the roots of change podcast

Hey y’all, 👋🏽 May the 4th Be with You! Star Wars Day also happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, we're re-releasing our Live panel discussion with Get Free about Andor and Star Wars as a place for organizing lessons.Sam Chavez (she/they/he) chats with Natalie (she/her) and Anthony Torres (he/him) from Get Free about their new program to get Star Wars fans involved in organizing called Project Fulcrum. In the hour-long conversation, we discussed:How Star Wars fandom can inform our activism on Earth todayMon Mothma’s unique role in The Resistance as someone with privilege within The EmpireNemik’s Manifesto and what lessons we can take about movement buildingGet Free’s Project Fulcrum as an opportunity for Star Wars fans to get involvedWhy we need The Force and joy for long-term movement buildingExplore the roots of change agencyRead our Weekly Activist DigestFollow us on YouTube, Bluesky & MastodonHealthy Tech & Communications ResourcesAccess Our Private ChatsBecome a Seedling MemberAbout Get FreeJoin Project FulcrumFollow Get FreeGrow with Healthy Media:Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify Grounded Activism🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast FeedAbout Natalie Green (she/her)Natalie Green is a leader on Project Fulcrum, a Get Free initiative that mobilizes Star Wars and Andor fans across races, backgrounds, and generations to rebel against real-world authoritarianism. A lifelong Star Wars fend, she blends pop culture with politics to inspire action and build community. Natalie is a progressive communications strategist with over a decade of experience advancing the rights of women, survivors, and communities of color. She currently works in the reproductive rights movement and has previously served on Senator Elizabeth Warren’s digital team and as Communications Manager at UltraViolet, where her campaigns reached tens of millions. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Washington, D.C.About Anthony Torres (he/him)Anthony Vidal Torres is the Communications Director for Get Free. Anthony is a messaging specialist, political strategist, and organizer originally from Long Island, New York. He’s supported winning campaigns across the country and most recently served as the Director of Collaboration at ASO Communications and has been a key steward and trainer of the Race Class Narrative. Prior to this, he led communication efforts for the national grassroots campaign to impeach Trump in 2019, and held a variety of leadership roles in the climate movement.Get updates when new podcasts & resources are out:Explore the roots of change agencyRead our Weekly Activist DigestFollow us on YouTube, Bluesky & MastodonHealthy Tech & Communications ResourcesAccess Our Private ChatsBecome a Seedling MemberSam Chavez (she/they/he) chats with Natalie (she/her) and Anthony Torres (he/him) from Get Free about their new program to get Star Wars fans involved in organizing called Project Fulcrum. In the hour-long conversation, we discussed:How Star Wars fandom can inform our activism on Earth in 2025Mon Mothma’s unique role in The Resistance as someone with privilege within The EmpireNemik’s Manifesto and what lessons we can take about movement buildingGet Free’s Project Fulcrum as an opportunity for Star Wars fans to get involvedWhy we need The Force and joy for long-term movement buildingMentioned in this episode:Access Private Podcast FeedBecome a Member

Hi y’all! 👋🏽 The pope and the president are fighting and no that's not a punchline for a dad joke. We celebrate Easter the way the radical organizer, Jesus, would want, by talking about community and radical love! I sit down with two of my pastors from Middle Church, Rev. Natalie Perkins and Jillian Langford, to discuss Jesus, the rise of Christian Nationalism, and how Middle Church is building a community that's moving for change. This was originally recorded on August 19, 2025 as part of our ongoing Road Trippin' for Change series. Watch today's episode.In the EpisodeJesus Teachings vs. Christian NationalismHow a church fire transformed Middle ChurchChurch as love and communityThe complexity of Christianity in the U.S.The spiritual work of becoming human beings, not human doingsChurch as movement organizingThe intersection of history and religionUsing religion and spirituality to move through the rise of Christian NationalismOctavia Butler's God is ChangeMedia, Resources, & NewsMiddle ChurchFierce Love by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis🎙️ New York Organizing for Our Future Today with Chris TorresUbunutu & Other Lessons from Black LiberationThe Will to Change by bell hooksFreedom Rising ConferenceNazis & Hegseth: Christian Nationalism Rhythms🌱 Become a Seedling Member Today! Get more behind-the-scenes action from our trip and go deeper with activists & organizers at just $2/month.Grow with Healthy Media:Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify Grounded Activism🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast Feed

Hi y’all! 👋🏽 this week, we stay in Southwest Texas to talk about the rise of christian nationalism, Republican Messaging strategies, and the complex web of the early history of the U.S. Bear hits the streets of Marfa, TX to reflect on small town, rural life and how we can empower the people politically and socially. Watch today's preview on YouTube or PeerTube.In the EpisodeChristian Nationalism and settler colonialismJesus' teachings vs. MAGABeing two spirit and beyond genderInside Elon Musks's Election StrategyBreaking down Republican votersDemocrat's Messaging Failures in 2024 🌱 Become a Seedling Member Today! Get more behind-the-scenes action from our trip and go deeper with activists & organizers at just $2/month.References / Resources📚 Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe🎬 Dazed and Confused (1993)🌱 Reawakening to Indigenous Queer Wisdom🎬 Giant (1956)✊🏽 Stop the Bloated Billionaire Bill with People Power📚 The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks🌍 MAGA Morphing of the Grand Old Party (GOP)Grow with Healthy Media:Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify Grounded Activism🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast FeedMentioned in this episode:Access Private Podcast FeedJoin Our Road Trippin' for ChangeIf you want to join us for the whole trip, become a Seedling Member starting at $2/month. You'll get full video and audio access to our trip and our archive of private podcasts and a whole resource library. Become a Member

Hi y’all! 👋🏽 this week, we are in Marfa, TX talking about cowboys, masculinity, and queerness. Women's History Month 2026 has been one of reckonings. The mask of patriarchy, as flimsy as it was, is being ripped off across our society. Growing up in Texas, toxic patriarchy and Christian Nationalism are nothing new for me. I reflect on Texas culture and its threads to growing fascism today.Watch today's episode.Giant (1956) & Queerness in HollywoodElizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, & James Dean as mirrors of our societyTexas culture & toxic patriarchyCountry music and masculinityReality of borders and migration 🌱 Become a Seedling Member Today! Get more behind-the-scenes action from our trip and go deeper with activists & organizers at just $2/month.References / ResourcesGiant (1956)Grow with Healthy Media:Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify Grounded Activism🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast FeedMentioned in this episode:Join Our Road Trippin' for ChangeIf you want to join us for the whole trip, become a Seedling Member starting at $2/month. You'll get full video and audio access to our trip and our archive of private podcasts and a whole resource library. Become a Member

Hey y'all! In a time of turmoil, I was delighted to chat with Janiah Miller, a Black Feminist organizer, with a focus on disability justice and housing rights. She helps us explore the critical intersection between disability justice and housing rights. We root into the systemic racism behind housing and disability policies, highlight examples of successful community organizing, and how collective care is our superpower."Systemic racism is what got us here."Become a member: www.rootschangemedia.com/private-podcast/#/portal/account/plansIn the Episode Personal Stories in Housing JusticeAccessibility as a Basic Human RightThe systemic roots of housing and disability crisesThe impact of systemic racism and government policiesInclusive organizing and embedding disability frameworksThe trickle-up effect and the curb cut analogyReclaiming community through gatherings and shared spacesPolicy work in Cincinnati and local advocacyBuilding sustainable systems and the role of cooperativismTenant advocacy and local policy victoriesSelf-care and community care as resistancePersonal care routines and joyful connectionStorytelling, systemic change, and imagining futuresReferences / ResourcesHomes GuaranteeAddressing Housing Instability with Equity in MindHousing for the People. Housting Justice as a Central Voting IssueGentrification: The Destruction of the PoorThe Curb Cut EffectTransgender MarxismCommunity Meal at Casa ChavezKansas City TenantsWe're More Segregated Than EverAbout Janiah Miller (she/her)Janiah Miller (she/her) is a dedicated advocate with experience in Black Feminist organizer with expierence as an cross-movement organizer, campaign managemer, and political strategist. She currently serves as the Senior Campaigns Organizer at Black Feminist Future, advancing the transformative power of Black feminisms for collective liberation.Her career began at Cincinnati City Hall, where she led community organizing during the pandemic and civil unrest. She contributed to police accountability reforms, fought for affordable housing through legal action against exploitative landlords, and elevated political awareness on housing justice.The first woman to serve as President of the Southwest Ohio Young Black Democrats, Janiah has received the NAACP Outstanding Community Service award. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Social Justice and a certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Integrative Studies from Northern Kentucky University.Follow Janiah on LinkedInGrow with Healthy Media:Explore healthy media & techBecome a Seedling MemberSupport independent media & assist an activistAmplify Grounded Activism🎬 Watch on YouTube or PeerTubeSubscribe to our weekly digest(s)Follow us on Mastodon, PeerTube, & BlueSkyBypass the algos on YouTube, Instagram, & TikTokJoin our secure Signal broadcast channelAccess Private Podcast FeedMentioned in this episode:Access Private Podcast FeedBecome a Member