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Making Contact

777 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratings

Media 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

I Am Because I Am: The Expansion of Gender Identity

June 06, 2019 14:18 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

I Am Because I Am, explores the expansion of gender identity and presumed roles in our society. A look beyond the socially constructed ideas of what is male, female, masculine or feminine. Especially considering Trump’s administration attempts to redefine gender to be solely based on a person’s genitalia at birth. Thus potentially threatening Transgender, Intersex and Non-Binary Identity.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Rebecca Gordon on Torture

May 29, 2019 16:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

We think of enhanced interrogation as being a new invention - a kind of torture in use only since 9/11. But Rebecca Gordon disagrees. In this episode she joins us to talk about the United State's long history of using torture domestically and abroad, and its connection to power and race.

American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs

May 22, 2019 22:03 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this episode, we honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist Grace Lee Boggs through the lens of the documentary film, AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY: THE EVOLUTION OF GRACE LEE BOGGS. Produced and directed by Grace Lee. 

Disability: Our Culture Ourselves

May 15, 2019 23:39 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

People with disabilities or disabled people?   “Disability: Our Culture Ourselves”— in this episode we discuss disability, culture and identity from the perspective of disability communities themselves.  

The End of Time: Aging in America

May 08, 2019 21:50 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this episode we explore racial disparities in end-of-life care: How mistrust keeps many African Americans away from hospice. And later we examine particular challenges and cultural barriers faced by Asians and Latinos at the end of life. 

70 Million: In Miami, Jailing Fewer, Treating More

April 17, 2019 17:41 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Jails in Miami-Dade County double as de facto mental health facilities. But Miami-Dade’s Criminal Mental Health Project has become a national model for negotiating the interplay between mental illness and criminal justice.

Wealth Inequity and Universal Basic Income

April 11, 2019 13:15 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

President Donald Trump’s tax plan may exacerbate wealth inequity in the US. Chuck Collins, Director of the Program on Inequality at the Institute for Policy Studies addresses the complex history of the wealth gap. Also, producers from the Upstream podcast ask: is it time for Universal Basic Income?

Reckonings with Lewis Wallace

April 03, 2019 20:31 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Lewis Wallace was a reporter at Marketplace. You may have heard his voice on the Marketplace Morning Report with David Brancaccio. That was until he publicly questioned the role of objectivity in a Medium post. We need to let go of idea that objectivity is dying. A more useful framework is that objectivity is a mythology that we're urgently debunking to figure out what can stand in its place. That doesn't lessen our pursuit of truth, it just reveals the complexity that was always there, w...

The Non-Violent Path of Cesar Chavez

March 27, 2019 16:46 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Cesar Chavez has made it to the big screen. Millions of people are now learning about the legendary farmworker organizer. But where did Chavez get his organizing philosophies? This week, Paul Ingles and Carol Boss of Peacetalks radio take us down The Non-Violent path of Cesar Chavez , through conversations with Chavez colleague and friend Dolores Huerta, and Jose Antonio Orozco, author of the book, Cesar Chavez and the Common Sense of Nonviolence.  

Choice, Church and State: Poland, Ireland, the USA : Women Rising 37

March 20, 2019 20:41 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Abortion and reproductive rights for women are being fought over across the globe. Women Rising Radio visits with key organizers of the Polish Women’s Strike and the Irish Together for Yes campaign, both successful efforts to give women more control over our bodies, our health and our family planning.  Women Rising Radio also profiles Catholics for Choice and the Latina Institute for Reproductive Health in the USA.

Protecting People and Water in Mexico City

March 13, 2019 18:33 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Fresh water is one of our most precious natural resources. This week contributor Maria Doerr looks at what's being done to protect the watersheds of Mexico City-- natural water systems that provide water to one of the largest metropolises in the world.

Legacy of Mistreatment

March 06, 2019 16:19 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

African American students across the country are much more likely than any other student group to be placed in special education. This week, we hear what is and isn’t working for black students with special needs today.

70 Million: How New Orleans Could Set a New Course for Bail Reform

February 27, 2019 18:50 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

New Orleans could become the battleground for bail reform. The city has one of the highest per capita incarceration rates in the world. And most people are there because they can’t pay their bail. The current arrangement with the local bail industry gives the impression that judges there could have a financial conflict of interest when setting bail. In this episode, Sonia Paul digs into how an ongoing lawsuit, pretrial consequences of bail, and poverty, bias, and algorithms come into play.

I Am Not Your Negro (ENCORE)

February 20, 2019 15:45 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, Remember This House. The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and flood of rich archival material. I Am Not Your Negro is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black  representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deep...

Afrofuturism: Imagination and Humanity, Ytasha Womack

February 13, 2019 21:15 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

According to Ytasha Womack, use of the imagination for self-development and social change is one of the greatest tenets of Afrofuturism. This show features Womack’s presentation at the 2017 Sonic Acts Festival, Afrofuturism: Imagination and Humanity.

Spare the Kids, Dr. Stacey Patton

February 06, 2019 23:04 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

We speak with author Dr. Stacey Patton about her book, Spare the Kids: Why Whupping Won't Save Black America. The book examines the unique cultural and historical specificity of corporal punishment in Black communities. Given the prevalence and acceptance of spanking in American culture, the discussions will be useful to a wide and diverse audience.

The Future of Abolition: Marc Lamont Hill, Michelle Alexander and Vonya Quarles

January 30, 2019 21:50 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

Michelle Alexander, Mark Lamont Hill and Vonya Quarles discuss the modern prison abolition movement, what's changed in the past ten years, and the rise of the 'open air prison.'

The Far Right and Antifa (Encore)

January 23, 2019 21:23 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

This episode explores the past and present of the far right and anti-fascism. We begin with the murder investigation of anti-fascist rapper, Pavlos Fyssas. In the second half, author Mark Bray describes antifa responses to Hitler and Mussolini.

Abortion Beyond Clinics Pt. 1: Call Jane

January 16, 2019 22:49 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

In a special 2 part program by Making Contact we explore new safe at-home abortion options and the growing movement for "self-managed abortions.”

70 Million: Undocumented Immigrants are Tethered to ICE & Private Companies

January 09, 2019 19:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

A handful of companies are making millions off of ankle monitors strapped to undocumented immigrants in ICE custody.  The makers pitch the monitors as an alternative to being jailed, but are they simply another form of bondage? 

Uprooting Racism ENCORE

January 02, 2019 22:40 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

On this edition of Making Contact, we speak with author Paul Kivel about his book, Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. This book offers a framework for understanding institutional racism. It provides practical suggestions, tools, examples, and advice on how white people can intervene in interpersonal and organizational situations to work as allies for racial justice.

Fallen Heroes of 2018

December 21, 2018 23:41 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

There were thousands of organizers, activists and local social justice leaders around the world who died in 2018. As we do every December, we bring you some of the voices and stories of our Fallen Heroes.

In the Shadow of the Volcano: Guatemala’s Unequal Disaster

December 18, 2018 20:06 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

Thousands of Guatemalans are recovering from the eruption of a volcano called Fuego - Spanish for "fire" - which took place in the summer of 2018. In this report, our correspondent Maria Martin looks back at the disaster - which some people are calling the worst natural disaster to ever strike Guatemala.

Michael Eric Dyson on Trump Truth and Race

December 11, 2018 18:29 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

America’s unwillingness to assess the ugly truth about systemic inequality has created a perpetual sinkhole of denial. A reality that existed long before Trump’s presidency. It’s AMERICA’s Legacy. On this edition, we hear from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, professor of Sociology at Georgetown University. Dr. Dyson recently penned, “What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America.” Today’s conversation with Professor Dyson explores race and truth ...

70 Million - Reform Activists and a New DA Find Common Ground

December 05, 2018 16:47 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

70 Million reporter, Ruxandra Guidi, chronicles how activists and reformers are succeeding in cutting the jail population, diverting drug arrests, and increasing accountability for local police in Harris County, Texas.

I Am Because I Am: The Expansion of Gender Identity

November 28, 2018 21:55 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

I Am Because I Am, explores the expansion of gender identity and presumed roles in our society. A look beyond the socially constructed ideas of what is male, female, masculine or feminine. Especially considering Trump’s administration attempts to redefine gender to be solely based on a person’s genitalia at birth. Thus potentially threatening Transgender, Intersex and Non-Binary Identity.

The Response: Uneven Burns

November 20, 2018 20:34 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

On this episode, we look at the 2017 Tubbs Fire in California, and how it impacted the undocumented community. In the face of ICE raids, labor violations, a housing crisis, and wildfires, the broader community is standing in solidarity with those who are forced into the shadows. California’s drought has led to an unprecedented number of wildfires that burn hotter, faster, and ever more acreage. Governor Jerry Brown says, “Since civilization emerged 10,000 years ago, we haven’t had this kin...

Climate Uprising: Indigenous Women at the Global Climate Action Summit

November 14, 2018 15:09 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Indigenous Women made their voices heard during California Governor Jerry Brown’s Global Climate Action Summit. They rejected Brown’s support for market driven schemes and shared their vision for climate solutions at protests and at a special Women’s Assembly, organized by the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network.

The Response: Restoring Power in Puerto Rico

November 07, 2018 17:50 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we'll hear how one community kitchen grew into an island-wide network of mutual aid centers with the aim of restoring power — electric and civic — to the Puerto Rican people.

The X Factor in the Midterms

October 30, 2018 22:19 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

While some Americans are mentally focused on the 2020 presidential election, all eyes seem to be on the rapidly approaching midterm election.  With both Democrats and Republicans vying for control of the House and Senate, the majority party will have the advantage to pass their legislative agendas – producing outcomes that could hugely impact the future of Trump’s presidency. 

Fossil Refusal: Local Models not Global Markets

October 24, 2018 17:57 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Despite the difficult picture painted by the news, there is hope for our planet. We cover several fights against refineries and market based solutions to global warming. And, we look at one promising solution – the combination of community owned energy and microgrids.

Your Home, Your Right… or My Business?

October 17, 2018 18:50 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

The stage is set for a battle between two worldviews. Is housing a human right, or a commodity? And where on that continuum is California’s common ground? This week, we look at the fight over rent control, and police policies that affect the homeless.

Reproductive Justice from El Salvador to the U.S.

October 10, 2018 18:23 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

This week, we hear from a woman who went to prison under El Salvador’s current abortion laws— some of the strictest in the world. And, one reproductive justice organization considers the future of reproductive health access under the US Supreme Court.

The Response: Occupy Sandy

October 03, 2018 12:38 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

This week, we explore the remarkable communities that arise in the aftermath of natural disasters; namely, Hurricane Sandy, and its impact on the Rockaway Peninsula.

10 Years After the Crash: Recovery Not for All

September 26, 2018 16:02 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

This month is the ten year anniversary of the stock market crash of 2018. Nomi Prins talks about her new book, “Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World.” And, Julianne Malveaux explains how the crash has continued to devastate people of color, especially black people.

Climate Change & Sacrifice Zones (Encore)

September 19, 2018 22:59 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

On this encore edition of Making Contact, we present the first in a two-part series on the pressure to transform a region of iconic landscapes and environmental stewardship into a global center for shipping fossil fuels.

70 Million: Locals Divided Between Diversion and Border Security

September 12, 2018 13:52 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

Criminal justice reform can be complicated. Formerly incarcerated people and officials in Pima County are teaming up to send fewer people to jail. Meanwhile a federal program at the border is sending people to jail over traffic violations and minor drug offenses. 

About Last Night: How HBCU Students are Addressing Sexual Assault on Campus

September 05, 2018 14:26 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

#DishonorRoll Students at several prominent historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), have demanded that school administrators address sexual assault more vigorously. Last year, student protests at Morehouse College, Spelman College, Hampton University, and Howard University focused on inadequacies in the way sexual assault and rape cases are handled.

No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America

August 28, 2018 20:15 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Darnell Moore the author of No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America.  A story of beauty and hope-and an honest reckoning with family, with place and with what is it means to be free. His talk focuses on his memoir, No Ashes in the Fire.

The Struggle Inside: The Murder of George Jackson

August 16, 2018 16:14 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

On this edition of Making Contact we present, The Struggle Inside: The Murder of George Jackson, a program about the modern anti-prison movement.

Parenting From Prison, Inside Out

August 09, 2018 19:06 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

When one or both parents are incarcerated the family is also incarcerated and are adversely affected in profound ways that exacerbate existing structural inequalities and struggles. Programs for inmates and families like FamilyWorks and the Storybook Program, encourage rebuilding and maintaining relationships despite being separated by prison.

Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice

August 01, 2018 22:07 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

On this edition of Making Contact, we speak with author Paul Kivel about his book, Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. This book offers a framework for understanding institutional racism. It provides practical suggestions, tools, examples, and advice on how white people can intervene in interpersonal and organizational situations to work as allies for racial justice.

Caring Relationships: Negotiating Meaning and Maintaining Dignity (Encore)

July 25, 2018 19:51 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Whether you’re a paid home care provider, or rely on personal assistance to meet your daily needs, or a family member caring for a loved one, the nature of the working relationship depends on mutual respect and dignity. During this week’s anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we’ll revisit the dynamic and complex relationship of care receiving and giving.

The Arrival: Trump's Travel and Refugee Ban

July 18, 2018 21:35 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

On this edition of Making Contact, after the  US Supreme Court's ruling on Trump’s travel ban, we’ll discuss how the new order impacts people from affected, Muslim-majority countries. We also talk about what's different about the new ban and how to fight it.  We begin with the story of a woman who was in flight to the US when President Trump signed his first travel ban.

Patrisse Khan-Cullors, “When They Call You A Terrorist” (Encore)

July 12, 2018 11:52 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

This week is the five year anniversary of Black lives matter. Patrisse Khan-Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter shares her reflections on humanity, the end of policing and her new book, WHEN THEY CALL YOU A TERRORIST: A Black Lives Matter Memoir.

Afrofuturism: 3 Women You Need to Know

July 05, 2018 21:45 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Afrofuturism is a growing genre-movement that spans literature, art, music, and film. It provides radical alternatives to dominant Western narratives by drawing on traditions from Africa and the diaspora.

Your Home, Your Right… or My Business?

June 20, 2018 23:08 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

The stage is set for a battle between two world-views. Is housing a human right, or a commodity? And where on that continuum is California’s common ground? This week, we look at the fight over rent control, and police policies that affect the homeless.

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

June 13, 2018 17:25 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools is an examination of the experiences of black girls across the country whose intricate lives are misunderstood, highly judged "by teachers, administrators, and the justice system" and degraded by the very institutions charged with helping them flourish.

The Cost of Deportations

June 06, 2018 21:15 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

This week, Making Contact looks at The Cost of Deportations through the lens of one Central American nation that sends migrants north— Guatemala. Will Guatemala and the other countries these migrants left be prepared for an influx of returnees?

Finding Home: Displacement and Homelessness from Cape Town to California (Encore)

May 30, 2018 20:24 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

On this edition of Making Contact we go from Cape Town, South Africa to Los Angeles and Oakland, California— three cities grappling with evictions, displacement, and homelessness. 

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David Suzuki
1 Episode

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