The Robin

Joel chats with Greg Woodring of Ann Arbor for Public Power. A2P2 is an organization working to bring municipal power to Ann Arbor. You can learn more about them and how to get involved by going to their website: annarborpublicpower.com A2P2 is holding a fundraiser on Thursday, September 9 at Burns Park in Ann Arbor from 5pm - 9pm. For more details, check out their Facebook event. If you're interested in getting involved or have questions about starting a similar campaign in your town, please email them at annarborpublicpower@gmail.com .

Jeremiah & Joel delve into the murky waters of the Flint Crisis and Snyder's recent criminal charges, the Boogaloo Boys, and the how Michigan is a looking glass for the Biden administration. Ex-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder And 8 Others Criminally Charged In Flint Water Crisis, NPR Michigan's solicitor general says the state may file more indictments against former Gov. Rick Snyder in the Flint water case, Business Insider Ex-Gov. Rick Snyder pleads not guilty as nine face charges in Flint water crisis, Detroit Free Press Detroit: Artists Fight Felonies for Painting “Free the Water” on Tower, Democracy Now! Detroit Rocked by Teachers' “Sickout” Protesting Dire Conditions Under Emergency Management, Democracy Now! Flash Floods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiEWgU1VYLk https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/18/upper-peninsula-flooding/709406002/ https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,4584,7-212-96477_90815_57657-471038--m_2012_1,00.html https://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,4584,7-212-96477_90815_57657-473847--,00.html Snyder considers use of National Guard for road projects amid labor dispute, Crain's Detroit Business Water expert: McLaren Flint's Legionnaires' disease problem made worse by Flint water crisis, ABC12 How Mike Pence Made Indiana's HIV Outbreak Worse, Politico Issue 5, Build Spike Flint's water with a Libertarian Message, Michigan Libertarian Party  

Jeremiah & Joel spoke with Kevin Zak of Turnip Greens Radio about agricultural under capitalism vs socialism, farming in the South, and more! You can follow Turnip Green Radio on Twitter @TurnipGreensRadio and support them by becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/turnipgreensradio. Check out their farm on Instagram @opensourcefarm. As always, you can follow us on Twitter @MichRobin and support us at patreon.com/michiganrobin.

This episode is part one of our new series, A People's History of Michigan. We'll be discussing strikes, rebellions, and Indigenous stories through these episodes. This episode is about the Italian Hall Disaster and the strike between the Western Federation of Mine Workers and the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company in Calumet, Michigan. The disaster happened on Christmas Eve 1913, left 73 people dead, 60 of whom were children, was popularized by Woody Guthrie in the song 1913 Massacre. If you like what we do, consider tossing us your pocket change at patreon.com/michiganrobin.

On this episode we were joined by Phil Christman, author of Midwest Futures. Our conversation delved into the book and general concept of the fabled midwest. From colonization to climate change and everything, we roamed the rusty, but not forgotten, political landscape in search of answers. You can buy Phil's book, Midwest Futures, from Belt Publishing or wherever fine books are sold. Phil also helps with the Prison Creative Arts Projects. If you're interested in helping edit the work of prisoners, reach out to him. You can find Phil on Twitter @phil_christman and at his website, philipchristman.com. If you like what we do, consider tossing us your pocket change at https://www.patreon.com/michiganrobin.  

Welcome to another episode of The Robin! We're joined by our friends Sam & Juice of On Guard, a new magazine based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On Guard focuses on workers' rights, mutual aid stories, and personal experiences in the kitchens and coffee shops of Grand Rapids. You can find them on Instagram at onguardmag. To share your story, reach them at onguardmag@gmail.com. Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy!

Recorded on October 6, 2020 - Jeremiah and Joel talk about the impacts Covid is having in Michigan, anxiety over political violence and the dark secrets at the bottom of Millennium Park.

Jeremiah and Joel discuss mutual aid, the Furniture Strike of 1911 and how it lost steam, and the Motorcycle Diaries. They also talk about Covid and Thanksgiving and end with Jeremiah playing some unmastered and unnamed tunes.

Jeremiah and Joel return after many long and strange months off the air. This episode was originally recorded on March 11, 2020. In it, the two discuss the implications of Bernie's loss in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed's failed bid for the Democratic nomination for the 2018 gubernatorial race, and where to go from here (well, there).

*This is part 2 of a conversation between Samantha and Joel. You can find links to part 1 here: patreon.com/DirtyPinkoCommie* Climate change got you freaked out? Joel and Samantha (@ComicWisdom) of Dirty Pink Commie (@dirtypinko) delve into how we can spiritually think about and handle it. From reconnecting with our bodies to paying attention to the natural world more carefully, we talked about mud, witchy shit, and apocalyptic feelings. In addition to hosting Dirty Pinko Commie, Samantha is an incredible poet. You can read it in Tears Shed With Purpose. Jeremiah and Joel have been a bit busy. Joel wrote an article for Build about The Robin. You can read in in Issue 5! Samantha was the editor for the article.

*This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation between Samantha and Joel.* Climate change got you freaked out? Joel and Samantha (@ComicWisdom) of Dirty Pink Commie (@dirtypinko) delve into how we can spiritually think about and handle it. From reconnecting with our bodies to paying attention to the natural world more carefully, we talked about mud, witchy shit, and apocalyptic feelings. In addition to hosting Dirty Pinko Commie, Samantha is an incredible poet. You can read it in Tears Shed With Purpose. Jeremiah and Joel have been a bit busy. Joel wrote an article for Build about The Robin. You can read in in Issue 5! Samantha was the editor for the article.

Joel and Jeremiah discuss First Reformed, the problems in it, and what ecosocialist organizing can look like. They discuss the Green New Deal and the need to organize tenant and worker unions to ensure its successful implementation.    

Jeremiah and Joel delved into Paul Schrader's film, First Reformed, but not before they talk about ecosocialism! Joel has begun to haunt Jeremiah's dreams. Editor's note: Edward R Murrow made the CBS documentary, "Harvest of Shame." We apologize for our narrator's fuzzy recollections. There's a part two where we'll review the film. We had to re-record it though as the first take was faaaaarrrr toooo depressing. There will be spoilers.

Joel interviewed Michele Naar-Obed of Four Necessity about their recent action in Minnesota. Four Necessity turned off Enbridge's Lines 3 & 4 on February 4. They discuss the history of valve turning and other obstructionist actions, the Catholic Workers' movement, and the reason they undertook this action. You can donate to their legal fund below! Four Necessity Donate: 4necessitymn.wixsite.com/valveturners/donate Twitter: @4necessity Instagram: @4necessity Line 9: thelinknewspaper.ca/article/vanessa-grays-calls-for-allies-against-pipelines Line 6B & MICATS: michigancats.org Climate Direct Action: democracynow.org/2016/10/12/climate_direct_action_activists_halt_flow

Jeremiah and Joel plunge into climate change and the many fucked up things about it with Sam Zacher and Soren Dudley of The Trouble. The Trouble is an online magazine devoted to covering tactics and policy around climate change. If you're involved in climate change activism, feel free to submit at the-trouble.com/write! As always, if you enjoy what we do, consider becoming a supporter at patreon.com/michiganrobin.  

Part 2 of our Let's Get This Bread episode wherein Jeremiah & Joel violate copyright law to bring you the definitive guide to the 2020 election.    Check out the Eyes Left episode about Tulsi Gabbard!   If you like what we do, consider becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/michiganrobin!   We'll be back tomorrow with a new interview with the folks over at The Trouble!

Joel and Jeremiah made it back from a trip to Chicago and it left them with a lot of thoughts. They talk about settler-colonialism, DSA, and post-industrial possibilities.

Joel & Jeremiah spoke with Jessica Newman of Detroit DSA about the Green New Deal, disrupting the auto prom, and more! If you're thinking about attending their event this Friday, take a minute to hear about the history of Poletown, the layoffs, and demands of Detroit DSA and their partners.    If you can't attend, be sure to read and sign their statement! Check out Detroit Green New Deal for more info!   If you're interested in attending, you can meet up at the Transcending Monument at 5pm, Hart Plaza, there will be a march to Cobo Hall and demonstration. Be sure to bundle up! If you can't make it before 5:30p, you can meet everyone at Cobo Hall.   Be sure to follow Detroit DSA on Twitter and Facebook for updates or to ask any other questions!

On this episode, Joel speaks with Ashik Siddique, a member of the DSA Ecosocialist Working Group and the Metro DC chapter. They discuss ecosocialism, degrowth, internationalism, and whether an environmentally oriented social democracy would be prudent given the timelines of climate change.   If you'd like to learn more about the DSA's Ecosocialist group, check them out here and on Twitter!   If you enjoy our show, consider becoming a supporter at patreon.com/michiganrobin.

Joel and Jeremiah chatted with Maximillian Alvarez about, well, a lot. From creeping fascism to building a home for the politically lost, the three carried on for a while. Among the topics, they discussed Maximillian's podcast, Working People, his writing, and the importance of being good with each other so we can be dangerous together. As always, if you enjoy what we do, consider becoming a supporter.   Campus Antifascist Network: Website Working People: Website | Twitter The Baffler: The Poverty of Theory Current Affairs, Can the Working Class Speak? The Trillbilly Worker's Party    

Jeremiah and Joel interviewed Mason about his article, A Government From Below. They discussed dual power, worker coops, and what a world comprised of liberated municipalities would look like. If you've ever been curious about what libertarian socialism, libertarian municipalism, or organizing in a post-industrial context can be like, you won't want to miss this episode!  DSA Libertarian Socialist Caucus: dsa-lsc.org/ Cooperation Jackson: cooperationjackson.org/ Motor City Freedom Riders: motorcityfreedomriders.org/ Symbiosis: symbiosis-revolution.org/ Institute for Social Ecology: social-ecology.org/wp/ A Government From Below: socialistforum.dsausa.org/issues/fall-2018/a-government-from-below/

Joel spoke with Alejo Stark, an organizer with Michigan Abolition & Prisoner Solidarity (MAPS) and Rustbelt Abolition Radio, to discuss incarceration in Michigan. They discussed the Kinross Uprising in 2016 and its aftermath, solidarity work on the outside, and the 2018 prison strike. You can read Alejo's work here: Crisis and the Prison Strike, Commune Magazine Like a Game of Chess: The Prison Strike and Abolitionist Strategy, Abolition MAPS also produced a great zine, Containing the Crisis: A History of Mass Incarceration and Rebellion in the Rustbelt, which you download for free. You can support MDOC whistleblower Todd Wentworth here: michiganabolition.org/do-something/todd-wentworth/ Follow MAPS on social media: Facebook | Twitter Follow Rustbelt Abolition Radio: Facebook | Twitter | Spotify        

On this episode Jeremiah & Joel are joined by Cam Frank of Andrew Starr and Pansy. They talked about music, politicizing the world, abolishing cops, and what role musicians have in a political context. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a supporter at patreon.com/michiganrobin. You'll be able to access our premium episodes there! Check us out on Twitter @MichRobin There's a lot of topics and content discussed in this episode, so if you're curious, we've compiled a list below of mentioned materials.   How I Became a Socialist by Jack London An Appeal to the Toiling, Oppressed and Exhausted peoples of Europe by Leon Trotsky War Resisters' International The Real Enemy of My People is Right Here by Muhammad Ali 40 Years Later, the mother of Argentina's 'disappeared' refuse to be silent - The Guardian Indigenous Land Map Anishinaabe Circle

Jeremiah and Joel talked with Lauren Schandevel of Affordable Michigan about coming to class consciousness, how to survive on college as a poor or working class student, and returning to the communities that created us to (professionally) rabble-rouse. Lauren is the founder of Affordable Michigan and started the "Being Not-Rich at UM" project.

Jeremiah and Joel take a deep dive into the world of labor struggles in Michigan. They discuss everything from coming to class consciousness to the auxiliary role groups like the Democratic Socialists of America can play in strikes. If you're a current or former food service worker, you're not going to want to miss this episode. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a supporter at patreon.com/michiganrobin. You'll be able to access our premium episodes there! Check us out on Twitter @MichRobin There's a lot of topics and content discussed in this episode, so if you're curious, we've compiled a list below of mentioned materials.   McDonald's workers told to treat burns with condiments, survey shows - The Guardian A Day's Work - A look inside the world of temp workers Wobblies & Zapatistas - Brown lung & the paint room Harlan County USA - A documentary film about the Brookside Strike 25 most dangerous jobs in America - USA Today 'I Am a Man': The ugly Memphis sanitation workers' strike that led to MLK's assassination - The Washington Post Colorado denies widow half of late husband's workers' compensation due to his marijuana use - The Denver Post Monsanto ordered to pay $289m as jury rules weedkiller caused man's cancer - The Guardian Feeling the heat- MiBiz Five myths about fast-food work - The Washington Post Michigan Economic Development Corporation Venture expands in Lansing region thanks to Grow Michigan Funds - Greater Lansing Business Monthly State says BarFly plans to share alcohol sales with employees violates three areas of liquor code - MLive Craft beer panelists: Tax credits have helped Michigan breweries grow - MLive Downtown Renaissance Zone residents relieved to get their tax breaks back - MLive Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies) Ypsilanti IWW organizes Mighty Good Coffee Detroit DSA on Unite Here Local 24 picket line Northern Michigan DSA supporting Munson nurses Rapper Refuses to Cross Marriott Picket Lin - Labor 411 UNITE HERE Launches National Campaign with Actions at Marriottt Hotels across the U.S., Saying: "One Job Should Be Enough" - UNITE HERE! Secondary Strikes Are Primary to Labor's Revival - Labor Notes On May Day, Longshore Workers Stop Work to Protest Racist Police Brutality - In These Times McDonald's Employees Plan Strike Against Sexual Harassment - TeenVogue Report on Conditions of Migrant and Season Farmworkers - 2010 - Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Jeremiah and Joel are joined by their friend Conor and Logan, of the Green River Company, to cover the end of the Snyder administration. They discuss what it's been like for the past eight years, the future of labor, and more!  Joel and Logan discuss the Borderless episode, No Local. You can listen to it at borderlessmedia.libsyn.com/no-local. Jeremiah and Joel will be releasing an episode about the book Wobblies & Zapatistas soon! You can support us at patreon.com/michiganrobin and follow us on Twitter @MichRobin and on Instagram @michiganrobin. Some of the mentioned unions in the episode are: Industrial Workers of the World Michigan Education Association Michigan Nurses Association You can subscribe to The Robin on Spotify and iTunes! Check out Logan's podcast, Mike & Logan in the Morning, on YouTube!

Jeremiah and Joel give an overview of their election night coverage. The first episode will be released on Thursday and the second will be out on Friday for Patreon subscribers. You can become one at patreon.com/michiganrobin!

Jeremiah and Joel launch The Robin to discuss issues impacting Michigan from a leftist perspective. On this first episode, they talk about how they became leftists and what their thoughts are going forward.

Joel interviews Kim of the Washtenaw Solidarity with Farmworkers.

This is an episode we originally aired for Borderless. The topic is too important to let it gather dust. We hope you enjoy it! On this episode, Joel interviews Greg Sharzer, author of No Local. Localism is a political philosophy that posits small scale change, especially on a municipal or neighborhood level, can stop the worst aspects of capitalism. In this conversation, the two explore the philosophy, its problems, and thoughts on what to do.

Joel interviews David Parsons about his book, Dangerous Grounds. David is also the host of Nostalgia Trap, be sure to check it out!