Context > Content, With Phil Agnew Getting To The Root Of It With Venus Roots podcast

54:18

In this episode, Niki interviews Kei Prister , co-director of The Encampments , to discuss the new film, the impact of the student intifada a year later, and what this fight signals for the future of the US empire and most importantly, what it says about young people's thirst for liberation. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Love in a F*cked up World, With Dean Spade 1:07:33

for 9 weeks siden1:07:33

1:07:33

In this Valentine's Day special episode, Niki interviews Dean Spade , a queer and trans organizer, attorney, and an author. They ground the conversation in Dean's new book, Love in a F*cked up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together. The two discuss how oppressive systems impact our relationships (romantic and otherwise), the role of conflict, and what we must learn from less alienated societies to survive ongoing crises. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Seed Saving as an Antidote to Colonization, with Vivien Sansour of Palestine Heirloom Seed Library 31:16

for 11 weeks siden31:16

31:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Vivien Sansour , founder of Palestine Heirloom Seed Library . In this conversation, the two discuss the ritual of seed saving among colonized peoples and the many ways in which saving the land's fruits is a way of returning to our humanity and our dignity. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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The Incoming Trump Administration, with Eugene Puryear 50:42

for 13 weeks siden50:42

50:42

In this episode, Niki interviews Eugene Puryear, an author, journalist, and host of Breakthrough News . In this conversation, the two discuss the incoming Trump administration and its implications on the Palestinian struggle, the global south at large, and what we can expect these next four years. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Audre Lorde and June Jordan's Black Feminism and Palestine, with Marina Magloire 49:16

for 34 weeks siden49:16

49:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Marina Magloire, Atlanta-based Black Feminism scholar, professor, and author of We Pursue Our Magic: A Spiritual History of Black Feminism . In this conversation, the two discuss the complicated relationship between two iconic queer Black feminist poets, Audre Lorde and June Jordan, and their opposing views on Zionism for the majority of their lives. You can read Marina's essay, Moving Towards Life: Exploring the correspondence of June Jordan and Audre Lorde, Marina Magloire assembles an archive of a Black feminist falling-out over Zionism here . Audre Lorde's Uses of the Erotic June Jordan's I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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US Out of Korea, with Jamie Tyberg of Nodutdol 39:16

for 38 weeks siden39:16

39:16

In this episode, Niki interviews Jamie Tyberg, organizer with Nodutdol to discuss why the Korean War is so unknown amongst Americans, why there are "two" Koreas, the US' continued and increasing aggression against the Korean peninsula and what that means for the region and the rest of the world, why a ceasefire is not enough, and the fight for reunification of Korean families. Nodutdol's latest campaign, US Out of Korea launches all over the US on July 27th. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Why Is The US Calling China Imperialist Towards Africa? with Mikaela Nhondo Erskog 50:19

for 47 weeks siden50:19

50:19

In this episode, Niki interviews Mika Erskog , South African researcher with Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and host of the podcast The Crane: An Africa-China Podcast Dongsheng Collective . They discuss the relationship between China and the African continent, while dispelling the accusations that China is "imperialist," and what young progressive people in Africa are looking towards in this historical moment of self-determination. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Why Is The US Smearing Mexico's President, with Kurt Hackbarth 54:48

for 50 weeks siden54:48

54:48

In this episode, Niki interviews journalist Kurt Hackbarth , the two discuss Mexico's upcoming historic election, why the US insists on smearing the Mexican president with media lies, and how the future of Mexico has major impacts across the Latin America and the globe. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Why Mass Protests Don't Equate to Revolution, with Vincent Bevins 57:25

for 1 year siden57:25

57:25

In this episode, Niki interviews acclaimed journalist and author, Vincent Bevins . In this conversation, the two discuss the trend of mass protests across the globe often resulting in the opposite of what people were demanding in the streets in the first place. They weave the history of anti-communism, US-backed right-wing coups, the weaking and demobilization of leftist organizations and parties, and the role of media. Vincent Bevins is the author of The Jakarta Method and If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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The Legacy of Cuban Medical and Healthcare Solidarity, with Dr. Samira Addrey 1:11:24

for 1 year siden1:11:24

1:11:24

In this episode, Niki interviews Ghanian-American doctor, Dr. Samira Addrey, Graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba. In this conversation, the two discuss the legacy of not only the Latin American School of Medicine, but how Cuba has managed to develop some of the world's best doctors, biotech innovations, and their commitment to medical solidarity, despite the US blockade and all the crises it creates for Cuba and its people. Additional note regarding the situation in Cuba: "Right now the U.S. government is deliberately starving the Cuban people 90 miles to our South. We all must act now. A food crisis is unfolding on the island of an unprecedented scale. A country where hunger had been made a thing of the past is now running out of bread and other essential food items. We are launching an emergency campaign — Let Cuba Live: Bread for Our Neighbors. Our goal is to send 800 tons of wheat flour to Cuba as legal humanitarian aid, so that millions of people have bread for a month." Donate at: LetCubaLive.info/bread ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Organized Labor, Unions, Strikes and Palestine, with Zaina Alsous 51:01

for 1 year siden51:01

51:01

In this episode, Niki interviews Palestinian labor organizer and author, Zaina Alsous , where the two discuss the history of Palestinian and Arab worker-led revolts, the significance of the largest US labor unions calling for an immediate ceasefire, and the limitations of our current ability to hold general strikes in the US and what is required to make this more possible. You can read more editorial work by Zaina here . ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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On Palestinian Resistance and Why the US Can't Win Wars, with Vijay Prashad 48:59

for 1 year siden48:59

48:59

In this interview, Niki interviews historian and journalist Vijay Prashad , where the two discuss the history of Palestinian resistance throughout Zionist occupation, why the US may have the power to destroy countries but cannot win wars, and where the seeds of hope lie in this revolutionary moment. Vijay Prashad is the Executive Director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, the Chief Editor of Leftword Books, and the author of forty books. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Neither Democrats nor Republicans Save Us, So Now What? With PSL Presidential Candidate, Claudia De la Cruz 46:38

for 1 year siden46:38

46:38

"The lesser of two evils politic has not served working class people." In this interview, Niki interviews presidential candidate for PSL (Party for Socialism and Liberation), Claudia De la Cruz . The two discuss the unfolding crises in the US - unemployment, inflation, housing/rent crisis, climate collapse, the threat of war, among other issues and how both Democrats and Republicans refuse to address these crisis and bring about solutions to most Americans. As a relentless genocide takes place on the Palestinian people, Biden, Democrats, and Republicans alike have made their commitments and interests clear. Soon, these same politicians will be asking Americans for their vote, but most people feel exhausted of business as usual. In this conversation, Niki and Claudia get into the specifics of what is at stake and what can be done. You can volunteer to be part of this campaign here . ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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One Year Ago, I Went on Hiatus! 1:07:51

for 2 years siden1:07:51

1:07:51

In this episode, Niki is interviewed by their best friend and comrade, Sabrina Beydoun. Niki reflects intimately on what themes have been anchoring her this past year of sabbatical and hiatus - the challenges of what it means to leave home and build anew, being in a place of transition and uncertainty, and unprecedented personal challenges, while reckoning that the only path forward is collective care and interdependence. Sabrina Beydoun is a Lebanese-American chef, writer, and cultural worker. You can read their substack, Nourished here . ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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Who Is Wellness For? With Fariha Róisín 1:00:06

for 3 years siden1:00:06

1:00:06

In this episode, Niki interviews Fariha Róisín , author of Who Is Wellness For? In the conversation, the two discuss the role of dignity in affirming one’s healing in the face of trauma, colonialism, capitalism, and other systems of oppression. They also unpack the relationship between spiritual warfare, commodification of wellness, and the corporate industries that intentionally invisibilize the violence behind popular wellness trends and practices. Audio disclaimer: I encourage you to listen on your laptop or car, as there is a bit of background noise coming from Fariha's audio. Otherwise, enjoy this tender conversation. Music by Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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We Can't Win Unless We're Organized, with James Lopez 44:58

for 5 years siden44:58

44:58

In this episode, Niki interviews James Lopez, Executive Director at Power U Center for Social Change. Grounded in an organizing tradition and a leftist framework, the two discuss what it means for "defund the police" to go mainstream, the benefits and limitations of social media politickin, and what is needed to win meaningful material social change. James began organizing through the Western New York Law Center working with members of their consumer debt clinic, which helped change New York state policy around predatory lending, payday loans, and Community Reinvestment issues. Prior to Power U, James was an organizer for VOICE-Buffalo, where he organized with residents and those formerly incarcerated in order to push policy on policing reform and alternatives to mass incarceration. He was also part of Black Love Resists in the Rust (BLRR), which is a collective of organizers of color in the city of Buffalo committed to developing transformational organizing in the city of Buffalo. James is an alum of Black Organizing for Leader and Dignity (BOLD) Directors Training. Support the podcast and become a patreon here . Episode transcript available here . Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies . ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Unpacking Black Capitalism, with Francisco Perez 1:00:20

for 5 years siden1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode, Niki interviews Francisco Perez aka Platanomics , a Black solidarity economy activist, educator, and researcher currently pursuing a PhD in economics. In this interview, the two unpack Black capitalism, how buying Black unfortunately won't free us, and how this crisis offers us some openings for transformation. The conversation attempts to answer "whose concerns does Black capitalism actually speak to?" Francisco is the Director of the Center for Popular Economics , a nonprofit collective of political economists whose programs and publications demystify the economy and put useful economic tools in the hands of people fighting for social and economic justice. Francisco has worked on social and economic development projects in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, the US and Venezuela. He also worked for the Museum for African Art in NYC and was a member of a collective of artists fighting to free political prisoners called the “Scientific Soul Sessions.” To support the podcast, become a Patreon today. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Being a Lowkey Superstar, with Kari Faux 52:31

for 5 years siden52:31

52:31

In this episode, Niki interviews Kari Faux , a multidisciplinary artist, rapper, and producer. The two get vulnerable and real about the impact of social media, the conflation of visibility with fame and financial security, and the power that having supportive friends and family has on our mental health. Through this candid conversation, Kari talks about the pressures of living in LA, the creative process behind producing and writing music, and how artists are more than 'aesthetic packages' up for consumption. Kari's music has garnered her millions of streams and a soundtrack feature on the critically acclaimed HBO show, Insecure . Her latest project, Lowkey Superstar is available everywhere. Her work has been featured on PAPER Mag, Pitchfork, Hypebeast, The Fader, NPR, and elsewhere. To support the podcast, become a Patreon today! Featured music: Kari Faux's "Stick Up" ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Cannabis Politickin, with Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey 54:56

for 5 years siden54:56

54:56

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey , a multidisciplinary cannabis entrepreneur, artist, and writer. Gushing in their shared gemini curiosity, Niki and Mennlay discuss the politics of weed, the hype moment of CBD, ancestral wisdom present in food, and how the African Diaspora is expansive and in every corner of the world. Mennlay is the author of The Art of Weed Butter: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Cannabutter Master . Her work has been featured in Vogue, Healthyish, VICE, Vanity Fair, and elsewhere. @venusroots To support the podcast, become a Patreon today. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Mother's Day Special: Challenging Oppressive Ideas of Motherhood, with Cynthia Cervantes Gumbs 56:18

for 5 years siden56:18

56:18

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Cynthia Cervantes Gumbs , creative director and co-founder of Maroon World . As COVID-19 begins to shift perspectives around the indispensable value of childcare labor and reproductive work, Niki brings in Cynthia for a fresh perspective on what it means to be an artist, a mother, and an emerging voice in the creative world - with all identities coexisting in harmony. They discuss the myths and hangups around pregnancy and motherhood in an era of white-washed feminism and all-time-high capitalist pursuit. Most importantly, they talk through their shared understanding of how much trauma our generation has internalized from their familial unit and how motherhood/parenting may offer us a new opportunity to heal ancestral wounds. Cynthia's work has been featured in New York Times, ID, Teen Vogue, PAPER, Vogue, The Cut, and more. @venusroots To support the podcast, become a Patreon today. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Talkin' Music Industry and Music as a Tool of Solidarity, with Doris Muñoz 1:07:16

for 5 years siden1:07:16

1:07:16

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Doris Muñoz , founder of Mija Mgmt , representing some of the top emerging Latinx artists. At 23, she took indie artist Cuco from backyard shows to Coachella in just one year. Understanding that representation is not enough for improving the material conditions for immigrants, she started Solidarity for Sanctuary , a concert series that connects undocumented families to grassroots organizations. Through this candid and vulnerable conversation, they discuss the criminalization of communities, the burden of high expectations of success placed on the children of immigrants, and where the music industry must do better. Doris’ work has been featured in New York Times, Remezcla, Billboard, Redbull, MTV, and more. @venusroots To support the podcast, become a Patreon today. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Getting Real About the Art World and Social Media, with Decolonize This Place 53:54

for 5 years siden53:54

53:54

In this quarantine episode, Niki interviews Marz and Amin of Decolonize This Place , a collective of organizers, artists, and cultural workers in NYC who have led actions of solidarity with Palestine, Black Liberation, and decolonizing the land NYC landlords profit off of. Some of their most notable actions have been against museums across NYC in hopes of holding them accountable. As COVID19 heightens the crisis of disaster capitalism, they discuss some sobering assessments of the moment, the role of artists in this struggle, and truths for all of us to consider as we strive for a taste of freedom. Decolonize This Place and their work has been featured in the New York Times, Teen Vogue, The Atlantic, Hyperallergic, ARTnews, and more. @venusroots To support the podcast, become a Patreon today. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Tracing Ancestral Wisdom through Food, with Kia Damon 57:32

for 5 years siden57:32

57:32

In this episode, Niki interviews Kia Damon ( @kiacooks ), an emerging multifaceted Chef and the Culinary Director for Cherry Bombe . They discuss what it means to be self-taught, young, gifted, queer, and Black in an industry with harsh labor expectations and a culture that particularly de-prioritizes self care and mental health. Tracing ancestral wisdom through food, Kia offers a unique perspective into the culinary world and what is possible when we step out of the rigid eurocentric and capitalist box of "success" and "validation". Kia's groundbreaking work was recently featured in a New York Times article, 16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America . Her work has also been featured in Vogue, Refinery29, Milky Mag, and elsewhere. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies www.venusroots.com @venusroots ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Chipping Away at the Toxicity of the Fashion Industry, with Becca McCharen-Tran 57:15

for 5 years siden57:15

57:15

In this episode, Niki interviews Becca McCharen-Tran , queer fashion designer and founder of Chromat (a swim and bodywear brand known for its powerful garments that fit all bodies). Recognizing the impact of cultural institutions, they discuss the inherent white supremacist nature of the fashion industry, pick apart the contradictions of the new trends of "body positivity" and "inclusivity", and highlight different designers who are centering conversations of race, police brutality, and the carceral state. Becca's work has been featured in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Them, Nylon, Glamour, Business of Fashion, Marie Claire, Opening Ceremony, Elle, Glamour, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. Chromat has designed pieces for Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Tyra Banks, FKA Twigs, and many other artists. Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies @venusroots ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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Art and Organizing as World-Making, with Zaina Alsous 53:22

for 6 years siden53:22

53:22

In this episode, Niki interviews Zaina Alsous , a Palestinian, abolitionist poet, and movement worker in Miami. Processing the urgency of the current carceral and climate crisis, they discuss potential interventions to resist and disrupt fascism, within an analysis of settler colonialism, and the power of new language as a means to world-making and envisioning social and political possibilities. Zaina's work has been published in the Boston Review, Bitch Magazine, the New Inquiry, Mask Magazine, Adroit, and elsewhere. She edits for Scalawag Magazine , a publication dedicated to unsettling dominant narratives of the U.S. South. Her first full-length collection A Theory of Birds won the Etel Adnan Poetry Prize , and will be published by the University of Arkansas Press in fall of 2019. Pre-order it here . Music courtesy of Magic City Hippies . www.venusroots.com @venusroots ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

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The Era of Radical Online Art Collectives, with Mars 49:35

for 6 years siden49:35