Coffee with Comrades

This week, we celebrate Pride Month by sharing a special collaborative episode we recorded with our pals in Kino Lefter, a socialist movie podcast. In this edition of the program, we discuss Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the ravishing, queer, period drama directed by Céline Sciamma.

• Follow Kino Lefter on Twitter and support them on Patreon.
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

- Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie

- Interlude: "we fell in love in october" by girl in red

- Outro: "Dogwalk" by Pity Sex

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Oluwatoyin Salau and Victoria "Vicki" Sims. Rest in power. May you be avenged.

***

This week on Coffee with Comrades, we celebrate our two-year anniversary by sharing a conversation with two community-organizers on the ground in the Twin Cities, Jessica and Cameron. We talk about Jessica and Cameron's experiences in the recent uprising that has swept across the nation. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, including the siege of the Third Police Precinct in Minneapolis, mutual aid efforts, the efficacy and ethics of looting, and the power of solidarity in these ensuing crises.

Channel Zero Network PSAs:

• Street Action PSA
• Jail Support PSA

Links:

• Check out the Minnesota Freedom Fund for bail support in the Twin Cities.
• You can try to get medic training from groups like North Star Health Collective
• Support media like Unicorn Riot
• Get picket and direct action training from Twin Cities Workers Defense Alliance
• Keep in touch with your local chapter of the National Lawyers' Guild
• Southside Harm Reduction is also doing vital work in MN and are worthy of your support
• Donate to the FL State-Wide Bail Fund for BLM protesters
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

• "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• "Welcome to the Party" by Bambu
• "Excuse Me" by Fire from the Gods

This week, Pearson is joined by Nichole and Callie of Bitchy Shitshow to talk about, well, a whole bunch of stuff. This is a wide-ranging conversation touching on patriarchy, racism, subcultures vs. countercultures, creation, and so much more. We hope you dig it!

CZN PSAs:

• Street Action PSA
• Jail Support PSA

Notes:

• Support Bitchy Shitshow on Patreon and follow them on Twitter and Instagram and Youtube. You can also visit their website.
• Donate to the FL State-Wide Bail Fund for BLM protesters
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

• "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• "You Don't Tell Me" by Super Unison
• "Oppressor" by Jesus Piece

With protests continuing in cities all over the world, the Channel Zero Network has some reminders on how to support those who have been arrested, and those who may be arrested in the coming days and weeks. Arrests are one tool cops use to repress mass movements. Arrest keeps protesters off the streets during demonstrations. They scare people with the threat of court cases and potential prison sentences. Alone, we feel defenseless against the police and the courts. By providing jail and court support, we can push back against this repression, from the moment that our comrades are taken in, to the end of their court case. Before heading out into the streets, make sure you and everyone you're with has acontact number written on their body. You'll need to get in touch with someone if you're arrested and you most likely won't have your personal belongings with you. This number can be the National Lawyer's Guild, a group you're involved with, or just a friend who's not at the protest. If you see someone getting arrested, call your legal support number with the arrestee's legal name and birthday. If you are in a large city, you may have to determine where they will be taken. Try to find the arresting officer's precinct or unit. This may determine where your comrade ends up. In smaller cities, everyone may go to the same place. If you expect more arrests, try to stay and observe. If not, you should head to the precinct to wait for the arrestee. Once at the precinct, use the legal name and birthday of the arrestee to ask the cops for the arrest number, charges, and where the arrestee will be taken or held. Keep anyone supporting you in the loop. Be prepared to wait many hours. Keep in touch with others and take turns waiting outside the precinct. It could take hours, or in some cases, the whole night,especially if there's been a mass arrest. From here, each city and state has different processes and different jargon. Connect with local organizers and read about local laws to learn what the process will be in your area. Here are some things that you might encounter.

• Sometimes arrestees are released quickly with a notice that they'll need to show up in court at a later date. If this happens, take the contact info of arrestees. You'll want to be ready to offer them court support in the future.

• Sometimes arrestees are charged before release. This is a longer process usually called arraignment, which is a procedural court hearing to file charges and set bail. The court will assign a public defender for arraignments. Try to have a couple offriends attend the arraignment for support. Due to COVID 19, you may only be able to observe via video.

• Sometimes arrestees will have to post bail to be released. If bail is set, let the court officer know you're arranging payment and will be coordinating with the arrestee's lawyer. If you need support making bail connect with local organizers, there may be a bail fund for protestors in your area.

• No matter what happens, always relay what's happening to other people offering support.

Regardless of the legal situation the arrestee ends up in, you'll need to bring some things with you.

• People who are getting out may be exhausted or have trouble getting home. So bring snacks, water, aspirin, bus fare or transit cards, and cigarettes. If you have a friend being held, you can bring their favorite snacks! If you know the arrestee requires a specific medication, bring that too.

• You'll also need water and snacks to sustain yourself! Bring External batteries for charging phones as you may be waiting for many hours.

• If you can't stay and help with jail support, dropping off materials to those waiting can be a big help.

Unfortunately, there is a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 while in an enclosed jail cell. Arrestees should consider self-quarantining and getting tested. For every street action and for every viral video of arrests, there are dozens of people outside the spotlight supporting the movement. Remember, it's not over until everyone's safely gotten out of prison and everyone's beaten their charges. Check out Rebel Steps' Jail Support episode at for more tips and resources. And follow Unicorn Riot and Channel Zero Network member It's Going Down for ongoing updates. The Channel Zero Network sends y'all solidarity. Stay safe out there and never stop fighting for a better world.

For this special bonus edition of Coffee with Comades, Pearson is joined by Delilah of Tallahassee Community Action Committee to discuss the ongoing Tallahassee Uprising. The Florida capital has been rocked by one protest after another in the wake of state violence. All across the so-called United States, people have been crying out for justice. Delilah talks about her own experiences here in Tallahassee, exploring the intersections of class, race, and gender identity. What's more, Delilah discusses the harrowing mental health crises engendered by the criminal "justice" system, which disproportionately targets people of color. We close by examining some of the steps we can take to continue to fight for justice and for a world without prisons, police, and states.

Justice for Tony McDade!

Justice for Mychael Johnson!

Black Lives Matter!

Trans* Lives Matter!

• You can donate to Mychael Johnson's family's GoFundMe.
• Follow TCAC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Donate to the FL State-Wide Bail Fund for BLM protesters
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

• Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• Interlude: "Mississippi Goddamn" by Nina Simone
• Outro: "Police State" by Dead Prez

Due to these wild times we're living in, some comrades and I in Capital City Mutual Aid wanted to put together a skill-share and teach-in on street action protests. In this episode, you'll hear me talk way too much, but hopefully it'll provide you with useful ideas/tips, and strategies. This was a digital meeting and I have done barely zero editing, so please forgive any weird sounds in the background. I just felt it was important to get this information out to folks as quickly as possible so that it could be disseminated and shared with folks on the ground who're doing the work.

You can also find a PowerPoint to in the show-notes if you want to follow along at home.

• Donate to the FL State-Wide Bail Fund for BLM protesters
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

• Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• Outro: "Their Rules" by Backtrack

BLACK LIVES MATTER

JUSTICE FOR TONY MCDADE

JUSTICE FOR MYCHAEL JOHNSON

JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD

This week, Pearson is joined by Stephen and Ted of Pixel Pushers Union 512, a worker-owned cooperative and game developer of Tonight We Riot.

In this edition of the program, Stephen and Ted chat about what it's like to be an indie developer in a market of triple-AAA game developers, how their cooperative workplace functions, and how they seized the means of video game development. During the show, we also discuss the mechanics and subtext of Tonight We Riot, the future of video games, militarism and colonialism in video game subcultures, and the new possibilities of Means Interactive.

Tonight We Riot is available now on the Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG, and Itch.io.

Pixel Pushers Union 512 are also graciously giving out free keys for players who can't afford Tonight We Riot, so hit them up if you want a copy but can't purchase one just this second.

- Follow Tonight We Riot on Twitter.

- Follow Pixel Pushers Union 512 on Twitter.

- Check out Means TV and follow them on Twitter.

• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art.

Music:

- Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie

- Interlude: "Tonight We Riot - Theme"

- Outro: "Outsider" by Veil of Maya

As protests heat up, the Channel Zero Network has some reminders on how to stay safe while out in the streets.

• Bring buddies and don't let them out of the range of your voice.

• Write a legal aid number on your body so you can get help if you get arrested. Be sure to know your buddies legal names and birthdays. You'll need these to help find them if they're arrested.

• When moving around, walk don't run. Stick together.

• Turn off your phone while out in the street to avoid surveillance of your locationand so as not to have your unlocked phone taken by the authorities or other bad actors.

• Try your best not to stick out in a crowd. Cover up tattoos with clothing or body paint. Cops will use footage from the protest to try to identify you.

• Wear clothes that are good for moving quickly. Avoid wearing jewelry and wear closed toe shoes.

• Wear your mask at all times, even if you're talking to someone in order to guard yourself against surveillance, covid 19, pepper spray, and tear gas.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses. Bring goggles of some kind in case of tear gas or pepper spray.

• Consider wearing bike helmets as police often cause head injuries with batons and other weapons.

• Don't take photos or video of people doing anything illegal or with their face uncovered. Whenever possible, film the cops, not the protesters.

• ONLY PUT WATER IN YOUR EYES. Don't use milk or baking soda or anything else.Clean water is the safest thing to use at a protest. If possible, bring a waterbottle to drink from and a water bottle to flush out eyes of any comrades who are maced or tear-gassed.

• And white comrades are encouraged to follow the lead of black and brown comrades, as they bear the brunt of state brutality.

Follow Unicorn Riot and Channel Zero Network member It's Going Down for ongoing updates. The Channel Zero Network sends y'all solidarity. Stay safe out there and never stop fighting for a better world.

Today, Tauno Biltsted joins Pearson to talk about his new book, The Anatomist's Tale, a novel about an unwitting surgeon who gets swept up in a high seas adventure of piracy and rebellion. In this discussion, Tauno provides a history of his experience squatting, details his current residence at the Umbrella House, and talks about tools and strategies for organizers looking to squat in their own neighborhoods. Then, Tauno and Pearson talk about The Anatomist's Tale, exploring animal agency, autonomy, piracy, race, class, labor, gender, identity, unreliable narrators, nonlinear stories, and so much more.

• Pick up a copy of The Anatomist's Tale.
• Read about the history of the Umbrella House.
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art

Music:

• Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• Interlude: "A Pirate's Life" from Peter Pan
• Outro: "Main Theme" from Pirates of the Caribbean

This week, Pearson got to sit down for a whirlwind conversation with scott crow, anarchist, author, purveyor of fine records, and long-time community-organizer. We chat about scott's radicalization, compassionate self-critique, the shortcomings of mass movement-centric forms of organizing, media and perception, and so much more.

• Follow scott crow on Twitter and visit his website.
• Check out Agency, an anarchist PR and media collective, and follow them on Twitter.
• Listen to eMERGENCY hEARTS artists.
• Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network.
• Coffee with Comrades is a proud part of the Rev Left Radio Federation.
• Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art

Music:

• Intro: "I Ain't Got No Home in this World" by Woody Guthrie
• Interlude: "Ideas of Collective Liberation" by World is Our Country & scott crow
• Outro: "Strip Mall Church" by Televangel & scott crow