It Could Happen Here

Emily Gorcenski, a poignant poet known for her reflections on politics, shares a powerful new poem inspired by the current socio-political landscape. The conversation explores the unsettling rise of authoritarianism and its echoes from history, drawing vital parallels with the Weimar Republic. Gorcenski discusses the urgent need for radical change and active engagement in social issues. They also dive into the decay of American democracy, the frustrations of modern protest movements, and the importance of fostering hope amid cultural challenges.

Tommy Espinoza, a former letter carrier and union steward for the National Association of Letter Carriers, dives into the historical and contemporary struggles of postal workers. He shares insights on the limitations of striking and the transformative impact of the 1970 national strike. Espinoza discusses inequities in labor laws, the challenges injured workers face, and the importance of union solidarity. With a mix of personal stories and serious grievances, he emphasizes collective action and the need for community awareness to improve working conditions for postal employees.

Journey into a futuristic Spain, grappling with fascist rule and the resilience of a Catalonian resistance. Reflect on how local culture intertwines with horror storytelling while navigating the complexities of communication. Discover a community thriving in extreme heat, showcasing historical struggles and personal tales of bravery. Explore the Aragonosaurus as a revolutionary symbol, alongside quirky sponsorships and chilling legends. Experience survival amidst chaos through the eyes of a field reporter, unraveling deep emotional battles and bonds formed in warfare.

This week, artist and musician Precious Child shares their experiences with far-right harassment and the challenges of online censorship. David Roth dives into the highlights and ethical concerns from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), revealing the future of AI toys for children. Meanwhile, Vicky Osterweil discusses the provocative concept of "Years of Lead Paint," connecting it to contemporary political crises and the persistent threats facing marginalized communities. These discussions blend humor, urgency, and insightful commentary on art, technology, and activism.

Mia chats with Vicky Osterweil, a writer and organizer renowned for her incisive insights on fascism and social movements. They delve into the shocking Tesla car bombing incident, linking it to historical political violence. Discussion highlights include the 'strategy of tension' in America, the absurdities of modern political chaos, and the rise of extremist ideologies. They also explore how neoliberalism fosters dependency and the power of grassroots movements in empowering communities to combat oppression.

David Roth, a sports writer with insights into technology's impact, joins the panel to dissect the latest absurdities from CES 2025. They humorously critique the bizarre intersection of luxury surveillance and essential tech, tackle the moral dilemmas of biometric monitoring, and poke fun at outlandish safety products. The discussion also highlights the eerie resemblance between some innovations and horror themes, while examining how technology may undermine genuine human connections. A wild ride through the future of tech, complete with laughs and sharp observations!

In this insightful discussion, Precious Child, an LA trans artist, shares her experiences with anti-trans harassment that led to censorship by Congresswoman Nancy Mace. They delve into the historical parallels between today’s moral panics and the satanic panic, revealing the vulnerabilities of queer artists. Precious reflects on how art is not just an expression of identity but also a form of activism. The conversation emphasizes the power of community in resisting oppression and the urgent need for mobilization against anti-trans campaigns.

Dive into a world of futuristic childcare products unveiled at CES 2025. The hosts highlight the rise of AI toys and the mixed feelings Generation Z holds towards them, questioning their impact on authentic relationships. They discuss innovative toys like the interactive AI teddy bear, assessing their safety and emotional risks for children. Ethical concerns arise over AI companions and their deep emotional ties to kids, while reflections on CES offer insights into the event's latest highlights and ongoing debates surrounding tech in childhood.

The conversation dives into the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires and how mutual aid groups quickly mobilize to support affected communities. It highlights the struggles of vulnerable populations in makeshift shelters as they face severe weather challenges. There's a critical examination of the social injustices amplified by these disasters, exposing the inadequacies of government support. Grassroots efforts shine as a beacon of hope, emphasizing community resilience and the need for resource sharing to effectively respond to crises.

Dive into a whimsical future where fascists create bizarre beasts to thwart internationalists. The hosts humorously tackle survival strategies in the absurd Dino War and explore the haunting evolution of hellhounds, born from dark experiments. With dark humor, they discuss the implications of reanimated beings as a workforce. The world of Cool Zone 2055 is filled with intriguing, symbolic creatures that reflect our societal challenges, highlighting the complexities of morality in a fantastical yet relatable setting.