast is a special episode in celebration of the 2018 Winter Solstice, and features Rebecca Strong’s conversation with Lynda Schneekloth and Laura Evans about the art and psychology of activism.

Season 3 has come to an end! In this episode, Laura goes through each episode of Season 3 to explain some of the backstory and what is talked about with each guest. There is also some thoughts on Charles Eisenstein's new book "Climate: A New Story" and the Juliana v. U.S. lawsuit.

Emily Terrana is a proud Buffalonian, mother of two, and long-time community organizer and educator. She currently works as PUSH Buffalo’s Movement Education Specialist where she creates, coordinates, and runs PUSH’s political training and political education work to build power with residents of the West Side of Buffalo. In this episode, Laura and Emily talk about emergent strategy, how to create communities of care, & more.

In this special episode, Laura and John Washington, PUSH Buffalo's Director of Organizing, provide voter information by reviewing Buffalo, New York's 2018 Election Ballot. Learn about political parties, what each government position does, what an incumbent is, tips for getting to the polls, & more.

In this special episode, Sarah Sorci of Sweet Flag Herbs interviews Laura Evans, an environmental lawyer and the creator of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast. Sarah and Laura talk about living in Western New York, being an introvert, coping with eco-anxiety, & more.

Whitney Walker is the Executive Director of Voice Buffalo and the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH), both faith-based social justice organizations in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls region. Kartika Carr is the Lead Community Organizer for NOAH in Niagara Falls, NY. In this episode, Laura, Whitney, and Kartika talk about organizing based on love versus agitation, environmental justice, and much more.

Niki Rodriguez is a social worker, community healer, and PUSH Buffalo board member. In this episode, Laura and Niki talk about community healing, self care, racial justice work, & much more.

Rebecca Town is a public defense attorney working in the Criminal Defense Unit of the Legal Aid Bureau in Buffalo, NY. In this episode, Laura and Rebecca talk about racial bias, bail reform, & much more.

Geo Hernández is the Climate Justice & Energy Democracy Organizer for PUSH Buffalo. In this episode, Laura and Geo talk about climate justice, the education system, NYRenews legislation, & much more.

Eliza Schneider is holistic coach for women through her company Resolve to Evolve. She is also passionate about ecstatic dance, women's health, and creating sacred space for others. In this conversation, Laura and Eliza talk about her previous experience co-founding Merge Restaurant, entrepreneurship, the power of plants, and much more.

Holly Nowak is the Transit Riders Organizer for the Coalition for Economic Justice in Buffalo, where she works with Buffalo Transit Riders United (BTRU). In this episode, Laura and Holly talk about a more equitable public transit system, the Bechdel Test, and much more.

Esmeralda Jimenez is a water protector (with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper) and the Landscaping Manager of PUSH Blue. In this conversation, Laura and Es talk about what it means to be a water protector, how green infrastructure works, and much more.

Sage Green is the Community Energy Planner at PUSH Buffalo. In this conversation, Laura and Sage talk about what community energy planning is, how Buffalonians get their energy, what energy democracy and resiliency looks like, and much more.

This episode features Laura’s conversation with Rahwa Ghirmatzion. Rahwa is the Deputy Director of People United for Sustainable Housing, Inc. (PUSH Buffalo). Laura and Rahwa talk about gentrification, a just transition, green infrastructure, and much more.

Elizabeth Walsh is a professor at the University at Buffalo’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Her research and teaching focus on the theory, history and practice of environmental justice, sustainable development, and regenerative design. In this episode, Elizabeth and Laura discuss their parallel and connected paths in Austin and Buffalo, gentrification, the history of regenerative community work and activism in Buffalo, New York. In other news: Season 3 will consist of interviews with women only :)

Welcome to Season 3 of the Keeping Things Alive Podcast! In this episode, Laura reflects on the break between seasons and explains intentions for Season 3. This episode also contains a clip of Laura speaking with Jim Anderson on his radio show about the book emergent strategy by adrienne maree brown, which connects nature to social justice movements.