Laura Flanders and Friends: Intersectional Solution Centered Journalism on Democracy, Movements, Society and Culture

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."

Latest episodes

Jun 12, 2023 • 30min

NY Prison Wildcat Strike, Reflecting on Rikers : Why is it So Hard to Close a Jail?

This episode offers insight into the conditions at Rikers and the movement to close it. The unauthorized NY Prison Guard Wildcat Strike is currently in its second week as of February 26, 2025.The notorious Rikers, a 10-jail complex situated on an island in the East River of New York City, has become a national symbol and a symptom of our current approach to crime. The jail has over 6,000 inmates — the majority of whom are awaiting trial because they can’t afford bail — living in unconstitutionally inhumane conditions, a federal court once ruled. In October 2019, the New York City Council passed, and then Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law, a plan to permanently close Rikers and replace the jails with four borough facilities by August 2027. But the proposed closure has hit roadblocks — from the left, from the right, from the prison guards union and from concerned residents who live near where new jails would be built. Although many support the Rikers closure, there is little agreement as to how and when — or what should replace it. Why is it so difficult to make changes to our challenged carceral system? Joining Laura to discuss the local and national implications of this story are Journalist Nick Pinto, co-founder of Hell Gate, a worker-owned news outlet covering New York City, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who helped pass the law to close the jail. Elected Public Advocate last fall, he is now the prime sponsor of legislation that would ban solitary confinement in city jails.“. . . The education that's necessary to bring the voting public along with this sort of change is difficult. It's especially difficult in the face of a concerted fear mongering campaign.” - Nick Pinto“This is the first time I've seen a population of folks in the city and the state who are ready to receive a conversation that's holistic around public safety. And we're squandering it.” - Public Advocate Jumaane WilliamsGuests:Nick Pinto: NYC Journalist & Co-Founder, Hell GateJumaane D. Williams: New York City Public Advocate Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.Music In the Middle: “Front Line” featuring Puma Ptah by Eric Hilton, from the Farewell to Midnight EP released on Eighteenth Street Lounge Records. Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

May 14, 2023 • 30min

Cash Relief for Black Moms: The Success of Guaranteed Income

It's our May membership drive when we move the mic to you! By becoming a member your voice of support amplifies our coverage of forward thinking movement movers and shakers. Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!This Mother’s Day, May 14th coincides with the formal end of the National Covid-19 Emergency. Since its enactment in March 2020, emergency spending expanded healthcare coverage to some 15 million people who will now be disenrolled, and increased food stamp benefits, and post-partum coverage in many states. Poor parents will be taking a hit — but Guaranteed Income could be the solution. The Magnolia Mothers Trust in Jackson, Mississippi is the first in the country to provide Guaranteed Income of $1000 monthly to low-income families headed by a Black woman living in affordable housing. Joining Laura for this Mother’s Day special are Aisha Nyandoro who leads this program as the CEO of Springboard Opportunities, a nonprofit organization working with residents in affordable housing to help them reach their goals; Anquoindria Moore, a mother of three was a recipient of this cash relief from Magnolia Mothers and Dorian Warren, the Co-President of Community Change, that focuses on building the power of people most impacted by injustice. How does cash relief reduce poverty, and increase equity and security for families? All that, and a commentary from Laura on renewing, and renaming, the tax credit program.“Clearly it is not only about the cash. I had the opportunity to meet some very wonderful people. I was also able to socialize with different women who were also in the same shoes as me or similar . . . The women there are not getting involved and then leaving you stranded.” - Anquoindria Moore“When people have a little more breathing room, when they don't have to count every penny to pay bills . . . they actually have more time to get involved in our democracy and their communities and school board elections and town hall meetings . . . That is important for the promise of multiracial democracy in this country.” - Aisha Nyandoro“We know that if we trust women in particular and give them agency, they will always do the right thing for their kids . . . What we're up against is basically ideologues and zombie ideas who are ignoring the evidence and the stories about the participants in these kinds of programs.” - Dorian WarrenGuests:Anquoindria Moore: Recipient, Magnolia Mothers TrustDr. Aisha Nyandoro: CEO, Springboard To OpportunitiesDorian Warren: Co-President, Community Change Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.Music In the Middle: “Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings” by Secret Night Gang from their forth coming album “Belongs on a Place Called Earth," courtesy of Brownswood Recordings. Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

May 9, 2023 • 4min

F-Word: Moore v Harper and the War on Democracy in North Carolina

"It has often been said that the US South is the testing ground for American democracy, which makes it frustrating how little attention national Democrats and their media pals give to Southern politics. A case in point is the decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court on April 28th, to reverse a series of election-related rulings that were handed down just months ago by the same court when it was dominated by Democrats." -excerpt from the latest commentary by Laura Flanders...The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests.You can hear that special report in our series on The War on Democracy by subscribing to this podcast feed or watch the show:Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina Watch / Listen, Download and Subscribe to the PodcastAnd take a listen/watch our prior special reports in the series:• The Forgotten Coup, January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy Watch / Download Podcast• Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection Watch / Download Podcast• North Carolina: Courageous Conversations in a Climate of Fear Watch / Download Podcast Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

May 7, 2023 • 31min

Special Report: Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina

This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!North Carolina has long been a battleground for democracy. So far, 27 people in the state have been indicted in connection with the effort to overturn the 2020 election on January 6th. No body of legislators has fought more fiercely to maintain Republican supermajority power in a demographically 50/50 state. On April 28, 2023, in a rare reversal of recent precedent, the new Republican majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court struck down a previous ruling that threw out gerrymandered voting maps. And in this term, the Supreme Court will decide on Moore v Harper, a case that could give state lawmakers unchecked power over how elections are held — and even who gets to vote. In this episode, Laura Flanders sits down with the NC Attorney General Josh Stein and Hilary Harris Klein, lead attorney on the North Carolina case along with veteran civil rights attorney and law professor, Irving L. Joyner to discuss what these cases mean for democracy and voters of color. What does a better vision of democracy look like? Durham is home to the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, named after the human rights activist whose work was integral to the Civil Rights Movement. Murray's legacy lives on today, inspiring organizers who are determined to "bring the promise of democracy to life," as Angela M. Thorpe, the center’s Executive Director, puts it. Serena Sebring, the Executive Director of Blueprint NC, shares what’s needed to build Murray’s vision of a multiracial democracy. What’s at stake? And who’s pushing back? “North Carolinians do not want this gerrymandering . . . What the legislatures are trying to do here is not the people’s business. It is their own political entrenchment.” - Hilary Harris Klein“You had 30 African Americans in the North Carolina General Assembly and all of that came crashing down in 2010 with the election of Republicans . . . Their first order of business was to attack the success that we had had in building up African American political power.” - Irving L. Joyner“It's not just Raleigh, it's not just Charlotte. It's not even just Durham that matters, but it is Columbus County, it is Pasquotank Country. It is all of the people of North Carolina who must be welcomed into a democracy, if it is to be what it says it is.” - Serena Sebring“This legislature has been elected time and time again under unconstitutional maps . . . It’s not a surprise they have these powers, because that’s what they’ve done, is manipulate [voting maps] to their advantage.” - Josh Stein“I think Pauli Murray would be incredibly concerned with the way legislatures and states across the US are working to strip people, particularly Black people, of their voting rights.” - Angela M. Thorpe Guests:Hilary Harris Klein: Senior Counsel of Voting Rights, Southern Coalition for Social JusticeIrving L. Joyner: Professor of Law, North Carolina Central University School of LawSerena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NCJosh Stein: Attorney General, North CarolinaAngela M. Thorpe: Executive Director, Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.Music In the Middle: "Wings" by Terry Callier courtesy of Mr. Bongo Records. Additional music, 'Steppin' & 'Electric Car' by Podington Bear. "Unsilenced" by Ketsa. Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

Apr 30, 2023 • 30min

Muslim Americans in the Media: From Islamophobia to Power

This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!What does it mean to be a Muslim American in a society plagued by dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions? Hiba Ansari and Daria Mogahed share their insights on the challenges faced by this diverse community, highlighting the importance of good reporting, recognizing their contributions to America's history, and drawing parallels with the experiences of the Black community.Listen in as Laura Flanders along with Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and fellow journalists S. Mitra Kalita and Dalia Mogahed from the URL Media Network discuss the Muslim community's role in America as co-builders, emphasizing the importance of centering joy and entertainment as well as engaging in civic activities. Explore the multifaceted world of Muslim Americans, their contributions, and aspirations, as our panelists stress the need for politicians to engage with them and never take their vote for granted."I grew up immediately post 9/11 in an Internet world where oftentimes the only people I was seeing on TV that might have looked a little bit like me or people in my family were usually victims of war . . . And that can perpetuate really harmful stereotypes, about Muslim women especially." - Hibah Ansari"I've been covering the Muslim community in New York City pretty much since after 9/11. This has been my whole trajectory for my career. But I have never seen a moment like this." - Mitra Kalita“Why would you wait for someone to welcome you in your own home? If we don't feel like this is ours and ours to build and ours to fight for, we will never be truly equal in this country.” - Dalia MogahedGuests:S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL MediaHibah Ansari: Reporter, Sahan JournalDalia Mogahed: Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.Music In the Middle: The Jimpster remix of “Mba-Mba” by Sid Vaga & Nickodemus featuring Beni-Fadi , courtesy of Turntables on the Hudson Music. Additional music, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear. Chapters:(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans(0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders Chapter Summaries:(0:00:03) - Challenging Stereotypes of Muslim Americans (15 Minutes)Challenges faced by Muslim Americans due to dangerous stereotypes and misconceptions are discussed, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim community and the need for good reporting to challenge stereotypes. The conversation explores Muslim Americans' civic engagement and political leadership strides, as well as the similarities between their experiences and those of the Black community, particularly regarding law enforcement and surveillance. The discussion concludes with the mainstreaming of Muslims, including a recent Minneapolis City Council ordinance allowing public broadcast of the Islamic call to prayer five times a day. (0:14:38) - Muslim Co-Builders (16 Minutes)The Muslim community's role in America includes being co-builders and recognizing their contributions to the country's history. Mutual aid is a critical part of the Muslim community, as is centering joy and entertainment. The diverse community's voting habits indicate that politicians should engage with them and not take their votes for granted. Shownotes created by https://podium.page Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

Apr 24, 2023 • 29min

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: Its Impact and Legacy with Rosa Clemente and Chuck D

This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!In this episode, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop and explore its impact on the world with special guests Rosa Clemente, an award-winning organizer, journalist, and historian, and Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy. We discuss the origins of hip hop in the Bronx, its influence on politics, activism, music, art, dance, and fashion, and how it has changed the world. We delve into the urgent need to address the growing issue of violence in black neighborhoods during the 1980s, the importance of cultural media in connecting people, and the power of information in shaping the future. Join us as we reflect on hip hop's 50th anniversary and consider the potential lessons to be learned from the culture and its influence on movements like Black Lives Matter. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation!“‘How [Hip Hop] changed the world?’ That's the tunnels and the roads that came out of the art form. How it got filled with the content to be able to make somebody think differently is the story of the execution and the elocution of rappers, DJs, break dancers, graffiti artists and activists.” - Chuck D“Women continue to be erased, trans people continue [to be erased], LGBTQ people continue to be erased . . . Hip hop is critiqued solely as the place where these things happen. No, they're happening from the White House all over the world.” - Rosa ClementeGuests:Rosa Clemente: Independent Journalist & 2008 Green Party VP CandidateChuck D: Hip Hop Pioneer, Activist & Co-Founder, Public Enemy Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.Music In the Middle: Public Enemy’s “Bring in the Noise” performed by Brown-Out, from their album Fear of a Brown Planet, released on Fat Beats Records. Additional music included 'Steppin' by Podington Bear. Chapters:(0:00:03) - Fight the Power(0:14:58) - Exploring Hip Hop and Social Change Chapter Summaries:(0:00:03) - Fight the Power (15 Minutes)In this episode, we explore the impact of hip hop on the world as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, with guests Rosa Clemente, an award-winning organizer, journalist, and historian, and Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the legendary group Public Enemy. We discuss the origins of hip hop in the Bronx, its influence on politics, activism, music, art, dance, and fashion, and how it has changed the world. (0:14:58) - Exploring Hip Hop and Social Change (14 Minutes)In this discussion, we delve into the urgent need to address the growing issue of violence in black neighborhoods during the 1980s, as well as the role of hip hop in raising awareness and sparking change. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural media in connecting people and the power of information in shaping the future. As we reflect on hip hop's 50th anniversary, we consider the potential lessons to be learned from the culture and its influence on movements like Black Lives Matter. Shownotes created by https://podium.page Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 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

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Laura Flanders and Friends: Intersectional Solution Centered Journalism on Democracy, Movements, Society and Culture

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