America Speaks Podcast

What are the underlying threats facing those living in Central America today and why these families are risking their lives, and their family's   lives to find safety in the U.S.. Citizens from all walks of life are living with daily threats of extortion. Maria Joes Mendez has  just teturned from Honduras and El Salavodor where she spoke to a wide spectrum of those who are impacted by the violence and extortion that is uncontrollable in the region at the hands of M-13 and the 18th Street gangs. 

Understanding why Central America invariably ranks as the most violent region in the world outside an official war zone has been a question that has always intrigued Maria Jose Mendez. But it was not until she started organizing with MIRAC (Minnesota Immigrants’ Rights Action Committee) that she realized the gravity of the matter and how the upsurge of violence in the region has led to increased migration. Moreover, Maria's participation in an activist caravan that traveled throughout Central America in March 2016 further attuned her to the deeper transnational dimensions of violence. Maria has conducted multi-sited fieldwork in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico and the United States between 2016 and 2018. During this research, she spoke to former gang members, local experts on the gang phenomenon, human rights activists, government officials, internally displaced peoples, and migrants.  

We have learned a great deal about ourselves as Americans since Donald Trump was sworn in as president. His administration has provoked us to examine who we want to be as a people and as a country. What has become evident is how ugly the moral character of those who have harvested the president’s policies of hate and persecution. It is simply shameful behavior by lawmakers to turn away from these families that have risked their lives to escape terror, violence, and extortion Our government would prefer to single out these families, and further impact their lives and their children’s lives, placing them in detention, all because they have committed a misdemeanor, a minor infraction like a traffic violation, Allegra Love is devoting her life to fighting for justice and freedom for those who have been persecuted by Session’s and Trump inhuman policies. Rounding up human beings, who are here because they are suffering and separating families from their children is no less vulgar than what we witness from the Thir

Allegra Love 's journey is remarkable as she has now become a singular voice for those seeking asylum in the U.S. She is a no nonsense force to be reckoned with. Not prone to intimidation Allegra is outspoken about our misguided immigration policies from many administrations leading up to the cruel polices of zero tolerance from the Trump Administration. Allegra is a fighter and provides great clarity on the full challenge facing all of those who are fleeing the violence  and horrors threatening the countless who risk the treacherous journey from Central America on the rare chance they can find relief in the U.S.  This episode is part one of a two part series with Allegra Love

Part two of our conversation with Brad Friedman of the Brad Cast focuses on the many threats we are facing as we head to the polls in 2018. What the SCOTUS decision related to Ohio voter registration will mean for every state in the union. And a lively discussion on all things voting. 

Brad Friedman Investigative journalist, blogger, muckraker, troublemaker and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG,. Brad is the renown voice for voting rights , and host of the very popular Brad Cast...this lively discussion is on the crisis within our democracy, and the overall fix, if any : via the ballot box.

It’s harder to find a more passionate advocate for Latino issues in America than Border Angels founder, Enrique Morones.Enrique has been a constant face in the Media on all issues related to migration; and is the “go-to expert” whenever a major immigration issue faces America, from aftermath of the firestorms in San Diego, to the migration of refugee children in Texas from Central America in 2014. Enrique talks a bout the unacceptable moral compass in the US today. it’s time to face reality about what we stand for in the United States. Do we stand for family values?If Congress remains silent in the face of separating children from their parents at the US/Mexican Border than Everyone In our government who Does not do everything they can to stop this inhumane policy is complicit. This is a powerful discussion on family separation. Border Angels works tirelessly to help all the vulnerable and disenfranchised families, and people who are solely seeking a better life, escaping from violence and persecution.

Enrique Marones is the mother /father Teresa for the countless who are vulnerable at the gateway into the U.S./the Mexican border The conclusion of this three-part series on immigration describes the conditions at the California, U.S./Mexican border. We are introduced to the remarkable programs Enrique and his team are creating at Friendship Park. He talks about how the newly appointed administration of Border Patrol are now terminating beloved events, like the Door of Hope, and the children’s disabled telethon, dampening community spirits. Yet Enrique is determined to provide help and solutions. Today’s true hero.  

  America Speaks a focus on candidates running for office, for the first time in 2018. These candidates will represent a new perspective and outlook needed to attract young voters to engage in politics and be the hope for the future. Dr. Hans Kierstead, is opposing Dana Rohrabacher in the hotly contested CA in the 48th district

Chico Brown’s provocative episode traces his days supplying cocaine for guns during Iran /Contra, and his eventual conviction. After prison Chico inspires a compelling perspective of how he turned his life around. Today he is a community leader and film producer. He is creator of Chico Rising, a forthcoming TV series produced by Mark Whalberg and Penny Marshall

We are proud to be joined by veteran CBS news producer, Robert Richter, who produced Walter Cronkite’s hourly news program for over fifteen years, and worked with Edward R. Murrow, Fred Friendly and Dan Rather. Robert speaks with humor and sobriety about his long career of reporting the truth to the public, including risking his life to expose disturbing U.S. policies related to torture training, and cover-ups at the Pentagon.

  We are proud to be joined by veteran CBS news producer, Robert Richter, who produced Walter Cronkite’s hourly news program for over fifteen years, and worked with Edward R. Murrow, Fred Friendly and Dan Rather. Robert speaks with humor and sobriety about his long career of reporting the truth to the public, including risking his life to expose disturbing U.S. policies related to torture training, and cover-ups at the Pentagon.

Part two of this smart, and compelling conversation with acclaimed author, journalist and historian Dennis Macdougal. We are starved for a leader worth listening to. A further examination of Jerry Brown and what a contrast he is to the disappointing man in the White House today, Donald Trump. This conversation dives into how a legend like Jerry Brown missed his opportunity to be president, and examines what Brown thinks is his legacy.

Dennis MacDougal, acclaimed novelist, biographer and journalist muses on his forthcoming biography on the dynasty of Governor Jerry Brown and what Brown’s legacy has meant for California, the 6th largest economy in the world. We explore how Gov. Brown has steered California to become the ultimate ‘city on the hill’.  This discussion inspires a comparison of Jerry Brown's vision for the future of California, in contrast to Donald Trump's assault on Brown's position on immigration, the environment and civil rights.

As we lead up to military strikes in Syria we speak with environmentalist, pacifist, and veteran Garrett Reppenhagen. This is a compelling conversation examining how these strikes in Syria could lead us into large scale war. And how this military action could be a diversion away from trumps crisis here at home.

How can we talk about a nuclear threat without grasping the full understanding of the impact of modern warfare? Join Jonathan Granoff, a Nobel laureate, founder of The Global Security Institute, and United Nations representative on the consequences of nuclear weapons and what is threatening the stability of the planet. Also joining us is Garrett Reppenhagan, sniper specialist, Iraq war vet, pacifist, environmentalist, who now works with Vet Voices. This is a rare conversation about the danger we face at the hands of volatile political players, in these critical times.

How can we talk about a nuclear threat without grasping the full understanding of the impact modern warfare? Join Jonathan Granoff, a Nobel laureate, founder of The Global Security Institute, and United Nations representative on the consequences of nuclear weapons, with Garrett Reppenhagan, sniper specialist, Iraq war vet, now pacifist, in a rare conversation about the danger we face at the hands of volatile political players.

What is the future for undocumented youth? We get a real sense of the day to day, living in fear of being removed from the only homeland they have ever known. It’s time to dispel the basic talking points of the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ immigrant. Join us for a round table discussion with Ivan Ceja, the founder of Undocumendia( the grass roots platform with over a million followers) Jonathan Yost, director the water drop program for Border Angels, Arlene Ferendelli, previous director of Angel’s Fight, and Karla Estrada and Justino Mora.

Dennis MacDougal, acclaimed novelist, biographer and journalist muses on his forthcoming biography on the dynasty of Governor Jerry Brown and what Brown’s legacy has meant for California, the 6th largest economy in the world. We explore how Gov. Brown has steered California to become the ultimate ‘city on the hill’. This is a sassy discussion of the trademark of Brown round one and Brown round two affirming California's innovative mark on the world

For the past 18 years photojournalist Tish Lampert has documented the ongoing, political and human rights issues that have compelled Americans to stand up and speak out. Her lens has captured the leading critical social uprisings of our era. In an effort to inspire moral consciousness and give voice to today's heroes on the front-lines the America Speaks Podcast is born. This Episode: The American Dream Are we the guards for the 800,000 dreamers who our lawmakers are playing political football with? Join Martin Sheen, and two of the undocumented activists who worked with President Obama to create the DACA program, in a compelling episode that inspires us to question the state and principles of our humanity. Martin explores what is at stake for today’s undocumented youth comparing their commitment with the social movements that defined the civil rights era.