Redneck Gone Green Podcast

Howdy y’all, It’s taken me a while to get around to sending out parts of the Celebration of life we had at the Arcata Playhouse . It’s a long service. We had music and wonderful speakers, so I thought I would share the individual segments with you. If you’d like to see the whole thing, you can find it here . Our first speaker was Jim Reed. Jim initially met David in a Green Party meeting in 1999,...

In this episode of Redneck Gone Green, Shane is joined by the late David Cobb's widow, Ruthi. Over the last three weeks since we lost David, there has been some confusion around the circumstances of his death. Ruthi and Shane come together to present the grim reality and open up about how grief changes you, but how it also calls you back to your community. We may have lost a fire-starter, a powerh...

Most economists ask how capitalism can be managed. Clara Mattei asks a more dangerous question: Why do we assume capitalism is inevitable? In the episode we talk to Economics Professor Clara Mattei about the systemic nature of capitalism, its historical roots, and pathways to economic emancipation. Mattei emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and grassroots organizing to challeng...

Erel Onojobi is a powerful example of what it looks like to organize for racial and economic justice with a clear-eyed understanding that systems are not neutral. She is a British social change agent who doesn’t just talk about inequality; she builds alternative infrastructure to address the systems that create it. With a background in youth work, advocacy, and financial inclusion, she has founded...

We live in a time when many people feel powerless. Billionaires seem to have more influence than entire communities. Housing grows less affordable. Wealth becomes more concentrated. Democracy itself feels increasingly fragile. But despair is not a strategy. Building democratic institutions is a strategy. Creating community ownership is a strategy. Using the law to expand democracy instead of prote...

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become one of the most exciting ideas in economic justice. What was once dismissed as a fringe proposal is now being taken seriously by mayors, governors, researchers, philanthropists, and community organizers across the country. Chelsea Wilkinson from Income Movement discusses the history, models, misconceptions, and political strategies for universal basic income...

If you’ve ever wondered whether talking about race helps or hurts efforts to build a working-class movement, you don’t want to miss my conversation with Professor Ian Haney López. Drawing on years of empirical research, he explains why politicians and organizers who unite people across race while specifically naming the billionaire class as the source of our shared economic struggles consistently...

In this episode, we explore California’s Proposition 40, the billionaire tax initiative, and its implications for democracy, economic justice, and healthcare. Guest Kris Cuaresma-Primm , one of the spokespersons for the California Billionaire Tax , shares insights on how grassroots organizing can challenge the billionaire class and reshape policy. If CA voters can use the initiative process—create...

In this episode, Mel Figueroa discusses the interconnected crises facing our world and the importance of understanding global capitalism, imperialism, and settler colonialism. A must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of current geopolitical and ecological challenges and how to take action. Mel is the Editor of “Tracking the Crisis,” a weekly news round-up tracking the administrative,...

Join us as Addison Winslow, a Chico City Council member and activist, shares his journey from grassroots organizing to elected office. We explore strategies for building lasting power, the role of dual power, and how to navigate the tension between movement work and governance. Get full access to Redneck Gone Green at redneckgonegreen.substack.com/subscribe

summary In this episode, David Cobb and Shane Knight explore the failures of the Democratic Party, the rise of populist movements, and the potential for building a new independent political party rooted in working-class interests with Les Lopold, co-founder of the Labor Institute and author of The Billionaires Have Two Parties, We Need a Party of Our Own . They discuss historical populist strategi...

Today, we dive deep into the intersections of organizing, finance, and sustainable change with Charlene Tait. From her journey in community organizing to co-founding the J-Walk app, she’s breaking barriers and redefining what it means to mobilize for justice. Charlene emphasizes that money isn’t the enemy; it’s a tool we can use to uplift our movements. By understanding how to navigate funding wis...

In this episode of Redneck Gone Green, host David Cobb and co-host Shane Knight interview social change agent Amani Scott Blackwell. They explore topics like regenerative capitalism, solidarity economy, impact investing, and community-led solutions for systemic change. Get full access to Redneck Gone Green at redneckgonegreen.substack.com/subscribe

summary In this episode, host David Cobb and co-host Shane Knight explore the legacy of Occupy Wall Street, the challenges of social movements, and the innovative development of Outcry AI— a free, on-device AI mentor designed specifically for activists, organizers, and movement builders- with Micah Bornfree, founder of Outcry . They discuss the history, impact, and future potential of collective a...

In this in-depth interview, Ken Pentel , founder of the Ecology Democracy Network discusses the limitations of GDP as a measure of economic health and introduces the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) as a more accurate alternative. He explains how GPI accounts for environmental, social, and health costs, offering a pathway to sustainable and equitable economic policies. Get full access to Redneck G...

This episode features a deep discussion on the epochal crisis of global capitalism, its environmental, social, and political dimensions, and the potential pathways for revolutionary change. Guest William Robinson shares insights from his extensive research and offers hope through the rising consciousness of younger generations. Robinson, an expert on global capitalism, offers a compelling argument...

Join host David Cobb in a compelling conversation with Jerome Scott, co-author of 'Motown and the Making of Working Class Revolutionaries.' They explore the history of the League of Revolutionary Black Workers, the role of wildcat strikes, the interconnectedness of capitalism and white supremacy, and lessons for modern revolutionary movements. Get full access to Redneck Gone Green at redneckgonegr...

Explore the significance of the petrodollar system and its potential decline. Learn why this matters for global economics and geopolitical stability. In a world where economic power is often dictated by currency, the petrodollar has played a pivotal role in establishing the United States as a leading global force. However, recent geopolitical tensions and evolving economic strategies hint at a pot...

There’s something refreshingly concrete happening in Denver. While much of the national conversation on the US Left remains trapped in familiar debates—electoral versus non-electoral strategy, institutional power versus movement building—folks on the ground in the Mile High City are quietly doing something more fundamental: They are building relationships, skills, and shared political culture. Coo...

In an era when corporate consolidation dominates emerging markets, a different model is taking root in Rhode Island—one grounded in democracy, equity, and community ownership. Their approach to incubating cooperative cannabis businesses is not just about helping to incubate a new industry. It is about transforming who owns it, who benefits from it, and what it is for. Andre Dev , MD is founder of...

Nakeshka Iyengar of the Guild in Atlanta fosters community resilience and combats gentrification through collective action. In a world where environmental degradation and social injustices are rampant, the question arises: how can communities come together to create lasting change? In this podcast, we explore insights from David and Shane's conversation with Nakeshka Iyengar, founder of the Guild...

In this episode of Redneck Gone Green, host David Cobb sits down with hip hop artist and revolutionary organizer Mic Crenshaw to explore the interconnected crises facing our world—climate devastation, imperialist conflicts, white supremacy, and the cultural struggles within hip hop and broader society. Together, they unpack the deep roots of systemic oppression and the urgent need for collective a...

Discover the importance of deep ecology and community solidarity in the face of environmental crises. Learn how collective action is vital for our survival. Shane and David speak with Rob Persons, Director of Development for the Institute for Social Ecology . Rob is also the Project Manager at the Center for Study and Advocacy to Reduce Wealth and Income Inequality. Get full access to Redneck Gone...

Shane and I had a brilliant conversation this week with Professor Stephen Zunes , an American political scientist and Middle East scholar best known for his research documenting how nonviolent movements challenge authoritarian rule and for his critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy. Zunes has expressed support for the courageous grassroots protests that have periodically erupted in Iran while wa...

In this episode of Redneck Gone Green, host David Cobb and Shane Knight explore the urgent issues of global conflict, economic crisis, and systemic oppression. Featuring Isaiah Rucker Jr. of Blackout the System, they discuss grassroots resistance, community building, and strategies for systemic change in a turbulent world. Get full access to Redneck Gone Green at redneckgonegreen.substack.com/subs...