Making Contact
777 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratingsMedia that helps build a movement: Making Contact is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program heard on 150 radio stations.
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Episodes
Christian Parenti: Unstable Climate, Unstable People
August 17, 2011 19:56 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBJournalist Christian Parenti speaks about his new book, Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change and the New Geography of Violence. He connects the effects of climate change to the increasing number of civil wars, ethnic violence, criminality and failed states in Kenya, Brazil and India, among others.
Not My Zion: American Jews Divided on Israel and Palestine
August 15, 2011 03:16 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBThe American consensus on Israel and Palestine is breaking down. And Jewish Americans are playing a major role. But it’s not easy. On this edition, a Jewish American community divided. More and more members of the tribe are breaking a long-standing taboo, and voicing criticism of the Israel government.
Being Black and Green: African-Americans & the Environment
August 08, 2011 03:32 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MBAfrican-Americans are helping to lead the environmental movement. We take you to a resettlement community in North Carolina, sustainable farms in Wisconsin and a local bike ride in California, where local black leaders are changing the color of environmentalism.
Remixing Revolution: Art, Music and Politics
July 30, 2011 06:46 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBArt and music have long contributed to society and our way of life. But in these dire financial times, it’s not always a priority in our schools. On this edition, we bring you the voices of artists speaking on the importance of arts, music and politics.
The Wisconsin Workers Uprising (Part 2)
July 17, 2011 22:58 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBWas the occupation of the state capital in Madison, Wisconsin a resurgence of organized labor in the United States, or the last gasp for unionized workers, as they face continual erosion of their rights? This week, we hear Part 2 of a retrospective documentary on the 2011 Wisconsin uprising, produced by Workers Independent News.
The Wisconsin Workers Uprising (Part 1)
July 17, 2011 22:55 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBWas the occupation of the state capital in Madison, Wisconsin a resurgence of organized labor in the United States, or the last gasp for unionized workers, as they face continual erosion of their rights? This week, we hear Part 1 of a retrospective documentary on the 2011 Wisconsin uprising, produced by Workers Independent News.
Women Rising XXI: Women’s Rights to Water, Land, and Farming
July 11, 2011 23:56 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAs part of our “Women Rising” series, we profile a dynamic partnership between the Women’s Earth Alliance and the Global Women’s Water Initiative: working on women’s rights to water, land, farming and basic human dignity.
Climate Change Gridlock: Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 2)
July 04, 2011 17:01 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBGlobal warming is no longer a fear for the future. It’s threatening human civilization, now. Part 2 of a special 2 part series produced by Brian Edwards Tiekert…on climate change that is happening, the political response that isn't, and the people trying to break the gridlock.
Climate Change Gridlock: Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1)
June 28, 2011 15:35 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBGlobal warming is no longer a fear for the future. It’s threatening human civilization, now. Part 1 of a special 2 part series produced by Brian Edwards Tiekert…on climate change that is happening, the political response that isn't, and the people trying to break the gridlock.
Marching for Change: Street Bands in the U.S. (encore)
June 20, 2011 19:55 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBIn the past decade, more and more political marching bands have been invigorating social movements. In some cases, they're the protest themselves. On this edition, we look at how musicians are stirring up public spaces; from the streets, to supermarkets to your Facebook feed.
Re-Humanizing Immigrants: Reflections by Maria Hinojosa
June 13, 2011 01:54 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBDespite President Obama’s promise to change America’s broken immigration system, the dehumanization and detention of immigrants continues to rise. On this edition, Mexican-American journalist Maria Hinojosa speaks about the United States’ loss of humanity’ in dealing with immigrants and immigration.
Chris Hedges on the Myth of Human progress
June 07, 2011 18:58 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBRenowned author Chris Hedges paints a bleak picture of our world today, in rapid economic, environmental, and religious decline-but we still have a chance to turn things around. On this edition, Hedges speaks about his new book, The World as it is: Dispatches on the Myth of Human Progress.
Seeking Justice and Police Accountability in Jamaica
May 31, 2011 22:13 - 29 minutes - 53.1 MBJamaica has a long history of police violence and corruption. In May 2010 a government crackdown left 73 people dead and a city in chaos. The majority of those victims are presumed innocent and their loved ones continue to seek justice.
COINTELPRO 101 (Part 2)
May 23, 2011 20:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBCointelPro, the secret FBI project to infiltrate and disrupt domestic organizations thought to be “subversive.”, targeted many African American, Native American, and other movements for self-determination by people of color in the U.S. Between 1956 and 1971, the FBI conducted more than 2,000 COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) operations. Over the next two weeks, we’ll broadcast the documentary film “COINTELPRO 101.” Today we hear the second half of the film, produced by the Freedom...
COINTELPRO 101 (Part 1)
May 18, 2011 00:44 - 29 minutes - 26.5 MBCOINTELPRO, the secret FBI project to infiltrate and disrupt domestic organizations thought to be 'subversive,' targeted many African-American, Native-American, and other movements for self-determination by people of color in the US. Between 1956 and 1971, the FBI conducted more than 2,000 COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) operations. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be broadcasting the documentary film “COINTELPRO 101.” Today we hear the first half of the film, produced by the Free...
Breaking the Psychological Chains of Slavery (Correct version)
May 09, 2011 19:02 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAfrican-Americans have endured more than 246 years of slavery, 100 years of racism and segregation. The trauma from that experience continues to impact African-Americans and society today. Dr. Joy DeGruy presents a discussion on post traumatic slave syndrome.
Whose Newsroom is This? The US Media and Race
May 03, 2011 22:42 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBRacism in the American media goes back even further than the founding of the US. Now, media consolidation and shrinking news budgets are threatening to make things even worse. On this edition, a discussion on Race and the American Media, from the 2011 National Conference on Media Reform, featuring Democracy Now’s Juan Gonzalez, Rinku Sen from the Applied Research Center, and the first woman of color to anchor a major network news show, Carole Simpson. Special thanks to Free Press.
The Costs of War: A Reflection on Eight Years in Iraq
April 26, 2011 22:14 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAlmost 4,500 American soldiers and more than 100,000 Iraqis have died since the start of the “Shock and Awe” campaign. Eight years later, we assess the consequences of the war in Iraq through an audio documentary, “The Cost of War: A Reflection on Eight Years in Iraq,” produced by KALW News.
Cornel West, Paul Mason and Laura Flanders on Redefining Solidarity
April 19, 2011 17:07 - 29 minutes - 146 MB application/octet-streamSolidarity has long been used as an organizing tool, but it is shifting radically amidst a new political landscape and new technologies. Left Forum’s ‘Towards a Politics of Solidarity’ conference explores this in depth and discusses its impact today.
Redrawing Lines of Power: Redistricting 2011
April 12, 2011 21:52 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB2011 marks the year for redistricting – the once-in-a-decade process to draw boundaries that determine your elected officials from local school boards to state and congressional representatives. On this edition, we examine the U.S. redistricting system and some of its pitfalls.
Redrawing Lines of Power: Redistricting 2011 (for STATIONS)
April 12, 2011 21:49 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB2011 marks the year for redistricting – the once-in-a-decade process to draw boundaries that determine your elected officials from local school boards to state and congressional representatives. On this edition, we examine the U.S. redistricting system and some of its pitfalls.
The Light Inside: Giving Birth Behind Bars
April 05, 2011 19:20 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBA look at pregnancy, and motherhood, inside US jails and prisons. What does the huge number of incarcerated women in prison foretell for the next generation of America’s kids?
The Light Inside: Giving Birth Behind Bars STATIONS
April 05, 2011 19:12 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBA look at pregnancy, and motherhood, inside US jails and prisons. What does the huge number of incarcerated women in prison foretell for the next generation of America’s kids?
Broken, Not Broke: The Economy According to Richard Wolff (for stations)
March 30, 2011 00:18 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAn exclusive interview with economist Richard Wolff, who explains how failed ‘trickle down economics’ theories are being recycled under a different name. Can the working and middle classes withstand the newest round of cuts to vital services, and how can the trend be reversed?
Presumed Guilty: American Muslims and Arabs
March 23, 2011 00:03 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBAmerican Arabs and Muslims are under the microscope, and the effect on those communities has been devastating. On this edition, we’ll hear stories about the past 10 years of America’s homeland war on Muslims and Arabs, and about racial profiling during previous war times.
Presumed Guilty: American Muslims and Arabs (for stations)
March 22, 2011 23:44 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAmerican Arabs and Muslims are under the microscope, and the effect on those communities has been devastating. On this edition, we’ll hear stories about the past 10 years of America’s homeland war on Muslims and Arabs, and about racial profiling during previous war times.
Egyptian Women on the Frontlines of Change
March 15, 2011 22:16 - 27.3 MBYouth and their use of social media have been cited as leading factors for Egypt’s “January 25th” revolution. But women also came out in force to protest Hosni Mubarak’s 30 years of dictatorial power. On this edition, we look at the role women played in the 2011 revolution– and in Egypt’s history.
Egyptian Women on the Frontlines of Change (for stations)
March 15, 2011 20:22 - 29 minutes - 26.5 MBYouth and their use of social media have been cited as leading factors for Egypt’s “January 25th” revolution. But women also came out in force to protest Hosni Mubarak’s 30 years of dictatorial power. On this edition, we look at the role women played in the 2011 revolution-- and in Egypt’s history.
Still 'Fracking': The Perils of Natural Gas Drilling
March 09, 2011 01:11 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week, we revisit a recent show about a natural gas drilling method called "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking." We'll hear excerpts from the oscar-nominated documentary "Gasland." We'll also hear from people from Pennsylvania to the mountains of Colorado who are trying to prevent the toxic fallout from 'fracking' before it starts.
Still "Fracking": The Perils of Natural Gas Drilling (for stations)
March 09, 2011 01:09 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBThis week, we revisit a recent show about a natural gas drilling method called "hydraulic fracturing" or "fracking." We'll hear excerpts from the oscar-nominated documentary "Gasland." We'll also hear from people from Pennsylvania to the mountains of Colorado who are trying to prevent the toxic fallout from 'fracking' before it starts.
Mad Journeys Into Mental Health (for stations)
March 02, 2011 04:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAbout one in four adults in the United States suffers from a “diagnosable mental disorder” in any given year, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. But some Americans don’t find it useful to label their psychological experiences as ‘disorders.’ On this edition, we hear from people who say they have ‘dangerous gifts.’ They tell us about their experience with mainstream mental health care, and how they say they are navigating the space between brilliance and madness. We also...
Mad Journeys Into Mental Health
March 01, 2011 21:13 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBAbout one in four adults in the United States suffers from a “diagnosable mental disorder” in a given year – that’s according to the National Institute for Mental Health. But some Americans don’t find it useful to label their psychological experiences as ‘disorders.’ On this edition, we hear about alternative models for mental health care.
Wikileaks, Free Speech & the Future of the Internet
February 22, 2011 04:47 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBThe controversy over WikiLeaks has deep implications for the future of free speech in the Internet era. Beyond journalistic and national security issues that stem from the website, other concerns need to be considered as well. On this edition, we take you to a panel discussion focused on the importance of WikiLeaks within a legal, business and technology framework. Does the public have the right to know the secrets of its government? Should private companies keep commercial interests ahead o...
Michelle Alexander on the New Jim Crow
February 15, 2011 21:29 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBProfessor Michelle Alexander, author of ‘The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness’ makes the case that the US’ criminal justice system policies can be traced directly back to slavery. The target then, and now, are African Americans.
A Second Wind: Elders Act for Justice
February 08, 2011 21:06 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBMany retirees enjoy the rest and relaxation that eluded them during their working years. But for some, retirement means opportunities to affect change in their communities. We profile three elders who became activists in the second half of their lives.
Changing the Climate on Climate Change
February 02, 2011 00:35 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWith the UN’s climate negotiations faltering, indigenous and other grassroots community groups are re-strategizing. We’ll hear voices from the streets of Cancun, and a look at where the world might turn for answers to a perilous problem.
The Toxic Truth About Nail Salons
January 26, 2011 15:35 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBIf you’ve ever stepped into a nail salon, you know the smell of a chemical cocktail that hits you like an invisible wall. While consumers may tolerate it during a short visit, the nail salon workers find themselves stewing in a toxic bubble for years. On this edition, we take a look at the health impacts of chemical exposure, the shoddy regulation of cosmetics, and the movement towards greener nail salons.
Sex, Lies, and the Classroom
January 18, 2011 03:36 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe 1973 Roe versus Wade decision was hailed as a victory by many advocates of a woman’s right to choose. But decades later, many young people still lack the resources to make informed choices about sex – choices that could affect the rest of their lives. On this edition, we bring you a discussion about sex education in schools, federal funding for sex-ed and how advocacy groups and parents are making their voices heard on the issue.
Avoiding A New Korean War
January 11, 2011 06:28 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBWhile the Korean War ended in 1953 with a temporary armistice, a formal peace treaty was never signed. The United States is still technically at war with North Korea, and tensions between the two countries remain high. Many view North Korea as a strange and rogue country that threatens U.S. security. But others argue that North Korea’s actions have legitimate basis and that historical context is critical to understanding the issues. On this edition, we look at Korea’s past conflicts a...
Beyond Gay Marriage (Encore)
January 04, 2011 03:46 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBFor many people in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, the struggle to legalize gay marriage across the U.S. remains the priority political battle. But others in the LGBT community disagree. They question whether gay marriage should be the central issue of their movement.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: 2010 Year in Review
December 28, 2010 08:33 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe earthquake in Haiti. The BP oil spill. A crumbling US economy and educational system. And domestic workers in New York receive a historic bill of rights. We look back at some stories we brought you in 2010, and look ahead to 2011.
How We Survive: The Currency of Giving [encore]
December 21, 2010 23:39 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWe look at how people are meeting each others' needs, without charity, or even exchanging a dollar.
Standing Up to Big Oil
December 13, 2010 08:44 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBFrom courtroom battles to government regulation, we take a look at how citizen groups around the world are holding oil companies accountable for environmental contamination and human rights abuses.
How Homelessness Became A Crime
December 06, 2010 02:45 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBSo-called ‘quality of life’ policing may temporarily decrease crime, but it has harsh consequences for innocent people caught up in the frenzy of arrests. If it’s illegal to be on a city’s sidewalks, parks and plazas, where else can people go?
Facing Race in the Tea Party Era
November 26, 2010 05:51 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBWe re-examine the question of race - how far we've progressed, where we still need to go, and how to get there. We take you to the Facing Race conference in Chicago, for an in-depth discussion by prominent racial and social justice organizers.
47-10 How We Survive: The Recession Generation
November 24, 2010 01:13 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBIf you’re a young person looking for a job, it looks pretty dismal out there, and it may not brighten up anytime soon. On this edition of How We Survive, we look at how the economy is hitting the “millennial generation.”
46-10 Arizona's SB-1070: The Battle For Immigrant Rights
November 16, 2010 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBArizona’s SB 1070 put immigration enforcement in the national spotlight. On this edition, we look at the controversial law – its effects In Arizona and across the country, and how it has motivated immigrant communities to become politically active.
45-10 The Price of Nature: Buying Our Way Out of Climate Chaos?
November 09, 2010 00:42 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBAt the 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico, discussion will center on market based solutions. On this edition, a roundtable discussion about alternative ways to both understand, and solve the climate crisis. Must it be done through economics?
44-10 The Presumption of Guilt: Charles Ogletree on the Arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr.
November 02, 2010 22:39 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBHarvard professor Ogletree speaks about his book, The Presumption of Guilt: The Arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Race, Class and Crime in America.
43-10 The New Face of Military Recruiting
October 26, 2010 07:41 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBStretched by fighting two wars, the US military has stepped up efforts to recruit teenagers and young adults. Guest host Anna Sussman hosts a roundtable discussion about the new face of military recruiting, and counter-recruiting efforts taking place.