The Resistbot Podcast

✊🤖 When we open up our table for everyone to sit at, we must make sure that everyone can get to our table in the first place. There has been a quiet fight for accessibility happening all over the country for years, yet little to nothing has been done about it. As universities continue to dance around abiding by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the need for accessibility grows bigger and bigger. No matter where you land on the disability spectrum, our guest today shows us that there is always more to be learned and understood about disability rights. We are joined by Resistbot user and activist Megan Lynch of UC Access for an in-depth conversation on the University of California’s consistent ignorance of including accessibility for all and the demandifesto that has come out of this situation.Our guests today:Megan LynchMentioned on the air:UC Access Now: University of California Must Be Accessible To All!Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter!Creators & Guests Megan Lynch - Guest Melanie Dione - Host Angel Barrera - Producer ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 We’re back botters! Although we’re in the season of being grateful, it can be easy to take our basic freedoms for granted.  When we look to the news about the recent rising aggression from China towards their own citizens and Taiwan, we can be reminded of the privileges we have while living in our democracy. This is a topic that many may have trouble approaching and connecting with, but our guest breaks it down for you for easy understanding! We are happy to be joined by Resist Bot OG Christine Lu for an international perspective on the China and Taiwan conflicts, the protests happening in China, and how you can do your part in these discussions. We close this episode by tying these topics back to the current protests happening in the states for rail workers’ rights. Stick around until the end to learn how you can use the bot to take action in these fights!Our guests today:Christine LuMentioned on the air:Railroad workers deserve fair pay and time off!Follow the thoughts of host Melanie Dione on her Twitter feed.Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 The midterms are finally here! Tuesday, November 8th is election day which means high voter turnout, long lines, and possible voter intimidation. With our democracy at risk, we’re here to keep you prepared for the polls! We’re joined by Ría Thompson-Washington to discuss your voter rights and how to secure your vote for this midterm election. It’s not too late to learn about how you can turn out voters with Resistbot's new vote drives!Our guests today:Ría Thompson-WashingtonMentioned on the air: The Redress Movement Text DRIVE to 50409 Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day across the country! Early voting has begun in many states, so this week we are revisiting some of the incredibly insightful conversations surrounding voting, bodily autonomy, housing insecurity, and issues you need to keep in mind when deciding how to vote. Stick around all the way to the end to learn about how you can turn out voters with your thumbs with Resistbot's new vote drives!Mentioned on the air: Rashida Peterson Kia Smith Diondra Elan Lauren Rouse Bianca Mack Debra Cleaver Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 When there are endless issues our country and loved ones face, you probably feel compelled to help and get involved. Don’t know where to start? Our guest this week has you covered! Activist, organizer, and Resistbot user Jess Craven chats with us about what keeps her motivated, the midterms, and personal experiences with her work.Our guests today:Jess CravenMentioned on the air: Chop Wood, Carry Water Pass the 21st Century Courts Act (H.R.7426 / S.4010) to hold SCOTUS accountable! POTUS don't reappoint Moak for an additional 1 year term on the USPS board! Pass S 736, the Assault Weapons Ban, NOW! Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Wednesday, October 12, 2022 is National Farmer’s Day. Historically, through chattel enslavement and sharecropping, agriculture in the United States has relied heavily on the labor of Black people.  However, as of November 2021, less than 1.4% of farmers identify as Black, and those numbers continue to dwindle. Listen in as Kaleb J. Hill of Oko Vue Produce Co. explains the challenges that come with keeping Black farming alive in this country, why he is passionate about continuing his family legacy, and how he uses food as activism in the battle against food insecurity in Louisiana.Our guests today:Kaleb J HillMentioned on the air:OkoVue Produce ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 This week we take a look at the Texas A&M chapter of Students for a Democratic Society. With a legacy built on white supremacy, Texas A&M University is one of the most beloved colleges in the US. Known for its traditions and cult-like indoctrinations, the university insists on keeping these years-old traditions alive while actively ignoring all of their harmful beginnings. Listen along as we are joined by Ellis Howard and Jyothis James from the Texas A&M chapter of Students for a Democratic Society to learn what they’re doing to dismantle the racist foundation of the university and the multiple challenges many marginalized students still face to this day.Our guests today: Ellis Howard Jyothis James Mentioned on the air: Students for a Democratic Society  Malayalees for Social Justice BCS_SDS Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Season 2 of Resistbot Live. This week we take a look at Day Without Us: National Teach In. Are you exhausted from your day-to day, pandemic worries, the housing crisis, economic insecurities, and having multiple systems fail us? Day Without Us is an invitation to abandon borders, boundaries, and binaries to build solidarity across the country. Listen along as we are joined by Leslie Mac, Tiffany Flowers, and Vilissa Thompson from Day Without Us to expand on what this movement is and how you can join in on the fun on September 30th!Our guests: Leslie Mac Tiffany Flowers Vilissa Thompson Mentioned on the air: Day Without Us The Frontline Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 28, where we discuss the fallout from the leaked SCOTUS draft opinion over the ongoing fight for abortion rights and reproductive justice. Listen along with our amazing guests Helmi Henkin, the abortion fund link fairy, and Robin Wilson-Beattie, a disability, sexual health, and reproductive educator. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Chapters (0:00) Intro (0:51) Melanie Introduces the Show (3:36) Conversation with Susan Stutz (5:16) The Draft (13:12) Lousiana Bill (19:18) Interview with Helmi Henkin and Robin Wilson-Beattie (20:56) Robin's upbringing and how she got started in her activism (24:23) How abortions differ for those with disabilities (30:59) How Helmi started her activism (33:09) How abortion bans have made Helmi's work harder (36:10) What abortions looked like for slaves and what we can learn from it (38:46) A message to liberals (45:04) Where to find Robin (45:47) How Helmi Got Her Nickname: The Abortion Fund Link Fairy (48:03) Abortion Funds Document List and donate4abortions.com (51:36) Petitions (53:57) Where to find Helmi (55:29) Monthly Donors (56:52) Closings Mentioned on the Air Codify Roe v. Wade Codify Roe v. Wade and expand SCOTUS now Day One of Writing Until Abortion is Protected by Law Susan’s Article: They belong to us Robin’s Herbalist Guide Helmi’s abortion fund website This Week's Panel Melanie Susan Helmi Henkin Robin Wilson-Beattie Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 27, where we discuss how democracy often finds itself in the crosshairs of authoritarianism, and look to Taiwan as an example. Listen along as we hear from our panelist, Christine Lu, and her personal experiences as a Taiwanese American as well as the history and current state of Taiwan and China and their citizens. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Chapters (0:00) Intro (0:56) Melanie Introduces the Show (2:13) Introducing the Panel (2:20) Susan Stutz (4:00) Christine Lu (4:53) Christine’s Background (12:41) What Working in China Was Like for Christine (17:03) China’s Awareness of Power (21:30) What Life Looks Like for Chinese students in America (25:03) The Lack of Freedom within American Borders and Extreme Consequences (30:44) Petitions (35:00) Panelists Closings (37:49)  Monthly Donors (38:25) Closings Mentioned on the Air Text RESIST to 50409 and create your own petition! Protect International Students in the US from Authoritarian Governments This Week's Panel Melanie Susan Christine Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 26 where we analyze the current attack on the unhoused being waged by New York, Tennesse, and other states in the union. Listen along as we discuss how the policies to combat homelessness further marginalize unhoused people and look at who is doing the amazing work to help these neighbors and how you can do the same! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Mentioned on the Air Text RESIST to 50409 and create your own petition! Fund Homelessness Prevention Shelter is a Human Right This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Susan Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show 2:20  Introducing the Panel 2:30 Athena Fulay 2:51 Susan Stutz 6:30 Homelessness in DC 9:54 Who makes up the unhoused population 12:32 Liberal areas and their relation to homelessness 15:23 Athena's spotlight organizations and how to help in your area! 22:22 Petitions 28:42 Houston's success with housing the unhoused 35:00 Panelist’s Closings 38:44  Monthly Donors 39:02 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 25 where we revisit the ongoing war in Ukraine and put a spotlight on a similar crisis happening in Tigray. Listen along as we discuss the harsh realities of what our Ukrainian and Tigrayan neighbors are facing, the dangers of misinformation, and how to support our neighbors in need with our panelists and special guest Vitali Dorosh. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Mentioned on the Air Text RESIST to 50409 and create your own petition! Protect Ukraine’s Skies Protect Ukraine Now More military and Humanitarian aid to Ukraine Collapsing Healthcare in Tigray: Urgent Actions Needed Re: Genocide Determination on Tigray This Week's Panel Melanie Susan Christine Vitali Dorosh Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show 2:16  Introducing the Panel 2:23 Susan Stutz 4:44 Christine Lu 8:02 Interview with Vitali Dorosh 17:07 How to Support our Ukraine Neighbors 17:28 Misinformation and the war 21:24 How the war is impacting supply chains 26:34 Open Letters and Petitions 29:20 Tigray Open Letters 31:17 Current state of China’s Covid Lockdown 34:43 Panelists Closings 36:34  Monthly Donors 36:57 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 24 where we take a look at the situation in Mason, Tennesse regarding the Ford motor company and the corrupt plans that are being planned for the town. Listen along as we look at how funding, company DE&I, and community within corporations are affecting working minorities today with Qiana Patterson. We also briefly discuss the first-ever Amazon union and its leader Chris Smalls! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Christine Qiana Patterson Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show 3:07 Introducing the Panel 3:14 Christine Lu 4:48 Athena Fulay 7:18 Interview with Qiana Patterson 14:15 What Indicates Proper DE&I? 20:19 The Relationship of Corporations and Community 30:42 Text RESIST to 50409 and create a petition! 35:40 First Amazon Union 38:11 The Importance and significance of Chris Smalls 43:26 Where to find Qiana 44:49 Panelists Closings 47:30 Monthly Donors 48:07 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 23 where we honor and recognize the powerful femme voices that run Resistbot and got it to where it is now! Listen along as we look back at some of the best moments on the podcast with our guests and very own Resistbot power-organizer Jessica Craven. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Related Petitions Confirm Lisa Cook and Biden's other Fed nominees NOW! Or, write your own: text FEDERAL to 50409 Mentioned on the Air Indigeneity in America What Happens When Your Coup Fails Voting Rights: What’s at Stake Protect Trans People Understanding Defunding The Police Common Sense and the Hallway Commute This Week's PanelMelanieChapters 0:00 Intro 0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show 4:30 Jaike Spotted Wolf - Indigeneity in America 11:27 Nee Nee Taylor - What Happens When Your Coup Fails 18:06  Debra Cleaver - Voting Rights: What’s at Stake 22:13 Diondra Elan - Protect Trans People 26:03 Ría Thompson-Washington - Understanding Defunding the Police 31:29 Vilissa Thompson - Common Sense and the Hallway Commute 35:38 Interview with Jessica Craven 52:08 Petitions 54:09 Monthly Donors 54:31 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 22, where we discuss the weight of student loan debts and how they affect marginalized groups and the youth in our country. Listen along as we have an open and relatable conversation with our panelists about student loans and tuition evolution over the decades and personal experiences surrounding them. This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!Related Petitions Continue Student Loan Repayment Freeze and Cancel Student Debt Cancel 50k in Student Loan Debt POTUS: Extend the Pause on Student Loan Debt POTUS: Cancel Student Loan Debt Now POTUS: Cancel 50k in Student Loan Debt Now Cancel Student Loan Debt Or, write your own: text FEDERAL to 50409 Mentioned on the Air The Crushing Weight Of The Mortar Board by Susan Stutz POTUS: Use Executive Orders to Close the "Boyfriend Loophole" Go Deeper on the Issue Here are the benefits of erasing $1.6 trillion, no strings attached. The jury's still out on that $1.6 trillion in student loan debt Whitehouse Introduces Bills to Grant Student Loan Forgiveness to Frontline Health Workers and Teachers Dems fret Biden's inaction on student debt will burn in midterms More than 60% of voters support some student loan debt forgiveness Student Loan Debt is a Gender Issue Deeper in Debt: Women & Student Loans This Week’s Panel Melanie Athena Susan Christine Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:56 Melanie Introduces the Show 2:05 Introducing the Panel 2:07 Athena Fulay 2:45 Susan Stutz 3:05 Christine Lu 4:36 Student Loan Debt Over The Years 7:25 Student Loan Debt and Women 10:08 Tuition: Past vs. Present 18:37 Student Loan Forgiveness 21:28 Pell Grants 25:27 Petitions and Student Loans 30:15 Eyes on This! Panelist’s Petitions 37:42 Panelists Closings 40:11 Monthly Donors 40:28 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. You can find her on Twitter here if you need a show edited! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 21, where we have a critical conversation with our panel about the current threats and hardships trans people face in our country. Learn more about the dangers to our trans youth, listen to personal experiences, and learn how to support our trans neighbors. Resistbot encourages you to research what's happening in your state capitol on this and any other issue. Use your voice, or others will speak for you! This podcast is broadcast live every Sunday on Youtube; please subscribe!In the News Transgender girls and women are now barred from female sports in Iowa Idaho lawmakers seek to punish parents who take trans youth to other states for health care Transgender Texas kids are terrified after governor orders that parents be investigated for child abuse 13 trans models strut against Arkansas' anti-trans laws Florida House passes 'Don't Say Gay' bill More than 150 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced so far this year How You Can Help To Write Love on Her Arms Freedom for All Americans Equitable Giving Circle Anti-LGBTQ Legislative Tracker Related Petitions Protect Texas Youth: Denounce Abbott's Directive Protect Texan Families, Children, and Medical Professionals Protect Trans Children or write your own, text STATE to 50409 This Week's Panel Melanie Susan Jason Diondra Elan Andrea Segovia Lauren Rouse Bianca Mack Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:52 Melanie Introduces the show 2:42 Introducing the Panel 2:48 Susan Stutz 3:31 Jason Putorti 4:29 Diondra Elan  5:13 Lauren Rouse  6:14 Bianca Mack  16:37 Interview with Andrea Segovia from TENT 30:44 Where to Find and Support TENT 43:23 Petitions 46:18 Panelist Closings 46:39 Where to Find Lauren Rouse 47:22 Where to Find Bianca Mack 49:22 Where to Find Diondra Elan 52:12 Donor Appreciation 52:59 Closings Episode edited by Angel Barrera. You can find her on Twitter here if you need a show edited! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 20 where we discuss purged voter rolls and which states are at the leading edge of disenfranchising voters. Listen along as we look back on the recent Texas primary election, share helpful voting resources, and inform listeners about Resistbot. Resistbot launched on March 8, 2017, and now celebrates five years of connecting constituents with electeds.Related PetitionsPass The Freedom To Vote: John R. Lewis Act Now!This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Christine Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm Twitch YouTube Twitter Facebook Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:52 Melanie Introduces the show 2:02 Introducing the Panel 2:10 Athena Fulay 3:18 Christine Lu 3:54 Aftermath of the Texas Primary 5:54 Purging and Which States are Vulnerable 17:19 Voter Resources 18:15 Happy Anniversary Resistbot! 18:23 What is Resistbot 19:17 Useful Resistbot Functions 22:58 Petitions 27:43 More at Resistbot 36:34 Panelists Closings 39:51 Monthly Donors 40:30 Closing Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 19 where we discuss the major breaking news between February 20-27, 2022. Listen along as we have an open conversation with our panelists about what we do and do not know about these major hot topics including Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Texas Anti-Trans Directives, and Russia invading Ukraine.Related Petitions Confirm Judge Jackson  Protect Texas Youth: Denounce Abbott’s Directive  More Sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine Swift Action in Ukraine Seize Assets of Russian Oligarchs Now This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Christine Susan Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm Twitch YouTube Twitter Facebook Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:51 Melanie Introduces the Show 2:23 Introducing the Panel 2:33 Athena Fulay 3:51 Christine Lu 5:27 Susan Stutz 6:26 Judge Ketanji Brown Jackon Nomination 16:09 Texas Anti-Trans Directive 17:02 Petition for Judge Jackson 27:42 Russia Invades Ukraine 44:56 Ukraine Petitions 47:06 Texas Petitions 47:57 Panelists Closings 50:15 Monthly Donors 50:41 Closings ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 18 where we continue the conversation from last week’s about defining the police, by discussing Prison Abolition! Listen along as we tackle why prison abolition is a necessary goal for our future with returning guest Ría Thompson-Washingon, an all-around expert, activist, abolitionist, and co-chair of The United People of Color Caucus for the National Lawyers Guild. Mentioned on the AirSummer Thunder Part 1: The History of Policing in AmericaRelated Petitions Defund Police, Fund Communities  Defund and Demilitarize the Police The BREATHE Act This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Susan Ría Thompson-Washington Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm Twitch YouTube Twitter Facebook Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 17 where we thoroughly explain one of the most misunderstood concepts: defunding the police! Listen along as we break down what defunding the police really means and what that could look like with this week’s guest Ría Thompson-Washington, an all-around expert, activist, abolitionist, and co-chair of The United People of Color Caucus for the National Lawyers Guild. Mentioned on the Air Summer Thunder Part 1: The History of Policing in America Summer Thunder Part 3: A Better Way Police Scorecard 7 myths about ‘defunding the police’ debunked” We Should Still Defund the Police Related Petitions Defund Police, Fund Communities  Defund and Demilitarize the Police This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Ría Thompson-Washington Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm Twitch YouTube Twitter Facebook Episode edited by Angel Barrera. If you need a show edited, you can find her on Twitter here! ★ Support this podcast ★