The Resistbot Podcast artwork

The Resistbot Podcast

44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

Season 2 of The Resistbot Podcast, hosted by Melanie Dione, features a different interview every week with an organizer working to create change in their community. We aim to elevate voices without a large platform, focusing on their stories. Our pod is brought to you by the same volunteers behind the Resistbot (https://resist.bot) chatbot that's driven over 30 million pieces of correspondence to elected officials since 2017. If you haven't given it a try, pull out your phone and text the word "resist" to the number 50409 to get started. You can text officials from your Mayor to the President, check your voter registration, start your own campaigns, and much more!

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Episodes

Culture and Current Events

April 18, 2023 16:00 - 33 minutes - 21 MB

The war against critical race theory is a hot issue that people want to bury out of shame and guilt which unfortunately has been done already in some states. As we now lack a proper education on Black history in our nation, the time for raising awareness and spreading knowledge on the past is as important as ever. When delving into the uncomfortable truth behind the Black history of our country, sometimes the best way to get people engaged in learning is through comedy! Throw in som...

Eyes on Policing

April 04, 2023 20:15 - 32 minutes - 23.7 MB

When dealing with progressive policies that not everyone who votes blue can agree with, it can feel like a huge mountain to overcome. When dealing with one of the most protected groups in the entire country, that mountain just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Documentation of police brutality and the need for change is higher than ever, yet the leap of progress we were expecting never came. Organizing with conditions like these can seem like an intimidating jump to make with the iss...

Red State Repro Justice

March 28, 2023 18:15 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Regardless of which state you live in, blue or red, what’s happening in other states around the country directly affects you and those who can’t fight by themselves. In an area where support for social justice issues isn’t as abundant as blue states, red states really need all the support possible. So instead of ushering people to leave red states, which isn’t realistic or an actual solution in the first place, let’s look towards the amazing organizers in those red states who are fi...

The Movement for Pro-Trans Legislation

March 21, 2023 16:30 - 22 minutes - 17.3 MB

✊🤖With the endless onslaught against trans people accumulating more and more in our legislation, it can be difficult to keep up with what our trans friends are facing around the country. Distressingly, 440 active pieces of anti-trans legislation are currently targeting trans youth and adults. That overwhelming amount is enough to get people to check out, but with the relentless action our guest has for tracking LGBTQ+ legislation, you can keep up with ease. We are ecstatic to be joi...

The Demandifesto For Access Now

December 08, 2022 16:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

✊🤖 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 th...

Civil Rights: Global and Insuppressible

December 01, 2022 17:30 - 36 minutes - 26.7 MB

✊🤖 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 B...

Poll Position

November 07, 2022 17:04 - 36 minutes - 27.3 MB

✊🤖 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-Washington ...

Looking to the Past for the Present

October 26, 2022 19:20 - 34 minutes - 25.4 MB

✊🤖 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 Diond...

Vote For My Child, If Not For Yourself

October 18, 2022 17:33 - 34 minutes - 25.3 MB

✊🤖 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 Craven Mentioned on the air: Chop Wood, Carry Water Pass the 21st Century Courts Act (H.R.7426 / S.4010) to hold SCOTUS acc...

Equity From the Farm to the Table

October 11, 2022 16:37 - 25 minutes - 16.6 MB

✊🤖 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 ...

Texas A&M: New Golden Age, Old White Supremacy

October 04, 2022 15:59 - 35 minutes - 27.7 MB

✊🤖 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...

#DayWithoutUs: I’m Telling Everybody

September 27, 2022 16:30 - 44 minutes - 32.9 MB

✊🤖 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 m...

Calls to Action

May 08, 2022 17:20 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

✊🤖 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 Sus...

Authoritarianism in Democracy

May 01, 2022 13:22 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

✊🤖 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) Intro...

Reworking the Poor Tax

April 25, 2022 15:30 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MB

✊🤖 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...

How to Help a Neighbor

April 18, 2022 13:58 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

✊🤖 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 ...

Follow the Money

April 04, 2022 15:23 - 50 minutes - 39.6 MB

✊🤖 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 Wee...

Who Runs Resistbot?

March 28, 2022 14:33 - 57 minutes - 38.1 MB

✊🤖 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 ...

Who Runs the Bot?

March 28, 2022 14:33 - 57 minutes - 38.1 MB

✊🤖 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 ...

Erase Student Loan Debt

March 21, 2022 18:28 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

✊🤖 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 Can...

Protect Trans People

March 14, 2022 20:49 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MB

✊🤖 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; ...

Fight the Purge

March 07, 2022 17:09 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

✊🤖 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 Petitions Pass The Freedom To Vote: John R. Lewis Act Now! This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Chris...

Ukraine, SCOTUS, Anti-Trans Bills in Texas

February 28, 2022 21:37 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

✊🤖 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 ...

Justice Beyond Punishment

February 21, 2022 16:09 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

✊🤖 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 Air Summer Thunder Part 1: The History of Policing in America Related Petit...

Understanding Defunding the Police

February 14, 2022 15:27 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MB

✊🤖 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...

Abortion Laws: Which Heartbeat Matters?

February 07, 2022 23:08 - 41 minutes - 38 MB

✊🤖 Welcome to Episode 16 where we deep dive into the age-old, ongoing conversation of reproductive justice and abortion. Listen along as we deconstruct one of the most popular theology-based talking points with this week’s guest Kia Smith, an unapologetic speaker, content creator, award-winning digital director, and V.P. of Communications for a national advocacy organization. Related Petitions Take Federal Action To Prevent State-Wide Abortion Bans Protect Access to Safe Abortion...

Redistricting: Unblurring the Lines

January 24, 2022 21:25 - 49 minutes - 35.7 MB

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 15 where we unravel the complexities of redistricting and reveal what communities are marginalized in the process along with this week’s guests Rashida Peterson, founder and CEO of 1847 Philanthropic; and Cristina Uribe, Director of Political Strategy at the Cultural Engagement Lab. Mentioned on the Air This Seat is Taken by Susan Stutz Related Petitions Vote Yes on the For The People Act Pass the For the People Act No Partisan Redistricting Pres. Biden,...

Common Sense and the Hallway Commute

January 17, 2022 19:22 - 56 minutes - 40.7 MB

✊🤖 Welcome to episode 14 where we discuss teleworking with Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, founder and CEO of Ramp Your Voice!, an organization focused on promoting self-advocacy and strengthening empowerment among disabled people; and national award-winning and board-certified PK-20 career educator and strategy coach, Dr. Chae Chambers. Mentioned on the Air NYC Workers need Teleworking Now The Hallway Commute NAMI / National Alliance on Mental Illness Remote Learning During COVID-19 L...

What Happens When Your Coup Fails

January 10, 2022 21:46 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

✊🤖 Our first episode of 2022 covers the timeline, implications, and consequences of the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Special guests for episode 13 are Nee Nee Taylor, a conductor for direct action, rapid response, and community aid for Harriets Wildest Dream and a leader in DMV Black Mama Bailout; and Debra Cleaver, founder of Vote.org and VoteAmerica. Mentioned on the Air Harriet's Wildest Dreams January 6th: What Happens When Your Coup Fails Expel members of Congress that par...

Petitions and Protest

December 21, 2021 15:32 - 50 minutes - 35.8 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our twelfth episode to learn about the history of petitions and protests in the United States and worldwide; and how you can organize to make a difference. Special guests this week include Professor Buzzkill covering history, and Resistbot co-founder Jason Putorti discussing how Resistbot has developed and where it's headed in 2022. Mentioned on the Air A Riot is the Language of the Unheard MLK, "Riot is the Language of the Unheard" Anti-protest Bills Are Meant to...

Sanctuary Cities

December 13, 2021 20:36 - 41 minutes - 30.3 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our eleventh episode to learn about sanctuary cities and migrant justice with Jennifer Amuzie of Sanctuary DMV. Mentioned on the Air Sanctuary DMV Fulfill Immigration Justice Definition of a Sanctuary City Resistbot News - Sanctuary Help Alex Get Home for the Holidays! Detention Watch Network Mayfield, KY Tornado Relief This Week's Panel Melanie Athena Susan Christine Jennifer Amuzie Watch Live Sundays at 1 pm Twitch YouTube Twitter Facebook Episod...

Congregate Care Accountability Act

December 06, 2021 18:26 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our tenth episode to learn about congregate care and the problems in the “Troubled Teen Industry” with Dr. Athena Kolbe and Dr. Vanessa Hughes of Breaking Code Silence, a social movement organized by activists and survivors of institutional child abuse. If you liked this episode, join us on Twitter on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 pm ET for a spaces conversation on this subject with our panel. Mentioned on the Air Breaking Code Silence Congregate Care: Far from Home,...

Indigeneity in America

November 24, 2021 15:04 - 49 minutes - 32.5 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our ninth episode, where we'll get a clear picture of what American life looks like for our indigenous neighbors and the need for supportive allyship from Jaike SpottedWolf, a water protector and member of the Mandan, Hidatsu, and Arikara tribes. Mentioned on the Air Return the Land The Erasure of Native America Joy is Resistance, The Water Protectors of Camp Migizi Support Jaike and the Water Protectors Camp Migizi Amazon Wishlist Donate to $JaikeSpottedWolf w...

Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights

November 16, 2021 02:00 - 42 minutes - 27.9 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our eighth episode featuring an interview with Laura Goodhue, V.P. of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, and a discussion of reproductive rights—under threat in the United States. Mentioned on the Air Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund The Marshall Project They Belong to Us by Susan Stutz Related Petitions Protect Women’s Healthcare, pass H.R.3755/S.1975 Stand up for Abortion rights and a Woman’s Right to Choose Vote...

Voting Rights: What’s at Stake

November 09, 2021 16:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our seventh episode filled with lots of valuable information about voting rights, voter registration, voter ID, and voter suppression with expert Debra Cleaver, founder of Vote.org and VoteAmerica; as well as the history of the Voting Rights Act, and things you can do to help register and turn out voters in future elections. Mentioned on the Air Mississippi Votes APIA Vote Move Texas AAPI Fund VoteAmerica Notable Petitions H.R.1 & John Lewis Act Vote Yes on t...

Domestic Violence Awareness

November 01, 2021 16:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our sixth episode covering domestic violence featuring family law professor Linda Weiksnar, who's also on the board of directors of Safe Space Florida. This episode is essential for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or thinks someone they know may be: learn from Linda how to escape a bad situation, red flags, and more. 0:00 - Cue the Music 0:51 - Melanie Introduces the Show 2:37 - Introducing the Panel 3:08 - Christine Lu 5:04  - Athena Fulay 7:14 - Su...

Our American Stories

October 25, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our fifth episode covering real American immigration stories. Our first story is from our own Christine Lu, who immigrated to the United States from Taiwan as a two-year-old in the 1970s; and "Cece" who is in the process of immigrating to the United States from Nigeria as she is fleeing politically motivated sexual violence. Please skip this chapter if you don't want to hear this sensitive content. 0:00 - Cue the music  0:54 - Moderator Melanie Starts the Show 4:01...

Asylum 101

October 18, 2021 22:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our fourth episode: an interview with Prof. Nancy A. Oretskin, J.D. and emeritus professor from New Mexico State University. Nancy is an attorney that has been representing asylum seekers pro bono at the border near El Paso, Texas since 2010; and is a preeminent expert in migration, asylum, and immigration. 0:00 - Cue the music  1:00 - Introducing this week's moderator: Melanie Dione 2:31 - Introducing this week's panel: Susan, Christine, Dr. Coohill, and Athena 7...

Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster

October 11, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our third episode covering the interconnected issues of Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster, and the Debt Ceiling in Congress. Today we introduce Christine Lu, co-founder of Cross Border Lab and America Innovates for a global and AAPI perspective. 0:00 - Intro  2:58 - Welcome Christine Lu  5:48 - Introducing Infrastructure, Reconciliation, Filibuster 8:40 - Melanie with Audience Q&A 13:04 - Professor Buzzkill 15:31 - Spotlight on the Violence Against Wome...

#DemolishDisabledPoverty, Part 2

October 04, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our second episode and the second part of our series on disability programs. Our guest today is Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, a macro-minded social worker from South Carolina.  Ramp Your Voice! is her organization where she discusses the issues that matter to her as a Black disabled woman, including intersectionality, racism, politics, and why she unapologetically makes good trouble. If you have feedback or want to volunteer, email [email protected] or learn more about the bot on our ...

SSI and Complexities of Disability Programs

October 04, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MB

✊🤖 Join us for our second episode and the second part of our series on disability programs. Our guest today is Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, a macro-minded social worker from South Carolina.  Ramp Your Voice! is her organization where she discusses the issues that matter to her as a Black disabled woman, including intersectionality, racism, politics, and why she unapologetically makes good trouble. 0:00 - Welcome to Episode 2 2:50 - Introducing Jason Putorti, co-creator of Resistbot, an...

#DemolishDisabledPoverty

September 28, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MB

✊🤖 Our premiere episode is a discussion of the ongoing movement to end disabled poverty and to fix SSI and SSDI programs. 0:00 - Moderator Scot Mactaggart introduces the show. 2:26 - Introducing Susan Stutz, Resistbot policy writer, and content researcher, to open today’s topic of SSI and the #DemolishDisabledPoverty campaign. 9:20 - Introducing Athena Fulay in Washington D.C., community organizer, and Resistbot outreach volunteer, discussing the experience of delivering Resistbo...

#DemolishDisabledPoverty

September 28, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MB

✊🤖 Our premiere episode is a discussion of the ongoing movement to end disabled poverty and to fix SSI and SSDI programs. 0:00 - Moderator Scot Mactaggart introduces the show. 2:26 - Introducing Susan Stutz, Resistbot policy writer, and content researcher, to open today’s topic of SSI and the #DemolishDisabledPoverty campaign. 9:20 - Introducing Athena Fulay in Washington D.C., community organizer, and Resistbot outreach volunteer, discussing the experience of delivering Resistbot letters...

Episode Zero - What to Expect from Resistbot Live

September 21, 2021 15:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MB

We get the team together for the first edition of our new live show.  Join us as we explore the issues that matter to the users of Resistbot and learn from the experts about why these issues are important to you too. Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★

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