Podcasts about Social justice

In our ongoing series spotlighting organizations fighting for our rights across the US, we focus on the amazing work (and fun events) of LGBTQ+ organizations in the Midwest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we highlight the works of Nepalese trans activist Bhumika Shrestha.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Rabbit. Scully and Mulder. We change things up and discuss the media and characters that made us (and the Internet) question our sexuality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Made in His Image - June 7, 2026 - Speaker: Rev. Dr. Leslie X Sanders - Sermon Series: Covenant & Calling - Watch Online: https://thenewcom.com/sermons/2026-06-07/made-in-his-image/

With all the darkness in the world, so many people and organizations are fighting for our rights. In part one of this mini-series, we highlight queer organizations on the East coast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think it is part of getting older that you start to think of your past not as one singular life, but a series of lives that have culminated into wherever you are at the moment. The passage of time allows for that perspective, but I suppose a five year old is going to think in similar terms of where did the time go, it was just yesterday that I was four (which in fact, it was). We all go through episodes and identities and phases, which can involve different outfits and hats and accessories. It can be a fun ride. Perhaps in a sense reincarnation isn't about coming back from a previous life in a literal sense, but how we evolve in this one. In one of my past lives, I worked at United Way Community Services. For those not familiar, United Way serves as a conduit to disseminate funds to partner social service agencies. I was doing research in the Research and Data Services division. It was a good way to be introduced to the world of social services and non-profits, developing a deep appreciation for their work and the challenges associated with their work. The degree to which it is challenging is proportionate to how vital it is. In the land of profit-margins and mass consumption, social services are often misunderstood and ignored (except by those who need their work). My guest today on Experience by Design describes herself as a “pissed-off optimist.” You have to be both to do the work that she does at Greater Good Studios. Sara Cantor went to graduate school for human-centered design, then applying her skills and passion in retail spaces. Further work with major corporations left her wanting to do more and have a greater impact. This led her to co-found “a design firm dedicated to the social sector.” Rather than moving product, their goal is to build “a more equitable society” through work that is “more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.” We talk about her journey to the work that speaks her passion today. She recalls transitioning from engineering into design. Sara describes her work in projects like creating marketing materials for maternal and infant mortality prevention programs. She talks about the importance of involving those directly impacted by social services in the design and decision-making processes. She shares her experience working to develop initiatives aimed at increasing homeownership for families that were traditionally locked out. We also discuss designers as social justice catalysts, addressing social injustice, channeling anger productively, and motivating positive change.  And I have to say this is a very motivational conversation about what can be accomplished through good design. Sara Cantor on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/saracantor/ Greater Good Studio: https://greatergoodstudio.com/ Greater Good Studio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-good-studio/

Body shaming is almost impossible to escape, even when you're at healthiest. Samantha shares her thoughts about how it looks in the fitness space as an instructor, and we discuss how this is changing with shifting norms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Gay Games took place in 1982, an inclusive answer to the Olympics. It was a place of activism and community that has grown and changed over the years. Anney and Samantha run down some of the history and performances of the Gay Games, and why it matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we uplift the works of lesbian icon, author, bodybuilder, poet and actor Kitty Tsui.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations). Young men are drowning, and the algorithm is doing it on purpose. Within 17 seconds on YouTube, three-quarters of a young man's suggested content steers him straight into the manosphere. Meanwhile, the men who've actually done the inner work are sitting on the sidelines. Jordan Bowman isn't waiting for a viral moment to fix it. He's been in the field for over a decade building something that actually works.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why mentorship is your civic duty — and why it matters more than voting or paying taxesThe simple first step any man can take today to connect with a young person already in his lifeHow to show up as a mentor without giving unsolicited advice or projecting your own experience onto himWhy "presence over perfection" is the only qualification you actually need to get startedThe Frodo-to-Gandalf arc: how to transition from hero of your own story to guide for the next generationWhat Jordan's father did when he was 14 that changed the entire trajectory of his life — and how you can recreate it for the boys in yoursIf this conversation fires something up in you, don't sit on it. Find the most accessible way into mentorship and go give your gifts.Resources Mentioned:Journeyman Triangle — https://journeymantriangle.orgCoGenerate (intergenerational collaboration resources) — https://cogenerate.orgAmerican Institute for Boys and Men, Richard Reeves — https://aibm.orgBoys to Men Mentoring Network — https://boystomen.orgMovember Foundation — https://movember.comEquimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice — https://equimundo.orgMichael Mead, mythologist and author — https://mosaicvoices.orgManKind Project — https://mankindproject.orgNext Gen Men — https://nextgenmen.ca BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.#Sponsorship #AdSupport the show

Toxic fandom, Scream, Star Wars, fanfiction, legacy, and requels, oh my. No feelings were hurt in the recording of this salty, self-indulgent and slightly hypocritical episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've been told that if we just show people the data on racial health disparities, change will follow. It hasn't. In this episode, Corey sits down with Dr. Sarah Gollust (University of Minnesota) and Dr. Neil Lewis Jr. (Cornell University), researchers with the Collaborative on Media and Messaging for Health and Social Policy (CommHSP), to unpack why the numbers alone never move people — and what does. They dig into the fear of "backlash," why context changes everything, and the surprising finding that the communities most affected by inequity are often the most ready to act, yet are routinely left out of the research about them.Show NotesWhy does telling people the facts about health disparities so often fail to create change? Dr. Sarah Gollust and Dr. Neil Lewis Jr. have spent two decades studying exactly that question — how media and messaging shape what the public believes about health, race, and who deserves care. In this conversation, they make the case that data without context can backfire, while stories grounded in lived experience can mobilize people across racial and political lines.In this episode:Why "just show them the data" is an incomplete strategy — and what people actually need to understand the why behind health outcomesThe moment a governor called COVID "the great equalizer," and why it crystallized the urgency of getting health communication rightThe study that found 94% of racial-equity messaging research relied on majority-white or all-white samples — and what that bias erased"Beyond fear of backlash": why explaining the causes of disparities removes defensiveness instead of triggering itHow America's individualistic culture pushes people toward blaming individuals ("just eat healthier," "just exercise") instead of seeing systemsWhy people of color, often excluded from the research, turn out to be the most willing to mobilize for changeThe power of narrative transportation — and why Neil opens academic papers with a quote from Dr. King's The Other AmericaHow the collapse of local health journalism makes community-grounded stories harder to tell, and why independent platforms matter more than everKey takeaway: Don't go quiet because the conversation is hard. You're likely in the majority — and the right words, with real context, can bring people in rather than push them away.Connect with our guests:CommHSP: https://commhsp.org/Follow the collaborative on LinkedIn for new research and accessible summariesConnect with The Healthy Project:Subscribe to the Live, Work, Play, Pray Substack for more on population health, advocacy, and community wellnessThis episode touches on heavy topics, including structural racism and health inequity. Take care of yourself as you listen.A Word From Our SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Goodfeed.Good conversations like this one deserve a place to live and grow — and that's exactly what Goodfeed is built for. If you're a creator, advocate, or community builder who's tired of fighting the algorithm just to reach the people who actually want to hear from you, Goodfeed gives you a better way to share your voice and connect with your community on your own terms. No gatekeepers. No noise. Just your work, reaching the people who care about it.Check it out at https://www.goodfeed.co/ and start building your feed today. ★ Support this podcast ★

400+ Anti-LGBTQ Bills: Why Pride Month Still Matters Many people ask: “Why do we still need Pride Month?” After all, same-sex marriage is legal. LGBTQ people are visible in media, business, and politics. Haven't we won? The answer is no. As Pride Month begins, LGBTQ Americans—especially transgender youth—are facing the most significant legal and political backlash in decades. While marriage equality remains intact nationwide, the fight has shifted from expanding rights to defending them. More than 400 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across dozens of states, while over 100 anti-trans laws have been enacted in recent years. From healthcare restrictions and sports bans to book censorship and attacks on legal recognition, the LGBTQ community is confronting a coordinated effort to roll back hard-won protections. In this episode, Karel examines:

In Due Time - May 31, 2026 - Speaker: Rev. Dr. Leslie X Sanders - Sermon Series: - Watch Online: https://thenewcom.com/sermons/2026-05-31/in-due-time/

There's a difference between posting a picture of your child on social media and making a business out of posting content about your child. Bridget Todd joins us to talk about some new research around the detrimental impacts and consequences of using children to get clicks and engagement in this classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anney and Samantha sound off on another spin on Pride and Prejudice, the Bollywood influenced film Bride and Prejudice. Weddings, relationships, song, dance, prides and prejudices ensue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Archiving is serious business - and often falls to women. Anney and Samantha chat about the complexities and questions of archiving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 113: Let's Talk About Sex Guest: Denise Shye The month of April was sexual assault awareness month, but every month is a good time to talk about women's rights and their safety. Bingham sits down with his fiancée Denise Shye and they discuss the following: Where she was born and raised What high school she attended Her career in a medical related field Her past, present, and future relationship with me The 19th Amendment Household Voting Sexual consentThe range of punishment for sexual assault Her favorite constitutional right Fornication law Sexual AssaultYou can listen to the JFA Podcast Show wherever you get your podcast or by clicking on one of the links below. https://dlbspodcast.buzzsprout.com    https://blog.feedspot.com/social_justice_podcasts/    https://peculiarbooks.org    Also if you are interested in exercise and being healthy check out the Top 20 Triathlon Podcasts. https://blog.feedspot.com/triathlon_podcasts/ 

Malaka Gharib’s 2019 biographical graphic memoir I Was Their American Dream is a coming of age story of an Egyptian Filipino American immigrant as she navigates important milestones of her life, all while learning more about her own identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we're revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now.  They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they're just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People's Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris's News From Nowhere. “We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru “My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb “We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans Guests: • Edget Betru: Coordinator, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders • David Cobb: Staff, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network • Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab   Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show). Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  "Solace" by Antibalas from their album Hourglass released on Daptone Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. *Recommended book: “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch •  Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox:  Watch / Listen •  Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: •  Community Movement Builders' Community Sea Moss Cooperative •  Tale of the Tape:  An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City' Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B • Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series •  The Butterfly Effect Fund •  Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future •  Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette • Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation •  Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time •  U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN) Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

What if the most powerful part of a theater performance happens after the curtain closes?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Jessie Fahay, founder of Ripple Effect Artists, a nonprofit theater company using storytelling to spark conversations around social justice, mental health, racism, human trafficking, and other important issues facing society today.Jessie shares how a simple idea evolved into a mission-driven organization that creates meaningful dialogue between audiences, advocacy groups, and communities. From producing theater in New York City to navigating the challenges of nonprofit funding and even surviving the COVID shutdowns, Jessie opens up about the passion, sacrifices, and purpose behind her work.You'll also hear: How theater can inspire real social change  Why conversations matter more than debates  The realities of producing nonprofit theater  How mental health became a major focus after COVID  Why storytelling still has the power to unite people Learn more about Ripple Effect Artists: https://www.rippleeffectartists.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in the power of storytelling and human connection.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Resident Evil's Ada Wong is enigmatic, mysterious, and lives by her own rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent reporting suggests the President is flirting with issuing more blanket pardons for political allies and those willing to court his favor.  Liz Oyer joins Lindsay Langholz to discuss how the president's pardon power has been used (and abused) in recent years and to understand just how far outside the norms we have strayed.Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.orgHost: Valerie Nannery, Senior Director of Policy and ProgramGuest: Liz Oyer of Lawyer Oyer, Former United States Pardon AttorneyLink: Justice Dept. Sets Up $1.8 Billion Fund That Could Funnel Money to Trump Allies, by Glenn Thrush, Andrew Duehren, & Alan FeuerLink: Trump Promises Mass Pardons to Staff Before Leaving Office, by Josh DawseyLink: Lawyer OyerLink: Register Here for ACS's 2026 National Convention  Visit the Podcast Website: Broken Law PodcastEmail the Show: Podcast@ACSLaw.orgFollow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube-----------------Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn't.-----------------Production House: Flint Stone MediaCopyright of American Constitution Society 2025.

Divorce is often difficult and painful, but there are positives too. In this classic, we delve into the complications of getting a divorce in the US, especially for women, research about the impacts and how the conversation is shifting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“All my life I have tried to be a good woman,” writes Savala Nolan. Being “good” meant not rocking the boat. It meant following the rules and fitting herself into the mold of duty, excellence, sacrifice, and hard work. But as a Black woman and mother navigating a world built for men, Nolan learned that the lessons of being good no longer fit her life. In her new book of essays “Good Woman: A Reckoning,” Nolan, an attorney who heads UC Berkeley Law's Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice, blends history and memoir as she examines the confining expectations of womanhood. We listen back on our March interview with Nolan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we're revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now.  They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they're just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People's Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris's News From Nowhere. “We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru “My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb “We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans Guests: • Edget Betru: Coordinator, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders • David Cobb: Staff, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network • Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. *Recommended book: “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch •  Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox:  Watch / Listen •  Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: •  Community Movement Builders' Community Sea Moss Cooperative •  Tale of the Tape:  An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City' Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B • Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series •  The Butterfly Effect Fund •  Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future •  Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette • Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation •  Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time •  U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN) Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

On this special episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, released in honor of World Accessibility Day on May 21, 2026, host Daniel Smrokowski presents a compelling conversation recorded live at the VMS Professionals 2023 Conference. Daniel sits down with Captain Jill Mills of United Airlines for an in‑depth discussion on what true accessibility and inclusion look like in practice. Together, they trace the growing momentum of the Inclusion Revolution, from the groundbreaking May 2023 British Vogue cover to new disability representation statistics and United's first‑ever Accessibility Showcase. Listeners gain insight into the role of a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), the impact of the SOSA program across United Airlines, and Captain Mills' personal reflections on working alongside the SOSA team. The conversation then expands into DEI best practices, highlighting the partnership between United Airlines and Special Olympics and the leadership commitment driving accessibility forward. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for organizations: the importance of training, the necessity of including the disability community, and how to build a sustainable plan that supports employees from hiring through long‑term retention. Recorded on May 11, 2023, in Chicago, this episode offers a thoughtful, forward‑looking exploration of accessibility, representation, and inclusive workplace culture. Episode 836 ShowNotes & Links

Pentecost - 24 May 2026 - Speaker: Sermons - Sermon Series: - Watch Online: https://thenewcom.com/sermons/2026-05-24/pentecost/

Friend of the show Sonam Vashi stops by to delve into the history and future of what it means to be Asian-American in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yves puts the pieces of pioneering architect Minnette De Silva's story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMNTY is in their garden era. We shine a light on the practice of community gardens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget Todd joins us to break down the resurgence of the girlboss mindset, now with AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we highlight the activism and work of Cambodian Chef Nak, and talk about the importance of preserving recipes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coralie Fargeat's film The Substance has made quite a splash and drummed up a lot of conversation. In this classic, Anney and Samantha peel back the layers of ageism, consumption, quick fixes, misogyny, self-hatred, and desperation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Mental Health Awareness Month episode on the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes listeners to our 3‑part mental health series, featuring weekly encore conversations designed to empower audiences with firsthand resources, real stories, and practical tools to support emotional well‑being. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Brianna Kaplan, a Chicago‑based United Airlines Flight Attendant. Brianna appears On The Job for a fun, uplifting, and meaningful conversation about her mental health advocacy and the way she shares her flight attendant lifestyle across Instagram and YouTube. Together, Daniel and Brianna explore: Brianna's personal mental health journey and her passion for advocacy Encouragement and advice for anyone navigating mental health challenges How Netflix's Ginny & Georgia portrays mental health and why representation matters Brianna's path to becoming a United Flight Attendant Practical, insider tips for those dreaming of joining the In‑Flight Team at United It's an honest, energizing, and inspiring episode that highlights the importance of mental health, storytelling, and community. Episode 835 ShowNotes & Links

The Haenyeo, or sea women, from Jeju Island in South Korea are a community of respected older women who free dive for sea creatures for food. We dive into their long history, traditions, examples, dangers, culture and future in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samantha and Anney dig into the history of women and gardening, and discuss what it would take to grow a more sustainable food system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the season six premiere of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Leah Obias, Director of Policy and Strategy at Race Forward, speaks with Abre' Conner, Director of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP, to examine how the rapid expansion of AI data centers is reshaping conversations around racial justice, environmental justice, governance, and democracy. Together, they unpack the growing resistance emerging in communities across the country, from local organizing efforts and town hall confrontations to broader legal and policy battles over the future of AI infrastructure. In their conversation, Leah and Abre' explore how AI infrastructure is increasingly being framed not simply as a technology issue, but as a defining racial justice issue of the present moment. They discuss how communities are organizing against opaque development practices, the role of government and corporate power in accelerating AI expansion, and how frameworks like the Frontline Framework are helping communities advocate for accountability and community-centered development. The episode also examines what more equitable AI infrastructure could look like moving forward, and what it will take to ensure that the future of AI does not replicate longstanding patterns of environmental harm and exclusion. Resources:  Abre' Conner https://naacp.org/people/abre-conner Digital Colonialism Series (Via Non-Profit Quarterly & Media Justice) https://nonprofitquarterly.org/series/digital-colonialism/ How the NAACP Is Stopping Dirty Data (via the NAACP) https://nonprofitquarterly.org/how-the-naacp-is-stopping-dirty-data/ Stop Dirty Data Centers Campaign (via the NAACP) https://naacp.org/campaigns/stop-dirty-data-centers Environmental and Climate Justice (via the NAACP)https://naacp.org/know-issues/environmental-climate-justice The People's Report - Data Centers in Prince George's County, MD (via the NAACP) https://naacp.org/resources/peoples-report-data-centers-prince-georges-county-md Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva,  Cheryl Blakemore Associate Producer: Iris Crawford  

Changes can be difficult. Anney and Samantha discuss the good and bad of change when it comes to SMNTY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tom Williams spoke with us about robots, ethics, teaching, and books. Then we talked about mines, umpires, water, and more books. Tom is the author of Degrees of Freedom: On Robotics and Social Justice (free at MIT Press: Degrees of Freedom: On Robotics and Social Justice!).  As part of the discussion, we talked about some other books and media: Nonfiction: Sex, Race, and Robots: How to Be Human in the Age of AI by Ayanna Howard (Embedded episodes 367: Data of Our Lives and 207: I Love My Robot Monkey Head) Embodied AI Safety: Reimagining safety engineering for artificial intelligence in physical systems by Philip Koopman (related Embedded episode 514: Just Turn Off All the Computers)  Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence by Kate Crawford Waki Kamino's research on robot umpires: Beyond Accuracy: Rethinking the Value of AI in Decision-Making Through Baseball's Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System (or see the summary in the Cornell Chronicle: AI on deck: assessing impact of MLB's new ball-strike system) Fiction: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chalmers  Platform Decay (The Murderbot Diaries Book 8) by Martha Wells (Embedded episode 432: Robot Bechdel Test)  Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor The Good Place TV show was mentioned a few times as an introduction to ethics for people who prefer their education crammed with amusement. Critical Role web series There was a discussion about water use in AI. Tom recommends Why is Everyone So Wrong About AI Water Use?? while Elecia unsurprisingly mispronounces synecdoche.  Tom is a computer science professor at the Colorado School of Mines where he runs the Mines Interactive Robotics Research Lab (MIRROR lab). See also Tom's page on mines.edu. The final quote is from an essay written by Karel Capek and translated to English in in The Man Who Coined the Word "Robot" Defends Himself - IEEE Spectrum.  

The world of women and manga is a sprawling one. We flip the pages through some history and issues surrounding women, girls and manga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we shine a light on urban permaculture gardener, writer, and content creator Connie Cao.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candace Owens has pivoted many times in her career, but some things have remained the same. Bridget Todd sheds light on her early career, some turning points, and how her brand can lead to radicalization in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't underestimate the value of women supporting women. In this classic episode, Anney and Samantha talk the power of uplifting and amplifying the voices of other women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our ongoing look at what is going on with ICE in the US (and elsewhere), we hone in on the numerous issues surrounding detention centers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samantha shares successes, worries and hopes of her garden. Also talking to your plants is normal and healthy. Really!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget Todd joins us to break down the 2010 film The Social Network, a drama chronicling the founding of Facebook. We discuss male insecurity, rage and misogyny in the tech industry, and how the story hits now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we spotlight the vast works of civil rights attorney, social justice activist and poet/writer Sunu P. Chandy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this classic episode, let's talk about Ruth Shady, a woman who is putting Indiana Jones to shame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since pretty much ever, we've had the trope of the mean girl. You know her - she's rich, popular, has a group supporting her, and is the foil for the heroine. We trace the history, evolution and changing meaning of the Mean Girl in this classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.