The Response

Last week, the skies over much of the east coast of the United States were orange, red, and almost entirely blacked out in some regions. Smoke from wildfires raging up north in Canada blew down to engulf many major U.S. cities in an apocalyptic glow that left New York City with the worst air quality in the world. For those of us in California, seeing the apocalyptic images from the east coast going viral brought us back to the many times over the last decade that we experienced the same thing — wildfires raging from northern parts of the state like the Camp Fire in Butte County that completely incinerated the town of Paradise, or the fires in southern California, or Sonoma County, or the Santa Cruz Mountains — there's too many to really keep track of. Here in California, one of the many impacts of wildfires that we know all too well has been the loss of power — of electricity. PG&E, the scandal-ridden investor-owned electric utility that operates much of northern California's grid, has not only been found guilty in the last several years for some of California's most destructive wildfires. The company has also come under scrutiny for its implementation of rolling blackouts during wildfires, which it claims it does to protect dry landscapes from power lines that could overheat and spark deadly fires. PG&E's power lines are notoriously poorly maintained and downed trees around power lines have been the direct cause of some of the most deadly and destructive wildfires in California's history. These massive power shut-offs have led to all sorts of auxiliary disasters over the years and have left millions of Californians without power during some of our most vulnerable times — amidst scorching heat wages and raging wildfires. In this context, the People Power Battery Collective in the Bay Area launched a program to provide backup power during emergencies and increase the general understanding of energy access, consumption, and needs. On today's show, we've brought on People Power Battery Collective members Kansas, Crystal, and Yasir to talk about their project in the context of climate-fueled disasters and community mutual aid. Today's episode is part of a new series we're launching called "How-to-Respond" — where we'll go deeper into the mechanics of community-led disaster response and mutual aid initiatives so that folks can replicate and adapt these efforts in other communities. This ongoing series is a part of Shareable's overall programmatic transition to a renewed focus on empowering people and communities to move from the point of inspiration to action. This week, we're launching SolidarityWorks, a new program designed to "Empower Communities for Collective Liberation." Over the coming years, we'll join forces with a broad range of partners to create localized social infrastructure initiatives packed with creative solutions, tools for solidarity, and a deep embrace of the communities we collaborate with. The first example of this program is actually the People Power Battery Collective. After working with them a couple of years ago on a how-to guide so other groups could adapt their model, we'll now be partnering with them on a free course to directly support more communities to create battery collectives of their own. Resources: People Power Battery Collective People Power Solar SolidarityWorks Emergency Battery Collective Learning & Action Cohort Follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org — or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to help spread the word? Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — it makes a huge difference in extending our reach and broadening our audience. The Response is published by Shareable.

Today on the show we've brought on Lee Shevek, an anarchist, writer, and domestic violence researcher. Pride Month is just around the corner and we thought it would be a good time to take a deep dive into the reactionary politics side of this show — namely, the attacks from the right wing and from the state against our transgender comrades. States like Texas, Florida, and Missouri are on the frontlines of this politicized aggression, which is being waged by the forces of right-wing reaction, but is often accomplished with the complicity, and sometimes even with the approval, from more liberal-leaning state and media institutions. In this episode, we investigate the state of anti-trans and transphobic reaction in the United States more broadly and explore how trans communities and their allies are responding.We also get into what anarchism teaches us about these struggles — specifically, what we can learn from this political philosophy about trans issues and gender issues more broadly, and why it's more important than ever for anarchists and those on the left to support trans people in their struggle for liberation from reactionary forces. Resources: Lee Shevek's writing on Medium (Butch Anarchy) Lee Shevek on Twitter and Instagram Follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org — or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to help spread the word? Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — it makes a huge difference in extending our reach and broadening our audience. The Response is published by Shareable.

Today on the show we've brought on Daniel Baryon, an anarchist and organizer who runs the Youtube channel Anark. When we talk about horizontal power structures, for example in the context of grassroots mutual aid response, we're talking about a concept situated within a very specific theoretical framework. Likewise, when we explore the concepts of "prefiguring" the new world within the old — practicing solidarity and mutual aid— for example, we're also talking about concepts that have unique theoretical underpinnings. Perhaps, then, it could be helpful to explore the theories behind the themes that we talk about a bit more, to help ground and place ourselves within historical traditions that stretch to the present. This is what we're planning on doing in this new, ongoing series on theory. We're keeping it casual for now, so just expect to see a few episodes here and there in the coming months, but our first dive into the theory framing this show is going to be today's episode on anarchism. Specifically, we'll explore what anarchism is and isn't; how many of the themes of this show — things like disaster collectivism and mutual aid — come out of anarchist theory and practice; we'll give some examples of anarchism in action; and explore what we can learn from this rich and beautiful tradition in terms of radical transformation and revolution in our modern world. Resources: Anark YouTube Channel Daniel Baryon on Twitter Follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org — or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to help spread the word? Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — it makes a huge difference in extending our reach and broadening our audience. The Response is published by Shareable.

On this episode of The Response we've brought on Joey Ayoub, a Geneva-based writer, researcher, activist, and host of The Fire These Times podcast, which asks the questions: How do we build the new in the shell of the old? How do we tackle global warming and its associated crises? How do we build bonds across nation-states and groups? How do we make it easier to imagine the end of capitalism than the end of the world? Resources: The Fire These Times on Patreon and Substack. Episode credits: Host, producer, and editor: Robert Raymond Host and executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.

Today on the show we've brought on Breya Johnson, an abortion doula, reproductive justice organizer, writer, curator, and the Deputy Director of Organizing at Girls for Gender Equity. Since the Dobbs decision was passed last year, we've continued to see the right wing's assault on legal abortion and bodily autonomy escalate. Most recently through a ruling by a Trump-appointed, anti-abortion Federal Judge in Texas that intends to revoke the FDA's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone — part of a 2-part medicinal cocktail used in self-managed abortions — the most common form of abortion in the United States. This ruling is perhaps the most outrageous ruling since Dobbs, and in this episode, we'll explore the attacks from the right on legal abortion and their implications more broadly. We also explore what self-managed abortions are, everything you need to know about how they work and where you can access abortion pills, and we also explore what a broader framework of reproductive justice looks like and how we can get there. Resources: Breya Johnson on Twitter and Instagram Find your local abortion fund: Abortion Funds Abortion Pills: Plan C Pills, Just the Pill, Aid Access The Response's 2-part audio documentary on abortion: Abortion access and reproductive justice in a post-roe landscape Episode credits: Host, producer, and editor: Robert Raymond Executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.

Today on the show we've brought on Konstantin — a Parisian garbage collector and union militant. For the past two months, France has been in a state of agitation. A growing movement of workers has been engaged in protests and strikes which erupted in Paris and other cities in response to President Emmanuel Macron unilaterally raising the French retirement age from 62 to 64. You may have seen the viral images of piles and piles of garbage bags out on the streets in Paris — this is because garbage collectors in the city have been on a series of strikes to protest the new pension reform. We spoke with Konstantin about the state of the movement and what it's been like organizing and participating in the strikes, the long string of events that have led to this current uprising, why it's more important than ever to build class consciousness and solidarity — not just in France but internationally, and where he sees this movement headed. Episode credits: Host, producer, and editor: Robert Raymond Executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.

Today on the show we've brought on Jesse Barnett, a musician and a co-founder of All Power Books in L.A. All Power Books is more than a bookstore: it's a volunteer-run community space that offers a wide range of programs, from a free store with food, cleaning supplies, and menstrual products; to a free community clinic; to music classes, poetry readings, and reading groups; sewing and repair workshops; film screenings, bike repairs, the list goes on. We spoke with Jesse about the origins of All Power Books, the importance of mutual aid and building connections with neighbors, why the left can feel so divisive sometimes — and how to avoid it — the economic and political realities of Los Angeles, and a whole lot much more. Resources: All Power Books' website, Twitter, and Instagram Jesse Barnett on Instagram Stick to your Guns Episode credits: Host, producer, and editor: Robert Raymond Executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.

In this documentary episode, we take a deep dive into how communities are responding to the growing abortion access crisis in the United States, sharing the stories of those impacted and highlighting a number of radical grassroots, mutual aid, and solidaristic efforts aimed at helping people access abortion in the places where it's currently outlawed or restricted. Abortion access has always been limited here in the United States, but since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June of 2022 and the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, things have gotten dramatically worse. In the face of trigger laws banning and criminalizing abortion in many states — as well as state-sanctioned harassment and targeted campaigns against people seeking abortions — the centuries-old movement for reproductive rights and justice has only grown and strengthened. This is a special re-release of this episode for International Women's Day. The episode was originally published as two separate parts but we have combined those two parts into one continuous episode. Episode credits: Series producer and writer: Robert Raymond Host and executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Additional music: Chris Zabriskie, Do Make Say Think, and Pele Original artwork was created by Bethan Mure This series features: Julie Amaon: Family medicine physician and the medical director for Just the Pill Jenice Fountain: Executive Director of Yellowhammer Fund Gulf South Plan B: Mutual Aid organization that distributes free emergency contraception in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi Angel Jones: Recipient of medical abortion pills Laurie Roberts: Executive Director of Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund

Today on the show — a special presentation of a live conversation between Saket Soni and Rebecca Solnit on Saket Soni's new book, The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America. The Great Escape is the harrowing story of how 500 disaster relief workers from India were trafficked to the United States under false pretenses and exposed to inhumane conditions while rebuilding New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Rebecca Solnit has described the book as being "paced like a thriller, written like a poem, and full of vivid characters who'd enliven any novel, but it's the true story of one of the largest modern-day trafficking incidents in recent history and how Saket Soni and his crew went after the powerful perpetrators. A story as important as it is riveting to read." Saket Soni is the co-founder and executive director of Resilience Force, the national voice of the resilience workforce — whose labor helps us prepare for, and repair after, climate disaster. He will be in conversation with renowned author Rebecca Solnit, who wrote, A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster — a book that inspired the creation of this show and which we've talked about many times in past episodes. This conversation is a recording of a live event co-organized with The Green Arcade in San Francisco on March 3rd. The Green Arcade is a bookshop featuring socially conscious nonfiction, plus select literature & kids' titles, located on Market St. Episode credits: Live recording and editing by Robert Raymond Executive production and hosting by Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.

Today on the show, we've brought on Prem Thakker, a journalist with The New Republic who has been reporting on East Palestine, Ohio. Prem's recent piece is titled: "Life After the Ohio Train Derailment: Trouble Breathing, Dying Animals, and Saying Goodbye." In this episode, we'll bring you up to date on everything happening in the aftermath of the February 3rd train derailment — from the health concerns and experiences of the residents of East Palestine, to Norfolk Southern's bungled and oftentimes horrifying response, to what coverage of the event has looked like and why so many politicians have remained silent on the issue for so long, and to the small glimmers of hope that disasters like this can present in terms of building community strength and solidarity. Resources: "Life After the Ohio Train Derailment: Trouble Breathing, Dying Animals, and Saying Goodbye," The New Republic "The Conspiracy of the Ohio Train Derailment Is Right in Front of Us," The New Republic "Trump, Who Deregulated the Railroad Industry, Lies to the People of Ohio in His Visit," The New Republic "Death Plume" Tweet by Robert Raymond and the response to the "fact-check" by USA Today. Episode credits: Host, producer, and editor: Robert Raymond Executive producer: Tom Llewellyn Theme Music: "Meet you on the other side" by Cultivate Beats Make sure to follow The Response on Twitter and Instagram for updates, memes, and more. Our entire catalog of documentaries and interviews can be found at theresponsepodcast.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Response is a podcast series from Shareable.net.