Beyond Voting

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming embedded in everything, from our workplaces to our government. But who really benefits from the world Silicon Valley is building?In this super sized episode of Beyond Voting, host Emily Williams speaks with tech researcher and author, Jathan Sadowski about the growing power of Big Tech and the rise of what some call the “tech broligarchy.” They explore how social media captured our attention, how AI could reshape creativity and critical thinking, and why the deepening partnership between tech companies and government should concern anyone who cares about democracy.This extended conversation connects the dots between technology, capitalism, and democracy. It also asks a critical question: who benefits from the world Silicon Valley is building?We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.Join the conversation and follow our new IG account: @beyondvotingpodcastConsider supporting Beyond Voting with a donation - https://givebutter.com/PhNlBiWant more on AI & Tech from our guest, Jathan Sadowski? Listen to his podcast, This Machine Kills and visit more about our guest at https://jathansadowski.com.

As Beyond Voting resumes season two, we’re entering a new chapter - fully independent and committed to continuing this work into season three and beyond. Like so many independent media projects, the political and economic realities of this moment have reshaped how the show is funded and sustained, but our mission remains the same: to tell the truth, hold power accountable, and imagine what civic life can look like beyond the ballot box. With the show heading to SXSW, this moment feels especially urgent - we’re bringing these conversations into new rooms, new audiences, and new communities, and we need your support to make that possible. If Beyond Voting has informed you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, or more activated in your community, we invite you to support the next iteration of the show. You can contribute to our crowdfunding campaign at https://givebutter.com/PhNlBi, follow us on Instagram @beyondvotingpodcast, and stay connected as we build what comes next together. Every share, every dollar, and every signal of support truly matters.

After Trump’s new executive orders dismantle federal DEI programs, corporations like Target follow suit, shuttering racial equity initiatives and cutting ties with Black-owned businesses. Communities respond with boycotts—but do they still work in an economy dominated by giants like Amazon and Google?Host Emily Williams speaks with:Nikki Porcher, founder of Buy From a Black Woman, about redirecting dollars to strengthen community resilience.Earl Ofari Hutchinson, activist, political analyst, and author of The Myth of Black Capitalism, about the power and limits of boycotts, capitalism as a tool for liberation, and lessons from the Civil Rights Movement.This episode digs into how organized economic resistance can still shake corporate power, the dangers of rolling back diversity initiatives, and why building intergenerational, cross-community solidarity is key to survival.We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.And, join the conversation on IG @arcuscenter.Follow our Guests: Earl Ofari Hutchinsonhttp://www.thehutchinsonreport.net/https://www.instagram.com/earlhutchinsonNikki Porcherhttps://www.buyfromablackwoman.org/https://www.nikkiporcher.com/https://www.instagram.com/nikkiporcher/

Democracy in the U.S. is under siege. From ICE raids and mass deportations, to Elon Musk’s“Department of Government Efficiency” dismantling federal protections, to attacks on education and the press—our institutions are unraveling at unprecedented speed.In this episode, host Emily Williams sits down with award-winning journalist Karen Attiah (former Global Opinions Editor at The Washington Post) to unpack how we got here and what it will take to resist. Karen shares lessons from her “Resistance Summer School,” explores the dangers of authoritarianism cloaked in efficiency, and argues that radical empathy and education are essential tools for survival—and for building the democracy we deserve.This is a sobering, urgent conversation about power, accountability, and what it will take to save ourselves.Share this episode with a friend—because democracy is more than just voting.We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us. And, join the conversation on IG @arcuscenter.Follow Karen Attiah: https://karenattiah.substack.com/https://www.karenattiah.com/https://bsky.app/profile/karenattiah.bsky.social

In Season 2, we’re taking a closer look at the state of American democracy as it shifts under President Trump’s second term. We dig into what’s changing, who’s paying attention, and how people are fighting back.This season features conversations with incredible journalists, organizers, and community leaders, including:Karen Attiah (Washington Post) on how a more organized administration is testing the rules of democracy.Jenni Monet (Indigenous affairs and climate reporter) on the Arctic as both a political and environmental warning for the rest of the world.Maurice Mitchell (Working Families Party) on how communities are building power through listening, organizing, and collective action.A look at the efficacy of boycotts in 2025—what’s working, what isn’t, and how collective resistance is evolving.Experts unpacking how AI and technology are reshaping privacy, energy, and governance in real time.Throughout the season, you’ll also hear visions for a future rooted in care, radical imagination, and everyday people taking action to protect democracy- grounded in working-class solidarity and Indigenous leadership.Because despite the present, it’s not too late to write our future.Beyond Voting Season 2 launches October 2025. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow us on IG @arcuscenter for more.

Do not despair, we have the power to organize, build supportive communities, and challenge harmful policies.In our special post election edition episode on Beyond Voting. We’re joined by two special guests, Madiba Dennie and Dr. Melina Abdullah. We did a legal lightning round with Madiba Dennie, Deputy Editor of BallsandStrikes.org, to explore how we got here and understand the legal challenges and issues that had such a profound effect on our elections across the country. We also spoke with 2024 VP Candidate, Dr. Melina Abdullah about her experience on the campaign trail with the Justice for All Party, we get her take on the outcome of the election, and learn what activists can do to further resist the deterioration of our rights. So tell us, how will you embrace these next four years? Will you organize and be a part of the electoral strategy? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at …. https://arcuscenter.kzoo.eduFollow our guests: Madiba Dennie, Deputy Editor of Balls and Strikes: https://ballsandstrikes.org/Twitter: x.com/ballsstrikesMadiba Dennie’s book, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take it BackDr. Melina Abdullah, 2024 VP Candidate - Justice For All Partyhttps://www.cornelwest2024.com/vp_melina_abdullahIG: https://www.instagram.com/docmellymel/Dr. Abdullah’s Book Recommendations: The Miner's Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming DemocracyBy Lani Guinierhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/the-miner-s-canary-enlisting-race-resisting-power-transforming-democracy-lani-guinier/10855954Tyranny of the Majority: Fundamental Fairness in Representative DemocracyBy Lani Guinierhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/tyranny-of-the-majority-funamental-fairness-in-representative-democracy-lani-guinier/7851708?ean=9780029131695Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo’n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria, Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Have you lost your voice?On the sixth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Charlene Carruthers, community organizer, writer, filmmaker, and Black Studies PhD candidate. Charlene is the founding national director of BYP 100, a Chicago -based social justice organization led by Black youth activists. Her work spans more than 20 years of community organizing across racial, gender,and economic justice movements. She is also the author of the 2018 bestselling book, Unapologetic: a Black, queer, and feminist mandate for radical movements. It provides a vision and a framework for young activists to build power, create a more radical and intersectional movement, and grow into the next generation of leaders and visionaries.We spoke with Charlene today to help us understand what challenges activists face as part of today’s liberation struggles, how we find and build community, how we care for ourselves and others doing the work, and most importantly, how liberation is a global movement that is interconnected with the struggles of oppressed peoples around the world.So tell us, how will you use your voice to fight for change? What action will you take to be a part of the change you want to see? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Follow Charlene Carruthers :Twitter: @CharleneCACIG:@CharleneCarruthers Website: charlenecarruthers.com Check out Charlene Carruther’s book, Unapologetic: a Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo’n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria, Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Is the Supreme Court for us or against us?On the fifth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Dr. Nicole Nguyen, associate professor of criminology, law, & justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She’s also a feminist geographer whose research contributes to, and draws on, grassroots struggles challenging racialized policing, war and empire, particularly in collaboration with community organizations.We spoke with Nicole about how the Supreme Court is meant to function versus how it actually does, why it’s facing a legitimacy crisis, how some of their recent rulings are already eroding our established rights, and how we as activists can hold the highest court in the land accountable. So tell us, have you considered running for office in a local election? How can you advocate locally for the policies you’d like to see? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at …. https://arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Follow Dr Nicole Nyugen :Twitter: @GeogNicoleFaculty webpage: uic.edu. Check out Dr. Nicole book, Terrorism on Trial: Political Violence and Abolitionist FuturesHost/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Crimson, Tamara, Kerria, and Winter. Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Fascism: Modern threat or facade?On the fourth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Alberto Toscano, critical theorist, professor in the School of Communications at Simon Fraser University, and also co-director of the Centre for Philosophy and Critical Theory at Goldsmiths, University of London. We spoke with Alberto about what modern fascist movements look like, where we see real examples of anti-fascist resistance, and what we can learn - particularly from Black radical traditions- about how to fight back against the spread of new fascisms in the United States and beyond.So tell us, have you fully confronted or accepted fascism as a reality? How do you plan to turn your ideas and principles into action? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at arcuscenter.kzoo.eduCheck out Alberto Toscano’s latest book, Late Fascism: Race, Capitalism, and the Politics of CrisisCheck out these authors and topics Alberto mentioned in the conversation: - The Politics of The Multi-Racial Right - Daniel Martinez Hosang & Joseph Lowndes- When W.E.B DuBois Made a Laughing Stock of a White Supremacist - The New Yorker - Suburban Warriors: The Origins of the New American Right - Lisa McGirr- Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition - Cedric Robinson- W.E.B. Du Bois: Black Reconstruction: An Essay Toward a History of the Part Which Black Folk Played in the Attempt to Reconstruct Democracy,1860-1880 - Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1 - Angela Davis- Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George JacksonHost/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, KerriaAdditional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Have you ever considered a third party as an option?On the third episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deeper with Rosa Clemente, a black Puerto Rican scholar, activist, journalist, organizer, and former vice presidential candidate alongside Cynthia McKinney on the Green Party ballot in 2008. We spoke with Rosa after she had just interviewed third party presidential candidate with the Justice For All Party, Dr. Cornel West. So third-party campaigns were front and center in her mind.We spoke with her about her introduction to the Green party, how third party campaigns help influence policy, money and political viability, and her perspective on those who are weighing a historic vote for Kamala Harris against concerns about her policies.So tell us, how are you going to take Rosa’s advice and engage in your local community to make a real impact. Are you going to organize in your community? Are you going to join a local activist group, to drive change from the ground up? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at …. arcuscenter.kzoo.eduFollow Rosa Clemente :https://rosaclemente.net/https://www.instagram.com/blackpuertoricanphd/?hl=enHost/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria.Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Do you stay in the process or do you check out?On the second episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Esam Boraey, Egyptian-American political activist and academic, into what it looks like working within the confines of electoral politics, what it can do for us, and what its limitations are – through the lens of the Uncommitted Movement. We spoke with Esam only a few days after the Democratic National Convention wrapped up its week-long festivities in Chicago. He shared his thoughts on his experience with the Uncommitted movement, tells us about their treatment by other DNC attendees during and after the protest, the impact Pro-Palestinian voices could have on the rest of the Harris-Walz campaign, and why he says he’s not ready to give up hope – and neither should you. Tell us, how are the candidates' positions on Gaza influencing your vote? What are your thoughts on working within our current political binary to affect meaningful change? Leave us a comment on IG @arcuscenter or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. Please visit us at https://arcuscenter.kzoo.eduFollow Esam Boreay: [email protected]://www.instagram.com/esamboraey/https://www.facebook.com/esamboraey/Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria.Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Are you voting between a rock and a hard place?On this first episode of Beyond Voting, we get real about voting our values with Dr. Michelle Taylor, also known as Feminista Jones- the award-winning author of Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World from the Tweets to the Streets.We spoke with her after the 2024 Democratic National Convention and took a critical look at where we find ourselves with Vice President Harris, our new Democratic nominee. She shared her thoughts on voting as harm reduction, the importance of developing a political consciousness, and the realities of holding elected officials accountable. Let us know how you feel about voting in this year’s presidential election? What are your top concerns and how do you plan to make your voice heard? Tell us on IG @arcuscenter or drop it in your 5 star review of the show. And please visit us at arcuscenter.kzoo.eduCheck out some of the books recommended by Feminista Jones: Reclaiming Our Space - Feminista Jones A Pocket Guide to the U.S. Constitution (We picked this one to get you started.*)Revolutionary Suicide - Dr. Huey P. Newton Liberating Abortion - Renee Bracey Sherman & Regina MahoneTorn Apart - Dorothy RobertsExcept For Palestine - Marc Lamont Hill & Mitchell PlitnickBooks by Dr. Molefi AsanteBooks by Angela DavisFollow Feminista Jones: https://www.feministajones.com/https://www.youtube.com/feministajoneshttps://www.instagram.com/FeministaJones/Credits Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo’n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Crimson, Tamara, Kerria, Winter and Marti. Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

Are you ready to move beyond the ballot box and become a more engaged citizen? Beyond Voting is rooted in our conviction that democracy requires more participation than just voting. It’s up to all of us to take action if we want to see real change. Hosted by Emily Williams, Executive Director of The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College. We’ll feature conversations with leaders, activists, and educators discussing the state of our country’s institutions, ongoing systems of oppression, and most importantly how we the people can take critical actions in pursuit of true equity and justice. Subscribe to the Beyond Voting podcast today and join us as we explore the many ways we can make a difference in our communities. Join us every Tuesday starting September 24th on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your podcasts. Beyond Voting is produced by The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership & Philo’s Future Media. Trailer by Manny Faces Media.

Listen to the newest show from the Arcus Center!On September 24th we’ll be dropping our new podcast, Beyond Voting, right here on this feed. And since you're already here- you don’t have to do anything but stay locked in! If you’ve enjoyed our previous podcast, Radical Futures Now, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy our new show Beyond Voting. It’s a show about raising our consciousness, inspiring new leaders, and redesigning the democracy we deserve. So, if you want to be part of that- listen to Beyond Voting – a limited series, starting September 24th/ right here and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow The Arcus Center on Instagram: @arcuscenter

Aya Chebbi discusses Pan-Africanism and Youth Organizing with us. Aya Chebbi is a diplomat, peacebuilder and activist. Aya is also a multi-award winning Pan-African feminist. Aya has transformed the youth participation space across Africa, specifically with building the Afrika Youth Movement which is one of Africa's largest youth-led movements.

Alice Bagley shares about timebanking, urban farming and community-building through and through. Unity in Our Community Timebank is an organization in Southwest Detroit focused on sharing services and building community one hour at a time. Alice Beagley is currently organizing learning circles with Michigan Alliance Timebanking and farming at Fields of Plenty.

Mazi Mutafa discusses the sacredness of the cypher, and the expansiveness of Hip Hop as a music and culture. Mazi Mutafa is the Executive Director of Words Beats & Life inc, a non-profit based in Washington, D.C. that teaches, convenes and presents Hip-Hop around the world. Mazi Mutafa began this organization as an after school program dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences in non-traditional classrooms, teaching the elements of Hip-Hop.

Cat March discusses the murders in Atlanta through a historical, gender and racial lens. Cat March (they/them) is a Gender Studies and English scholar. They have a personal passion for Asian American histories, especially Japanese internment camps in the United States. They are currently the student advisor at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College and finishing up their graduate program in higher education.

Mika Hernandez discusses their feelings after the murders in Atlanta, and post-Atlanta organizing rooted in the Ohlone Land (Bay Area). Mika Hernandez (they + she) is a queer and non binary community organizer whose work is rooted in trans and queer liberation, abolition, transformative justice, and community care. They put this work into practice within their political and movement homes: Asians4BlackLives, APIENC, and the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective. Mika is currently enrolled in an herbal medicine program at Ancestral Apothecary.

Dr. Baba Buntu speaks on building stronger relations within family structures and returning to ancient African. Dr. Buntu is an Activist Scholar and Founding Director of eBukhosini Solutions; a community-based company in Johannesburg, specializing in Afrikan-Centered Education. Dr. Buntu has founded a number of community interventions based on practical approaches to Black Consciousness and decolonial methods.