join niki franco (venus roots), a community organizer, writer, and facilitator of spaces for collective study, as she leans into conversations of radical truth-telling with artists, theorists, and organizers living in a world of rigid binaries and multiple truths. she navigates the urgency of solidarity, ancestral preservation, and dismantling systems of oppression that inform and deform our lives. @venusroots www.venusroots.com
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Audre Lorde and June Jordan's Black Feminism and Palestine, with Marina Magloire
49:16
49:16
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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 Zionis…
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US Out of Korea, with Jamie Tyberg of Nodutdol
39:16
39:16
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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 reun…
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Why Is The US Calling China Imperialist Towards Africa? with Mikaela Nhondo Erskog
50:19
50:19
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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…
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Why Is The US Smearing Mexico's President, with Kurt Hackbarth
54:48
54:48
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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
57:25
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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 dem…
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The Legacy of Cuban Medical and Healthcare Solidarity, with Dr. Samira Addrey
1:11:24
1:11:24
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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…
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Organized Labor, Unions, Strikes and Palestine, with Zaina Alsous
51:01
51:01
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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 …
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On Palestinian Resistance and Why the US Can't Win Wars, with Vijay Prashad
48:59
48:59
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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 Tricont…
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Neither Democrats nor Republicans Save Us, So Now What? With PSL Presidential Candidate, Claudia De la Cruz
46:38
46:38
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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 …
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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 r…
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Who Is Wellness For? With Fariha Róisín
1:00:06
1:00:06
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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 corporat…
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In this episode, Niki interviews Elea Chang, disability justice advocate, community organizer, and artist. The two discuss the capitalist notion of the "pandemic being over," and the ways in which disability justice offers a pathway of care, solidarity, and safety in these uncertain times. In this, they also discuss the limitations of representatio…
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Connection in a Digital World, with Annika Hansteen-Izora
48:35
48:35
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48:35
*This episode was originally published in May 2021* In this episode, Niki interviews Annika Hansteen-Izora, an art director, poet, and designer. The two reckon with the interests (profit, militarism, white supremacy, ableism - to name a few) that dictate social media platforms, algorithms, and the digital world at large, in a time where we are all …
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Indigenous Resistance As An Antidote to Climate Crisis, with Nick Estes
1:01:32
1:01:32
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1:01:32
In this episode, Niki interviews Nick Estes, Indigenous scholar, writer, and co-founder of The Red Nation. The two reflect on 2021's Jan 6th insurrection and some notable political differences between the political economy of the US vs socialist economies in the Global South. They also offer some critiques on the new Netflix sensation, Don't Look U…
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Hands Off Cuba, with Manolo De Los Santos
44:11
44:11
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44:11
In this episode, Niki interviews Manolo De Los Santos, a Caribbean popular educator and the two discuss the November 15th protests in Cuba, what narratives we should be mindful of in hopes of supporting the lives of Cuban people on the island, and the dangers of advocating for US intervention. Manolo is the co-executive director of The People's For…
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Haiti, Cuba, and Lessons of Caribbean Resistance, with Claudia De La Cruz
52:14
52:14
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52:14
In this episode, Niki interviews Claudia De La Cruz, Co-Executive Director of The People's Forum. The two discuss the recent events in Haiti, Cuba, and other political crises in the region and what this means for oppressed people globally. They also discuss the continuous historical patterns of what happens in moments like this, and the ways in whi…
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Politicizing Journalism, with Clarissa Brooks
58:18
58:18
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58:18
In this episode, Niki interviews Clarissa Brooks, an abolitionist movement journalist and organizer. The two discuss the dangers of status quo "objectivity" in journalism and media, and look alternatively, to grassroots examples of Black investigative journalists who hold political commitments and relationships with the communities they write about…
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2nd Year Anniversary Special, with Mimi Zhu
58:05
58:05
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58:05
In this celebratory episode, Niki rings in the second anniversary of the podcast by getting into conversation with fellow gemini Mimi Zhu, writer and author of the forthcoming Book, Be Not Afraid of Love. The two discuss the realities that become more possible through storytelling for communities of color, the co-opting necessitated by corporate ca…
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Work Won't Love You Back, with Sarah Jaffe
54:48
54:48
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In this episode, Niki interviews Sarah Jaffe, labor journalist and author. The two discuss Sarah's new book, Work Won't Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted and Alone, which offers historical context on the gendered, racialized, and capitalist history impacting workers, families, and what kind of labor society deems…
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The Role of An Artist and Cultural Worker, with Fresco Steez
50:52
50:52
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50:52
In this episode, Niki interviews Fresco Steez, a cultural engineer and organizer who has designed countless slogans, visuals, and communications that center the notion of being Unapologetically Black. In this conversation, the two discuss the role of artists and cultural workers in revolutionary struggles, the potential and necessity behind popular…
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Abolition and A New Administration, with Derecka Purnell
55:44
55:44
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55:44
In this episode, Niki interviews Derecka Purnell, an abolitionist writer, organizer, lawyer. Derecka works to end police and prison violence by providing legal assistance, research, and trainings to community based organizations through an abolitionist framework. In this conversation, the two discuss the limits of identity politics, why anti-capita…
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Embodying Our Abolitionist Dreams, with adrienne maree brown
56:47
56:47
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56:47
In this episode, Niki interviews adrienne maree brown, the author of Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good and Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds. In this conversation, the two discuss what it means to embody abolitionist values, strategies for discerning differences in movement work, boundaries on and offline, moving towa…
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How To Do Nothing, with Jenny Odell
1:09:39
1:09:39
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1:09:39
In this episode, Niki interviews Jenny Odell, author of NYT bestselling book, How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. The two discuss divesting from the act of personal branding on social media, bioregionalism and re-connecting to the living ecosystems that surround us, the danger behind privatization of public and outdoor spaces, and t…
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Let's Talk Cuba, with Liz of Belly of The Beast
51:07
51:07
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51:07
In this bilingual interview, Niki interviews Liz of Belly of the Beast. The two discuss the US blockade on Cuba and its profound and lasting effect, what the US elections mean for Cubans in Cuba, and they invite nuance into the conversation regarding Cuban politics. They also unpack the emotional and relational challenges that imperialist policies …
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In this episode, Niki talks to Phil Agnew, former Senior Advisor for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and co-founder of Dream Defenders. As 'content' takes precedence over 'context' for the sake of social media likes and mass re-tweets, the two discuss the nuances of building political power, the necessity to prioritize slow and steady work ov…
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In this episode, Niki interviews Fariha Róisín, a Bangladeshi multidisciplinary artist, writer, podcaster, and poet. In light of Fariha's debut novel launch, Like a Bird, the two discuss the commodification of trauma, queerness and Islam, and the ongoing work of healing familial and ancestral wounds. Fariha's work has been featured in Vogue, PAPER,…
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We Can't Win Unless We're Organized, with James Lopez
44:58
44:58
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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 chang…
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Unpacking Black Capitalism, with Francisco Perez
1:00:20
1:00:20
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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 atte…
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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 …
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Cannabis Politickin, with Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
54:56
54:56
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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 wor…
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Mother's Day Special: Challenging Oppressive Ideas of Motherhood, with Cynthia Cervantes Gumbs
56:18
56:18
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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 t…
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Talkin' Music Industry and Music as a Tool of Solidarity, with Doris Muñoz
1:07:16
1:07:16
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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 San…
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Getting Real About the Art World and Social Media, with Decolonize This Place
53:54
53:54
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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 ho…
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Tracing Ancestral Wisdom through Food, with Kia Damon
57:32
57:32
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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 wis…
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Chipping Away at the Toxicity of the Fashion Industry, with Becca McCharen-Tran
57:15
57:15
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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 tre…
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Art and Organizing as World-Making, with Zaina Alsous
53:22
53:22
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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 …
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The Era of Radical Online Art Collectives, with Mars
49:35
49:35
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In this episode, Niki interviews Mars, founder of Art Hoe Collective, a globally-renowned QTPOC collective of young artists that helped catalyze the movement of online creative collectives back in 2015. Navigating the nuances of commodification of bodies of color; they discuss exploitation of trauma, the precarity of the gig economy, the invisibili…
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