Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste

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   Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr. — Ep 5: Lifting As We Climb Denise Oliver Velez — Ep 11:...

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/@ad...

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 conversa...

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 generati...

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 indu...

In this special crossover episode, we link up with the incomparable Candidly Tiff —media disruptor, political powerhouse, and co-host of The Big Three with @TwoRaw2Real and @TheZactivist—for a deep, unapologetic convo about what it means to speak truth in this moment. We go behind the mic and beyond the headlines to talk: The origins of Fired Up Friday & the power of platforming Black voices W...

Scott Burdette and I go beyond the brain and into the body—exploring how sensation and perception shape our understanding of community, activism, and belonging. We connect the dots between psychology and protest—from how ACT UP made pain visible , to the sensory rituals of Burning Man , to what it takes to build spaces that are not just inclusive, but felt on every level. If you’ve ever wondered w...

High Fidelity, HiFi , co-host of Radicalized: Truth Survives , for a no-holds-barred conversation about the dark architecture of this global authoritarian push — and why truth is under siege by this growing Transnational Crime Ring. From the infiltration of protest to micro targeting in this information war and the role PayPal Mafia members like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk play. HiFi unpacks how tod...

TX Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, HD-146 speaks out on the high-stakes battle against partisan redistricting. Simmons explains why bold action in Texas is critical—not just for her district, but for protecting democracy nationwide. This isn’t just Texas’s fight—it’s America’s. She is long-time supporter of #AdvocacyArena and our work, Rep Simmons is the epitome of it's mission. *Apologies on &qu...

Michelle, grew up in a tight-knit religious community. She shares how that foundation shaped her sense of identity, belonging, and purpose—and how it left her with deep questions, unresolved wounds, and a complicated relationship with organized religion.  Support the show

 In this episode, we talk with LGBTQ advocate Michelle B. Young , a proud parent of a non-binary child. Michelle shares her family’s journey, the power of parental support, and how she uses her platform to fight for inclusive policies and gender-affirming care. A heartfelt conversation on allyship, advocacy, and the impact one family can make.  BlueSky X (twitter) 🐳 Support the show

Kenny , aka 2RawTooReal,   Social media influencer, who discusses politics & pop culture. We discuss his approach to creating with receipts and context on political issues and figures. He often uses Parodies & Satire for political responses.  Find & Support Kenny "2RawTooReal" on the Socials:  2RawTooReal Entertainment TikTok X (formerly Twitter) BlueSky Support the show

Chris , NatSecMedia , is an ex-pat living in Ukraine. He covers security issues around the globe. Currently, his focus is on Ukraine. He reports from in the country amplifying stories of the defenders and their families.  Our democracy is intertwined and dependent on one another.  For more info: https://natsecmedia.com/ Support the show

Ngozi ,  Community-Based Clinical Therapist , shares her experience and expert.  She has worked in the school system helping young people and now assist  adults transition to more stable life situations.  We discuss the new budget bill's impact on the community she serves. Support the show

A discussion on civic engagement with my friend JTK,   a Minnesota native shares his experience.  JTK has worked on local campaigns and is passionate about informing and inspiring others to get involved.  We also discuss the recent assassinations there and his work w Planned Parenthood. Support the show

Joseph in OC discusses the current climate in California amidst ICE Raids. We also discuss celebrating Pride Month and the potential loss of rights for the LGBTQ community including Marriage Equality. Support the show

Dee answer's questions from the Advocacy Arena Community The Hegseth Hack: The Trojan Horse to Destroy Our Military Join us Every Monday 1pEST Weekly GoodTrouble Chat Fired Up Friday - BiWeekly on Substack   Support the show

Geoffrey P Johnston Canadian journalist. International Affairs Columnist at The Kingston Whig-Standard. Commentator on ‘CFRA Live with Andrew Pinsent’ on CFRA 580 News Talk Radio in Ottawa, Ontario GLOBAL REPORT WITH GEOFFREY P. JOHNSTON Support the show

Marcy Meldahl is a Random Acts of Flowers , "Volunteer"   an organization born of compassion to spread hope, one bouquet at a time.  You'll love the story and inspiration that started it all. Random Acts of Flowers improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals in the community in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments...

Myron J. Clifton is an author, publisher, blogger, and podcaster. He is the founder of Dear Dean Publishing and is known for his engaging storytelling.  Beyond his books, Clifton publishes the free monthly Dear Dean Magazine , writes blogs on current events at both DearDean.com and Medium, and co-hosts the weekly podcast Voice Memos.  His thought-provoking works inspires civic awareness and activi...

Dr. Katrina Green , ER Physician, American Medical Women's Association Board Member and Nashville Activist shares her insights on pressing community issues ie gun violence and healthcare. As an active member of the Tennessee Medical Association she advocates for healthcare related legislation at the Tennessee State Legislature. In her leadership role with the East Nashtivists, a grassroots or...

Dee answer's questions from the Advocacy Arena Community Support the show

Marc G. , Con Law Professor and former Prosecutor , Provides insights and understanding of our current political climate with a little primer on The Constitution. He explains it in easy understandable layman terms with ease. Support the show

Marc G. , Con Law Professor and former Prosecutor , Provides insights and understanding of our current political climate with a little primer on The Constitution. He explains it in easy understandable layman terms with ease. Support the show

Denise Oliver-Velez , Contributing editor for the Daily Kos blog; Feminist, Activist, former Young Lords Party and Black Panther Party member, is a cultural anthropologist and one of the most active contemporary revolutionaries of the 20th and 21st century.    Daily Kos, Denise Oliver-Velez BlueSky: @deniseoliver-velez.bsky.social Support the show