Episoder
-
You may have heard recently about #flaggate - the scandals related to Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito flying flags at his homes in support of the Jan. 6th insurrection and Christian nationalism.
More news has also come out about Justice Thomas' corruption, specifically around his receipt of millions of dollars worth of gifts from GOP donors.
All of these developments are more reason to put pressure on Congressional Dems to put pressure on the Supreme Court, especially in light of this fall's presidential election. An ethics bill is not enough.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Did you know you can call your elected officials and share your thoughts on what matters to you? In this episode, I explain how to do that, why it matters, and how to stay informed on what your elected officials are up to.
To be connected to the offices of your federal elected officials, you can dial the congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121.
A couple of options of newsletters to sign up for to stay up to date on what Congress is doing: https://www.govtrack.us/; https://idueprocess.org/
I also mentioned that the Justice Reinvestment Coalition is hosting a training on May 23rd on how to provide public comment at public hearings. 1-4pm at the Cal Endowment in Oakland, CA. For more, check out the Justice Reinvestment Coalition on Instagram @jrcofac
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Manglende episoder?
-
I'm back with another book report and this one is all about family, love, activism, identity, politics, and American and Puerto Rican culture.
Other resources mentioned in the episode:
The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
Independent reporter Bianca Graulau @biancagraulau
Author and poet Elisabet Velasquez @elisabetvelasquezpoetry
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
It's an election year and the deluge of negative news can make it easy to feel disillusioned and want to check out. I offer some tips and tools to help you feel informed, engaged, and yes, even hopeful.
Tldr: pick a handful of journalists and/or a podcast or two to follow and one cause or campaign to support. And set a daily timer on your news apps! Quality over quantity is the key here.
Folks I mentioned as suggestions on who to follow on social media/subscribe to their newsletters/read their stuff:
Oliver Willis (I have 3 one-month subscriptions to his newsletter to give away, so contact me if you're interested) Teri Kanefield Judd Legum Dan Rather Heather Cox Richardson Adam Serwer Keith Edwards Marc Elias Sherrilyn Ifill Elie Mystal Molly Jong-Fast Nikole Hannah-Jones Robert Reich Jay KuoThe podcasts I mentioned:
The Nation Boom Lawyered Small Doses with Amanda Seales--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
On March 5th, residents of District 4 of Alameda County will be voting for their supervisor, who will represent them on the county's Board of Supervisors. The candidates are 24-year incumbent Nate Miley and his challenger, Jennifer Esteen. Esteen joins me to talk about her campaign and why voters should support her. We talk about public safety, mental health, housing and homelessness, the Coliseum, and more.
To learn more about Jennifer Esteen, visit jenniferesteen.com.
Two upcoming candidate forums:
Feb. 25th, Skyline Church in Oakland, 5-6:30pm, in-person and virtual. More info here: https://skylineucc.org/forum/
Feb. 29th, virtual forum, 7-8:30pm, hosted by Restore Oakland and Oakland Rising
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Last week, there were major developments in the insurrection cases against both former Brazilian president Bolsonaro and former US president Trump. Let's explore.
Early in the episode, I mention another podcast called "Alexandre," which is focused on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. You can listen here.
I also recommend checking out this interview with Elie Mystal on Political Roots to get more in depth on what's at stake in the US.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
I want to share a fun collaborative podcast project I did with Singing for Survival host Mike Pinto to discuss the abolitionist movement in Brazil. We focus on one key person in that struggle, Dragão do Mar, and explore the ties to capoeira and the ongoing struggle for a better world. I hope you'll take a listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FjaP2hpSj81aRNT7xfkEO?si=5gwxVIdvTryeVLKm4ljWNQ
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
As of Jan. 1, 2024, new laws have gone into effect in California regarding traffic stops and enforcement. These laws have implications for pretext stops, racial profiling, and road safety. I explore. *does not constitute legal advice*For more:AB2773, requiring police to explain why they have pulled you overAB645, Speed Safety Systems Pilot Program I also recommended Allow Me to Retort by Elie Mystal if you want to learn more about the seminal case on pretext stops, Whren v. United States.This is the last episode of Season 3. Stay tuned for Season 4, coming soon. :)--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support
-
What's the difference between civil and criminal courts? A recent conversation with friends led me to this topic. I dive in and also talk about how the public can access court records online.
Another example of civil cases I didn't touch on in this episode: product liability/consumer protection. A product is defective, dangerous, and/or there was false advertising and the company gets sued over it - that suit will be in civil court.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
A recent interview I watched with @AGoodWitchOfficial and the fact that Ohio just became the 24th state to legalize marijuana sparked this episode. I share some thoughts on why legalization is good policy and that the continued illegality of marijuana at the federal level and in some states, as well as criminal court policies, actually exacerbate the opioid epidemic.
Plus, I share some fun stats about where listeners of Natasha Explains It All are tuning in from around the world.
If you want to learn more about drug policy in the US, I recommend checking out the Drug Policy Alliance.
You can watch the A Good Witch interview on What's Underneath here.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Today I share my first foreign title, still currently unavailable in English: Pequena Coreografia do Adeus (Little Choreography of the Goodbye) by Brazilian author and poet Aline Bei. This book, written as one long poem, is beautiful and painful. It is about how a family (particularly the daughter) navigates a divorce. Aline Bei plays a lot with format to convey meaning, which reminds me of another excellent book I read recently, Maps of our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer.
Click here for an interview with Aline Bei about the book.
You can buy Pequena Coreografia do Adeus here and Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies here.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Oakland is giving out grants for individuals, groups, and orgs to host free public events to build community and safety. I talk about this initiative (deadline is October 12th!) and share personal stories about the importance of public spaces. We can be part of the solution!
For more info on the Activate Oakland grants, check out the grant website and read this Oaklandside article.
In this episode I also mention the Trash Falcons and the Urban Compassion Project, two groups doing fantastic work to beautify Oakland that are always looking for volunteers.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
If you live or work in Oakland, CA, you've likely noticed illegal dumping/blight/trash heaps. One organization -- founded by a formerly unhoused Oakland native -- is tackling this problem, one cleanup at a time. The Urban Compassion Project does weekly clean ups around the city (in addition to other awesome work) and is always looking for volunteers and donations. Please consider supporting.
Check out the Urban Compassion Project at www.urbancompassionproject.org, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/urbanparkcleanup and on Instagram @urbancompassionproject
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
The real-life novela of Spanish soccer federation head Rubiales clinging desperately to power following his sexual misconduct at the Women's World Cup trophy ceremony continues. Let us hope that #SeAcabó.
For more:
I brought World Cup glory to Spain, so I can kiss whomever I want by Sally Jenkins: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/08/26/luis-rubiales-spanish-soccer-kiss/
When a sports administrator like Rubiales thinks he's a rock star, it's time to get rid of him by Malachy Clerkin: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2023/08/25/malachy-clerkin-when-a-sports-administrator-like-rubiales-thinks-hes-a-rock-star-its-time-to-get-rid/
David Squires on … Luis Rubiales and the gaslighting scandal in Spanish football: https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/aug/29/david-squires-on-luis-rubiales-and-the-gaslighting-scandal-in-spanish-football
It took Luis Rubiales’ public behavior to validate Spain players’ concerns by Claire Watkins: https://justwomenssports.com/reads/spain-womens-soccer-luis-rubiales-fifa-world-cup-kiss/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
The Women's World Cup just wrapped up and was filled with excitement, firsts, and joy. But it was also mired by sexism and sexual harassment, taking focus and energy away from the incredible accomplishments of these incredible athletes. I explore the situations faced by the Spanish and Zambian national teams and hope for a day where women players can just focus on winning.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
A recent survey of Brazilians found that the vast majority of Brazilians believe Brazil is a racist nation, but only a small minority believe that they themselves hold discriminatory views. I share more about this survey and make comparisons to American attitudes on race.
Cited during the episode:
Instituto Peregum: https://peregum.org.br/
The Seta Project: projetoseta.org.br
Boletim Folha podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/boletim-folha/id1501368386
2021 Gallup study: https://news.gallup.com/poll/352544/larger-majority-says-racism-against-black-people-widespread.aspx
2023 Pew Research Center study: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/08/10/views-of-the-countrys-progress-on-racial-equality/
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
On Nov. 7th, Ohioans will have the chance to vote on a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights. This amendment is polling very well, with about 59% of the public in support. Upset by this, Republican legislators have added an election on August 8th to vote on Issue 1, which would change the threshold to amend the state constitution by referendum from 50% + 1 vote to 60% — virtually guaranteeing that the Nov. reproductive rights measure will fail.
We need to stop Issue 1 by boosting turnout for the August 8th election (which is a historically low turnout time, which is why they picked it). In this episode, I talk about how.
#VoteNoInAugust
To find your polling place: VoteOhio.gov
To volunteer to help spread the word, visit PostcardsToVoters.org
To read more about what's at stake, check out this Indivisible piece
To support abortion funds in Ohio, visit the Abortion Fund of Ohio
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
The City of Atlanta wants to spend $90 million in taxpayer dollars to tear down forest and build a police training center, where they will build a mock city for training for urban warfare, engage in explosions testing, have shooting ranges, and controlled building burns. This proposal is deeply unpopular among Atlanta residents, who want the money to be spent on several other areas where there are pressing needs, including education and healthcare. The major supporters of Cop City are major corporations - not the actual residents who will be targeted by the police trained at Cop City.
The good news is community organizers have organized an opportunity to put Cop City to a public vote. By August 14th, they need to collect 70,000 signatures from registered voters in Atlanta to secure a referendum on the November 7th ballot on whether Cop City should be funded.
Let's spread the word!
https://www.copcityvote.com - all the info you need about the petition and signature gathering
https://stopcop.city/ - all the info you need about what Cop City is
Also check out @copcityvote and @cpdaction for more and @atlantabeltlinehatesyou for great memes about #NoCopCity
You can also donate to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund at https://atlsolidarity.org/
To learn more about the major corporations backing Cop City, check out: https://news.littlesis.org/2022/11/15/meet-the-major-corporations-and-cultural-institutions-helping-build-cop-city-in-atlanta/
#StopCopCity
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
Today's episode focuses on one of the Supreme Court cases decided last week, 303 Creative v. Elenis, which held that businesses can refuse service to gay customers. This case is bad news, and in this episode, I explain why.
I also mention the website www.oyez.org, where you can listen to all Supreme Court oral arguments and read the opinions (the decisions of the justices).
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support -
First episode of season 3!
Today I talk about the quick yet powerful read called Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey. In a capitalist society, our worth is measured by our productivity. Unfortunately, that measurement is unsustainable, not only for us, but for the planet as well. I reflect on Tricia's book and examples from various countries around the world about how we can make the world better if we prioritized rest more.
Buy it on Bookshop.org at https://bookshop.org/p/books/rest-is-resistance-a-manifesto-tricia-hersey/18255493?ean=9780316365215
Buy it on BetterWorldBooks.com at https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/rest-is-resistance-a-manifesto-9780316365215?_gl=1*r2vl3p*_ga*MzYzNDUzNDQuMTY4NjE5OTg3Mw..*_up*MQ..
Or buy it at your local bookstore
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natasha-t-baker/support - Vis mere