Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture - podcast cover

Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture

Laura Flanders, Curious Communicationswww.lauraflanders.org
Uncensored history meets bold voices with Laura Flanders, award winning journalist and author. The show explores actionable models for creating a better world by reporting on the people and movements driving systemic change. We spotlight the solutions of tomorrow, today. The show airs on PBS stations in over 300 US markets, and airs on 60+ community radio stations via PRX Exchange and Pacifica, and is available on YouTube and here as a podcast. Subscribers receive lots of video and audio web exclusives in addition to the weekly episode. Recent field reports and specials include: Jimmy Carter; 60th Anniversary of Selma Bloody Sunday March; Bernie Sanders' Fighting Oligarchy; Labor Movement vs. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Teachers Under Attack; And interviewee highlights include Award Winning Actor, Director, Writer, Liev Schreiber on his documentary "Meeting Zelensky"; Award winning journalists Maria Hinojosa (Award Winning Suave Podcast and host of Latino USA) & Chenjerai Kumanyika (Award Winning Podcast Series Empire City) on Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech; Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? with Bloomberg Economist & host of Truponomics, Stephanie Flanders; Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley on fascism then and now; Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor on the arc of history and “End Times Fascism”; Congressman Jamie Raskin on Donald Trump, Elon Musk, DOGE, and congressional oversight of the executive branch."
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Episodes

Liev Schreiber on “Meeting Zelenskyy” & Ukraine’s Rare Resistance v. Putin’s Russia [EPISODE]

Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine w...

Jun 18, 202529 minEp. 211

Liev Schreiber on “Meeting Zelenskyy” & Ukraine’s Rare Resistance v. Putin’s Russia [FULL CONVERSATION]

“This was never about Ukraine for me. This was always about American values and democracy and what it is, where it comes from and what it means. I don't think those values and those principles are on display anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine.” - Liev Schreiber Description: Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine’s embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-...

Jun 13, 202538 min

COMMENTARY - F-WORD: Troops Need Care Not a Circus

Laura's Extended Commentary: With seventeen veterans taking their lives daily in the US, a haunting question arises: can America redefine its values and reclaim its democratic principles before it's too late, or will it continue down a path of militarized politics and shattered ideals? Watch the episode released on YouTube June 13th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on ...

Jun 13, 20255 min

Mayor Ras Baraka on His Arrest, Immigration Rights & Leading New Jersey [EPISODE]

“We have advertised to the rest of the world that we've discovered the best thing since sliced bread. That we should be the envy of the entire world because we have this democracy, and our constitution defends that . . . To renege on that promise makes us a different place than what we taught our kids.” - Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ and NJ Gubernatorial Candidate Description: “They targeted me because I'm the mayor of the city,” says Newark, New Jersey mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras B...

Jun 11, 202528 minEp. 210

[REWIND] Rewriting the Future of Policing in Los Angeles: Community Power For Decarceration

REWIND EPISODE FROM THE LF&F ARCHIVES (Synopsis)- Under the view of the iconic Hollywood Sign, a struggle is being waged over the future of policing and incarceration. Los Angeles is ground zero for fights over the job of District Attorney, Police Chief, and the size of prisons and jails. Corporations that have profited from prison communications are now profiting on electronic monitoring. Can today's Los Angeles change the script? Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating...

Jun 10, 202527 min

"They Targeted Me”: Mayor Ras Baraka on His Arrest, Immigration Rights & Leading New Jersey [full uncut conversation]

“The Department of Justice is suing Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Patterson because of their sanctuary city status, erroneously suggesting that we are standing in a way of the ability to do their job, which is completely false . . . We understand the importance of immigrants in our communities, and we want to uphold that.” - Ras Baraka Description: “They targeted me because I'm the mayor of the city,” says Newark, New Jersey mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka. In this tell-all inter...

Jun 06, 202535 min

Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report]

Authoritarianism on the rise: Educators and unionists share strategies for resistance and victory, citing historical examples of successful labor movements, at a conference hosted by CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies and Cornell Worker Institute in New York City this past May. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: Labor organizing is critical to any anti-fascist movement, but labor unions and worker education are feeling...

Jun 04, 202532 minEp. 209

A Turning Point in History? Worker Organizers Take a Stand: Alex Han & Tarso Ramos [Bonus Interview]

In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism. Description: America is moving towards authoritarianism faster than ever before, signaling a “turning point” in our history. But what will it actually take to reverse course? What could improve the chances of a winning multiracial democracy? The answer is worker organizers, and joining Laura to discuss grassroots resistance ar...

Jun 03, 202535 min

History of Capitalism, Debt, and What We Can Do to Create Positive Change [Rewind]

In The Age of Insecurity, Astra Taylor traces the historical roots of capitalism’s reliance on fear and debt, arguing that insecurity is not a flaw but a feature of the system. Drawing on history, myth, and activism, she reveals how confronting our vulnerabilities can become a collective source of power. Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podc...

May 30, 202525 min

Behind the Barricades at Columbia University: “The Encampments” for Gaza [episode]

snyopsis- Challenging the narrative on Palestine in this edition of our monthly Meet the BIPOC Press series : "The Encampments" documentary, and its creators aim to push back against the dominant narrative on Palestine, highlighting the difference between the corporate media coverage and those who have no allegiance to money or corporations, and sparking a wider conversation about the world's first live streamed genocide. “The Encampments” co-produced by Macklemore, brings viewers into the anti-...

May 28, 202527 minEp. 208

[Full Uncut Conversation] Behind the Barricades at Columbia University: “The Encampments” for Gaza

snyopsis- Challenging the narrative on Palestine in this edition of our monthly Meet the BIPOC Press series : "The Encampments" documentary, and its creators aim to push back against the dominant narrative on Palestine, highlighting the difference between the corporate media coverage and those who have no allegiance to money or corporations, and sparking a wider conversation about the world's first live streamed genocide. Description: “The Encampments” co-produced by Macklemore, brings viewers i...

May 23, 202548 min

[Rewind] Woke and Unafraid: Student Activists and The Evolution of Multicultural Education; The CUNY Brooklyn College Story, 1960’s-70’s

The fight for multicultural education and antiracist curricula is not new, as evidenced by the courageous actions of Brooklyn College students and faculty in the 1960s and 1970s, who paved the way for today's struggles against book banning and right-wing pushback. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and pol...

May 22, 202528 min

Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile” [episode]

In 'Meanwhile', Jacqueline Woodson and Catherine Gund weave together the words of literary legends to explore the intersection of art, grief, and social justice. Description: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Muhammad Ali and Nina Simone are some of the artists featured in the moving new film “Meanwhile”, from National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson and Emmy-nominated producer & director Catherine Gund. Their meditations on grief, art, breath and more are beautifully woven together as the ...

May 21, 202528 minEp. 207

Jacqueline Woodson & Catherine Gund: Breathing Through Chaos & the “Meanwhile” [Full Uncut Conversation]

In 'Meanwhile', Jacqueline Woodson and Catherine Gund weave together the words of literary legends to explore the intersection of art, grief, and social justice. Description: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Muhammad Ali and Nina Simone are some of the artists featured in the moving new film “Meanwhile”, from National Book Award-winner Jacqueline Woodson and Emmy-nominated producer & director Catherine Gund. Their meditations on grief, art, breath and more are beautifully woven together as the ...

May 16, 202543 min

Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? [Episode]

In a chilling conversation with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, the co-authors unpack their Guardian essay on "End Times Fascism," exposing how today’s billionaires and right-wing leaders aren’t just profiting from global crises—they’re actively accelerating them. As they delve into the apocalyptic ambitions behind Trump 2.0’s economic agenda, the discussion asks: can we counter this death-drive with a bold, life-affirming vision for the future? ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING ...

May 14, 202529 minEp. 206

Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are We Entering “End Times Fascism”? [Full Uncut Conversation]

ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member starting at $5 a month ! Or make a one time donation at LauraFlanders.org/Donate DESCRIPTION: Today's billionaires know our planet can't sustain their business models or lifestyles, but they don't care. Find out why, in this chilling conversation ...

May 09, 202549 min

A Mountain Is Not a Beach: Media Rules on the Middle East [rewind :: commentary]

The following timely commentary by Laura Flanders aired on GritTV in the summer of 2014. At the same time as the Iraq Sinjar crisis , Gaza was experiencing the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge), a 50-day conflict between Israel and Hamas that began in July 2014. The war involved intense Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in response to Hamas rocket attacks, resulting in over 2,000 Palestinian deaths (mostly civilians) and significant destruction in Gaza. Israeli casualties included...

May 08, 20253 min

Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? [Broadcast Episode]

Synopsis: Is Authoritarianism Here?: Gessen and Stanley discuss the shift in America's self-understanding, from democratic ideals to a self-identity based on loving the US for its past greatness, and warn that this is not a democratic project, but rather a fascist one, similar to what Putin is doing in Russia. ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our g...

May 07, 202530 minEp. 205

Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? [Full Uncut Conversation]

Sound the Alarm on Rising Fascism: Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley, leading experts on authoritarianism, warn of attacks on DEI, trans bodies, civil rights, and higher education, and discuss the need for a bold vision of a multi-ethnic democracy. ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? SUPPORT OUR RESISTANCE REPORTING FUND! Help us continue fighting against the rise of authoritarianism in these times. Please support our Resistance Reporting Fund. Our goal is to raise $100K. We're at $35K! Become a sustaining member s...

May 02, 20251 hr 2 min

Peter Linebaugh on International Workers' "May Day" Origins. Plus, Commentary: 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons [REWIND]

Synopsis: Learn the history behind May Day, or International Workers' Day. The holiday commemorates the 1886 Chicago workers’ strike known as the Haymarket Affair, where laborers demanded an eight-hour workday. The protest turned deadly and several activists were martyred—marking the day as a symbol of the ongoing fight for workers' rights. Description (Rewind- Origin Date May 2016): Laura and Peter Linebaugh discuss the origins of May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, the subject o...

May 01, 202519 min

Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Bloomberg's Stephanie Flanders, Trumponomics podcast, on Economy & Business

Synopsis: Stephanie Flanders, a leading economics expert, joins her sister Laura to examine the state of social democracy and the impact of business on our lives, asking whether the current system is broken and what alternatives might offer a more equitable future. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: Is the West’s experiment with social democracy over? Is survival of the richest...

Apr 30, 202529 minEp. 204

Democracy & Capitalism: A Failed Experiment? Bloomberg's Stephanie Flanders, Trumponomics podcast, on Economy & Business [Full Uncut Conversation]

Synopsis- Was the social democracy model of the 20th century just a blip? This week, Laura invites her sister Stephanie Flanders, Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, back to the program to discuss today’s politico-economic issues and where American democracy stands. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: Is the West’s experiment with social democracy over? Is survival of...

Apr 25, 202532 min

Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika: Forced Removals, Foreign Detention, the War on Education & Free Speech

Synopsis: On this month’s “ Meet the BIPOC Press,” a ward-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika lay out the constitutional crisis before us and ask what the media’s role is in this moment. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: In the US today, immigrants, students, visitors and even U.S. residents — are facing exclusion, militarization, detention, rendition,...

Apr 23, 202529 minEp. 203

Maria Hinojosa, Suave Podcast & Chenjerai Kumanyika, Empire City Podcast: Journalists On US Targeting Students and Immigrants in Crackdown on Civil Rights [full conversation]

Synopsis: On this month’s “ Meet the BIPOC Press,” a ward-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa & Chenjerai Kumanyika lay out the constitutional crisis before us and ask what the media’s role is in this moment. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: In the US today, immigrants, students, visitors and even U.S. residents — are facing exclusion, militarization, detention, rendition,...

Apr 18, 202541 min

Earth Day Inspiration, F-Word: Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project is tackling the harm done to people and the planet [rewind]

Out of the soil of rural Louisiana, a new model for food, farming, and restorative economics. A commentary by Laura Flanders related to the LFShow 2023 Special Report: The Jubilee Justice Black Farmers' Rice Project spotlighting pioneering regenerative farming practices in the U.S. as a means to address systemic racism. Watch or listen to The Laura Flanders Show special report and, meet the Black farmers and community members at the heart of this story. (original release date: July 23, 2023) Wat...

Apr 17, 20254 min

Decades After Bloody Sunday, Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65? [Special Report]

From "Bloody Sunday" to Modern Activism: Civil Rights Leaders Reflect on Legacy This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: 60 years ago in Selma, Alabama, state troopers beat peaceful protesters bloody on the Edmund Pettus Bridge as they marched for civil rights. The horror of “Bloody Sunday” and the resilience of the Civil Rights Movement ultimately led to the passage of t...

Apr 16, 202530 minEp. 202

Uncut Conversations- Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, AAPF & Clifford Albright, Black Voters Matter. Special Report- Is Trump Taking Civil Rights Back to Before Selma in ‘65?

“When we see and hear and think about fascism, we think about anti-democratic movements in Europe. We think about the Holocaust . . . But for Black people, as Langston Hughes said, you don't have to explain to us what fascism is. We experienced it. That is what we were fighting, for the 60, 70 years after Reconstruction was overthrown.” - Kimberlé Crenshaw This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!...

Apr 11, 202536 min

Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power (Special Report)

Bernie Sanders Calls for a Democratic Revolution: Explore Insights from His Exclusive Vegas Interview with Laura Flanders on his Fighting Oligarchy tour—Why This Message Resonates with Activists Across America. This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the ...

Apr 09, 202528 minEp. 201

Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power (full uncut conversation)

On the Road with Laura Flanders: Join Us as We Dive into Sanders' Vision for America's Political Future and Meet the Citizens Sparking Change at Rallies Coast to Coast. Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ mess...

Apr 04, 202519 min

Fighting for Rights: Lateefah Simon's Mission in a Republican-Controlled Congress (full conversation - rewind)

Join Lateefah Simon and Barbara Lee as they explore the significance of African American women in politics and their shared commitment to social justice and representation. This show is made possible thanks our members! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-e...

Apr 02, 202529 minEp. 152
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