Most of us never realize how personal history and deep-rooted activism shape the fight for justice. Olinka Green’s story reveals the raw truth of a life driven by childhood trauma, relentless resilience, and a unwavering commitment to community liberation. From witnessing violence at a young age to leading environmental justice tours and growing her own food, her journey serves as a powerful testament to how individual pain fuels collective change.

Connie Cook has been a longtime Democratic activist in multiple states. Before she got into Democratic politics, however, she was an ordinary nurse who transformed communities, fought corruption, and built political change in her hometown of Baltimore. Connie’s extraordinary journey reveals the secrets behind effective organizing, union battles, and the relentless passion required to stand up for others, even in the face of adversity and systemic obstacles.

Julio Chaparro immigrated from Mexico to Dallas in the 1980s and is now the co-chair of Justice for Joppa, located in the historic Freedman’s community of Joppa in Southern Dallas. Alongside his daughter, Aggi Alvarado, they share their experiences of local activism, the challenges of gentrification, and the power of community resilience. Join us to explore how Julio's immigrant story fuels his determination to create a healthier future for the historic Joppa community of Dallas and their fight against industrial pollution caused by TAMKO, the billion-dollar asphalt shingle company.

00:00 Intro

08:40 Julio's experience growing up in Mexico and moving to the U.S.

16:44 America then and now for immigrants

29:23 Establishing a life in the U.S.

43:53 Moving from Uptown to Joppa

49:49 Background of Joppa

54:47 Starting Justice for Joppa

01:17:47 Final thoughts

Michele Saranovich is a Democratic activist and precinct chair in Far North Dallas. She shares her journey from reporting on the nascent nuclear energy movement in the state of Washington to her pivotal role in environmental policy and nuclear waste management in Washington, D.C. Discover her insights on the evolution of energy policies, the challenges of being a woman in STEM in the 1970s, and her transition to local politics in her new home of Dallas.

00:00 Intro

10:08 How her father and upbringing helped shape her environmental activism

23:26 Being a young woman in STEM

28:11 Working as an energy reporter in the Pacific Northwest

40:24 Building out an office in the Department of Energy

52:59 Leaving government and starting her technology consulting career

01:01:41 Transitioning to retirement and moving to Dallas

01:04:24 Final thoughts

Esme Zuniga is an environmental justice activist in Dallas, TX. We explore her journey from community organizing in the Rio Grande Valley to her impactful work with Downwinders at Risk. Esme shares her family's deep-rooted history in Texas, her early influences in activism, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as the Communications Director for the Hidalgo County Democrats. We also discuss the importance of local political engagement, the evolving landscape of activism in Dallas, and the need for a united Democratic front.

To learn more about Downwinders at Risk, visit their website.

00:00 Intro

02:41 Early environmental justice work

04:45 Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley

05:25 Family history

07:53 How she started in civic engagement

11:50 Working at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party

16:12 Republicans then and now

20:26 Why RGV Hispanics don't vote for Democrats

25:08 Democrats need to fight harder

33:50 Life after Hidalgo

35:26 Everyone needs to understand data

40:15 Primary difference between the Democratic and Republican parties

46:50 Balance between calling people out and civil discourse

58:58 Role of local parties

01:03:16 Final thoughts

Dave Henley is an environmental activist in Dallas, TX. We discuss his journey into environmental activism, his military background in meteorology, and the impact of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth on his advocacy. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, the challenges of convincing politicians about climate change, and the future of environmentalism in Dallas. Dave emphasizes the need for local activism and the preservation of green spaces, encouraging listeners to take action in their communities.

To learn more about the organization Dave volunteers for, the Citizens' Climate Lobby, visit their website.

To read the Substack article that this conversation inspired, read it here.

00:00 Intro

00:54 Volunteering in the 2024 presidential campaign

03:59 His first political volunteering

05:29 Joining the Navy

14:04 Life after the Navy

16:52 An Inconvenient Truth

29:05 Frog in the boiling water

37:45 Talking to people about climate change

40:55 Talking to politicians

45:40 Breaking down climate change

51:02 Lobbying local politicians

58:41 Where he sees Dallas

Subrina Brenham is a community activist and former Dallas city council candidate. We discuss her journey into activism, her experiences running for office, and the challenges faced in local politics.

The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, voter education, and the impact of elected officials on civic participation. Subrina shares her insights on issues affecting District 8 in Dallas, including public safety, environmental concerns, and the need for better resources.

We conclude with reflections on the future of Dallas and the role of leadership in fostering a more engaged electorate.

Connect with Subrina on her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subrina.brenham