Better Future with Michael Mezz

In this engaging discussion, Steven Donziger, a pioneering human rights and environmental lawyer, shares his battle against Chevron on behalf of Indigenous communities in Ecuador. He reveals the extensive pollution caused by Chevron and how it has impacted local ecosystems. Steven exposes the tactics of corporate retaliation aimed at silencing activists, including his own disbarment. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots mobilization and the need for reform within political structures to combat corporate power and ensure climate justice.

Donnie Maclurcan, founder of the Post-Growth Institute, dives into the intricacies of post-growth economics. He discusses how capitalism's insistence on accumulation leads to rising debt and inequality, creating systemic issues. Donnie highlights the potential of not-for-profit business models and credit unions, emphasizing their ability to redirect profits for community benefit. He imagines a post-capitalist economy, rooted in practices like asset-based community development and Indigenous wisdom, while urging listeners to engage with practical pathways for a more equitable future.

Grace Blakeley, a UK-based political economist and author of Vulture Capitalism, delves into the collusion between political and corporate elites, arguing the system serves the few rather than the many. She highlights how corporate lobbying stifles reforms and illustrates the moral hazards of neoliberal capitalism. Blakeley critiques the notion that rich people create jobs and discusses how ordinary workers bear the real risks. The conversation also touches on the necessity of union power and collective action to reshape economic and political landscapes.

My guest today is Elizabeth Booker Houston – lawyer, comedian, and political commentator based in Washington DC. We discuss white supremacy in US politics, how to integrate class consciousness with anti-racism, the false myth of “rugged individualism,” and how to build a bridge between identity politics and class politics within the progressive movement.Follow Elizabeth Booker Houston on social media:Substack: https://bookersquared.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookersquaredTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookersquaredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.booker.houstonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookersquaredSupport the Better Future podcast by subscribing:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmezzSubstack: https://substack.com/@michaelmezzatestaSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16K0dkbk35q0mTslKJJ7z0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-future-with-michael-mezz/id1823942833Note: This conversation was recorded before the recent Wired article about Chorus – a liberal content creator incubator program, of which Elizabeth is a member – so I didn’t ask about it during this interview.00:00 Introduction: leftism & whiteness03:18 White supremacy in MAGA & US politics07:23 Bridging the gap between race & class politics13:57 Intersections between race & other leftist issues17:20 Black leadership in the history of US leftism20:43 The politics of disability & neurodivergence23:43 The myth of rugged individualism30:42 Elizabeth is MAGA-coded?32:08 Do souls exist?34:08 Raw milk and micro-aggressions36:36 Politician lightning round: RFK & Elon Musk38:49 Politician lightning round: Newsom, Harris, Booker41:42 AOC, Mamdani, Buttigieg, Crockett45:26 The progressive movement needs leaders48:32 What a better future looks like50:03 ConclusionHost/Creator: Michael MezzatestaGuest: Elizabeth Booker HoustonVideo editor: Nuria SalgadoSound editor: Andre CoreaDesigner: Amea WadsworthThanks for watching episode 004. Lots more on the way :)

Join Jason Hickel, a professor and ecological economics expert, as he dives into the failures of capitalism amid the climate crisis. He explores the disconnection between GDP and quality of life, critiquing profit-driven systems that neglect essential services. Hickel advocates for democratic eco-socialism and public investment in renewable technologies to combat climate change. He also examines the links between capitalism, militarism, and global struggles, highlighting the need for a transformative approach rooted in equality and sustainability.

Raymond Wei, a filmmaker and co-founder of The Conscious Citizens, delves into the importance of building community power amid a rising authoritarian landscape. He discusses hyper-normalization and its impact on capitalism, urging a shift towards community values. The conversation highlights the benefits of a solidarity economy and the need for grassroots organization to address social justice challenges, including global issues like the climate crisis and surveillance. Ray inspires listeners to take meaningful action within their communities to forge a better future.

In this engaging conversation, Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement, dives into the clash between capitalism and climate action. She highlights the urgent need for collective welfare over individual wealth amid the ecological crisis. Aru critiques the elite's technological ambitions, advocating a shift to sustainable capitalism that supports social justice. The discussion also emphasizes grassroots activism and the potential for transformative political narratives, envisioning communities that prioritize equity and environmental health.