The Power of Photography
We speak with author and activist Philip Allen about the role photography and videography played during the Civil Rights Movement and the role it still plays today in capturing racial bias & inequality.
The Taliban Takeover: What Does It Mean?
The news of the Taliban regaining control of Afghanistan has swept news headlines this month. Hundreds of thousands of Afghan citizens have already fled the country, but how will everyday life change for those who remain? We discuss the precarious situation in the region and the reversal of modern freedoms and economic stability for millions of men, women …
The Women of the Old West
When most people imagine the early West, they picture wide open landscapes, lawlessness and sweaty men working away in mines and on farms. While this is part of the story, the other lesser known narrative is the unique opportunities the West held for women during the 19th and 20th centuries. Author Winifred Gallagher joins us this week to share how the …
Fair Labor: The Importance of Worker Centers
Unions, which are organized labor groups, are prevalent across the U.S. You’ve probably heard of the term in the media or may know someone who’s part of a union. But, have you ever heard of a worker center? It operates in similar functions as unions; however, this resource is much more community-based and is more of a guiding advocate in responsive …
The Unending Toll of Discrimination
Segregation not only divides cities but leads to divided people as well. It fuels biases against people who may look or act different than us, leading to generations of inequity and discrimination. Viewpoints speaks with social justice activist, Tonika Johnson about the many impacts segregation has had on the city of Chicago.
The Modern Diamond Business
The northwestern coast of South Africa & Namibia has been a mining hub for diamonds since the 1900’s. Local workers labor through long shifts and hazardous working conditions in order to feed their families. The pay? Roughly five cents per carat of rough diamonds found. While some may argue that the industry stimulates the local economy, once a company …
The Native American Vote: A Group Plagued By Voter Marginalization
There are more than 5.2 million Native Americans living in the U.S., yet only a small fraction cast a ballot each election cycle. What factors lead to this low turnout? Viewpoints speaks with two experts about how historical bias feels into the current challenges facing this group.
Culture Crash: The Voices of African American Authors (2020)
Reading the works of black authors is an important part to better understanding why racial inequities still plague our country. We offer up some recommendations to add to your reading list.
World War II: The Women of the OSS
More than 75 years ago, a diverse set of men and women making up the Office of Strategic Services were united together in their determination to win World War II. Some served as government spies or propagandists and others gathered terrain intelligence for army invasions. Whatever role they played, the OSS staff worked tirelessly for years and rose to the …
The Price of News: The Challenges Female Arab Journalists Face
Diversity in reporting is vital to news that showcases differing perspectives. We speak with Zahra Hankir, journalist and author of the new book, Our Women on the Ground, to learn more about some of the courageous female journalists who’ve risked their lives to report from within the Middle East during tumultuous periods. These women defy terrorists, the …
The Role of Non-Profits in Ending Human Trafficking
It’s estimated that worldwide there are currently between 20 and 40 million people who are exploited through forced labor, marriage and prostitution, according to the International Labor Organization. We take a look at the South Asian country of Nepal where as many as 20,000 girls each year fall victim to human trafficking. We discuss solutions and what more …
Boys in the Bunkhouse: Intellectually Challenged Men in Servitude (2019)
If you came upon a rundown, roach-infested bunkhouse in the heartland of America, full of middle-aged and elderly men in poor health who worked all day at a job for little pay and had been for decades, you might think you had time traveled back to the 19th century. We talk to an author who writes about this very situation where mentally challenged men were …
Men’s Place in the #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement has been getting headlines for months now. The movement was started by women, but what men still have a role to serve in the fight for equality and in the elimination of sexism and misogyny.
Ernest Withers: An FBI Informant in the Civil Rights Movement
Author Marc Perrusquia joins the show to tell the story of Ernest Withers, a Civil Rights photographer and a spy for the FBI, and helps us parse through what it all means.
Finding Inspiration in Our Communities (2018)
Sarah Van Gelder, co-founder of Yes! Magazine, travelled across America to see how change is being made at the local level and found examples of community involvement solving big problems.
Author Jack London’s Writings and Social Activism
We discover how Jack London’s own journey informed his writing, and how his books reflect the plight of exploited workers and impoverished women and children.
Bobby Kennedy’s Legacy
Biographer Larry Tye and talks about Bobby Kennedy's personal side, how he helped his brother John become president, and how his legacy inspires liberals and conservatives to this day.
Intelligent Disobedience: Knowing when and how to say “no” (2017)
Our guest discusses when and how to say “no” effectively for the benefit of the individual and others.
The Immigrant Narrative in Modern Times (2017)
We talk to two writers about the more modern immigrant journey.
Charlton Heston’s Politics: MLK Marches and NRA Speeches
Charlton Heston was a soldier, a liberal, and a conservative in his 84 years. Biographer Marc Eliot discusses how Heston's politics impacted his career and legacy.
Sweatshops and Unfair Labor Practices
Corban Addison a law-trained author who uses his books to shine a light on human rights violations talks about the what he found around the world including here in America.
James Meredith and The March Against Fear
In 1966, Civil Rights pioneer James Meredith set out on The March Against Fear. We talk to historian Ann Bausum about the history and impact of the march.
Remembering the Activism of Tom Hayden
In 2004 we spoke with activist Tom Hayden, who passed away last month. His hopeful, yet controversial, thoughts on gangs and violence can still be beneficial.
Robert Kennedy: Remember a fallen icon (2016)
Although he never became president, Bobby Kennedy spearheaded a great deal of change in America with his work in civil rights and by combatting corruption.