The News We Deserve: Media, Power & the Politics of Engagement

Advocacy Arena's "Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste" Season 1 Finale

In this final collection of Season 1 highlights, we revisit moments that moved us — words that challenged, inspired, and reminded us of the impact we each can make. Until next time, keep listening, keep learning, and most of all, keep connecting. HISTORIANS  * Dr. Mary Marshall — Ep 1: Archiving Your Family History  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/archiving-your-family-history-with-dr-mary-marshall/id1793630630?i=1000688133174] * Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr. — Ep 5: Lifting As We Climb [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifting-as-we-climb-with-dr-learotha-williams-jr/id1793630630?i=1000697120844] * Denise Oliver Velez — Ep 11: The Revolutionary Power of Community Activism [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revolutionary-power-of-community-activism/id1793630630?i=1000703330377] SOCIAL JUSTICE TRAILBLAZERS  * Gywnne & Lauren --Ep 3: The Many Paths Taken to Social Justice [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-many-paths-taken-to-social-justice/id1793630630?i=1000692707217] SOCIAL WORK CHAMPIONS  * Ngozi --Ep 23: How Community-Based Mental Health Services Strengthen the Community [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-communitiy-based-mental-health-services-strengthen/id1793630630?i=1000715958508] * Adrienne and AJ Young, Jr, and Ron Reeves --Ep 10: Look to the Helpers [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/look-for-the-helpers/id1793630630?i=1000702357044] DOCTORS & LAWYERS * Dr. Katrina Green — Ep 16: Exploring Grassroots Organizing and Activism [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-grassroots-organizing-and-activism-with/id1793630630?i=1000708871195]  * Marc G. --Ep 13: Exploring the Legal Aspects of Our Political Climate w Law Professor - Part 1 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-the-legal-aspects-of-our-political-climate/id1793630630?i=1000705095583] GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES * Chris --Ep 24: Exploring a Geopolitical Perspective of Democracy with Chris [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-a-geopolitical-perspective-of/id1793630630?i=1000717016613] * Geoffrey -- Ep 19: The Vital Role of Independent & International Journalism with Geoffrey P Johnston [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vital-role-of-independent-international/id1793630630?i=1000711976681] LAWMAKERS * Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons --Ep 28: Front Line of Democracy: TX Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons on the Fight Against Redistricting [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/front-line-of-democracy-tx-rep-lauren-ashley-simmons/id1793630630?i=1000721349954] EDUCATORS  * Steven -- Ep 9: A Collaborative Approach to Education with Steven Evangelista [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-collaborative-approach-to-education-with/id1793630630?i=1000701424503] * Dr Ty --Ep 8: Education Advocacy and Mentorship with Dr. Ty [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/education-advocacy-and-mentorship-with-dr-ty/id1793630630?i=1000700449787] * "Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste" is an Advocacy Arena Podcast Series. Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/AdvocacyArena?locale.x=en_US]

Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste Season Finale --Thank you!

Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste is an Advocacy Arena Podcast Series. We began with the simple idea: that every community has hidden heroes. After 35 episodes, we close this season with highlights of these community change makers to reflect on where we’ve been—and celebrate the voices that have helped shape this portion of the journey. Socials: Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@advocacyarena Substack:  https://advocacya.substack.com/ BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/desia.bsky.social Spoutible:  https://spoutible.com/desia Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/AdvocacyArena?locale.x=en_US]

Voices of Solidarity – UAW, Labor, and Legacy

Gwynne, aka SoulSisterOG,  Former International Representative Public Relations Dept UAW President's Staff discusses how strategic communication and collaboration has been a driving force in the labor movement. We also reflect on the enduring legacy of Walter Reuther, the legendary UAW leader who helped unite the fight for workers’ rights with the civil rights movement. A powerful conversation on activism, messaging, and the future of organized labor. SoulSister is also the Co-host of Advocacy Arena Good Trouble Chat where she brings her labor union perspective and experience. 🐳Good Trouble Chat [https://spoutible.com/desia/pods], Every Monday 12p C/1p E on Spoutible Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/AdvocacyArena?locale.x=en_US]

Legacy in Lyrics: Lord Melody Through His Son’s Eyes

Chris Alexander, the youngest son of legendary calypsonian Lord Melody shares a rare and intimate conversation. He shares personal stories, untold moments from his father’s life, and what it meant to grow up in the shadow of a Caribbean icon. His father's songs were sung by Harry Belafonte, his performances wowed Princess Margaret and British royalty, and whose legacy endures across generations and continents. From the calypso tents of Trinidad to international stages, we explore Lord Melody’s enduring influence—not just on music, but on the family he left behind. 🎧 A must-listen for fans of calypso, Caribbean history, and those who believe music is a bridge between generations. Spotify Playlist: Lord Melody: Wit, Wordplay & Revolution [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qVrUvEYgp6zAmae46chOd?si=eBzHwDVARpaZ7uEXUuEmaQ&pi=-zJqUFHrQHune] 🎶Mama Look A Booboo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFJ7qGUu9N0] Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/AdvocacyArena?locale.x=en_US]

The News We Deserve: Media, Power & the Politics of Engagement

Susan Bordson, talks about how broadcast news and information sources shape public governance — not just through what’s reported, but through how we engage with it --"How We Reward Quality Journalism."  From headlines to policy, perception to power, the media we consume — and how we respond — directly impacts what we’re given next. We dig into the moral responsibility of the news industry, the feedback loop between media and public behavior, and why media literacy isn’t optional — it’s essential for democracy. Because the way we watch, click, and share doesn’t just reflect the news — it helps write it. Status [https://www.status.news/?utm_source=www.status.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=status-turns-one&_bhlid=1a906319f0e1ef9cfa989b0cc7c692b1b97abd1b] newsletter by Oliver Darcy (media and news industry) Platformer  [https://www.platformer.news/]newsletter by Casey Newton (tech) Substack: Margaret Sullivan [https://substack.com/@sulliview?utm_source=global-search] (news & journalism standards) Reliable Sources from Brian Stelter Lucas Shaw’s newsletter from Bloomberg Podcasts: By Puck News: The Powers That Be (features media news every Monday) The Grill Room hosted by Dylan Byers Hardfork – covers tech & AI featuring Casey Newton & Kevin Roose Uncanny Valley by Wired Magazine Powerlines by Oliver Darcy Pivot with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/AdvocacyArena?locale.x=en_US]