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: The Revolutionary Power of Community Activism

SOCIAL JUSTICE TRAILBLAZERS 

• Gywnne & Lauren --Ep 3: The Many Paths Taken to Social Justice

SOCIAL WORK CHAMPIONS 

• Ngozi --Ep 23: How Community-Based Mental Health Services Strengthen the Community
• Adrienne and AJ Young, Jr, and Ron Reeves --Ep 10: Look to the Helpers

DOCTORS & LAWYERS

• Dr. Katrina Green — Ep 16: Exploring Grassroots Organizing and Activism 
• Marc G. --Ep 13: Exploring the Legal Aspects of Our Political Climate w Law Professor - Part 1

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

• Chris --Ep 24: Exploring a Geopolitical Perspective of Democracy with Chris
• Geoffrey -- Ep 19: The Vital Role of Independent & International Journalism with Geoffrey P Johnston

LAWMAKERS

• Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons --Ep 28: Front Line of Democracy: TX Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons on the Fight Against Redistricting

EDUCATORS 

• Steven -- Ep 9: A Collaborative Approach to Education with Steven Evangelista
• Dr Ty --Ep 8: Education Advocacy and Mentorship with Dr. Ty

* "Connections & Conversations with Dee Batiste" is an Advocacy Arena Podcast Series.

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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/@advocacyarena
Substack:  https://advocacya.substack.com/
BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/desia.bsky.social
Spoutible:  https://spoutible.com/desia

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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 conversation on activism, messaging, and the future of organized labor.

SoulSister is also the Co-host of Advocacy Arena Good Trouble Chat where she brings her labor union perspective and experience.

🐳Good Trouble Chat, Every Monday 12p C/1p E on Spoutible

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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 generations and continents. From the calypso tents of Trinidad to international stages, we explore Lord Melody’s enduring influence—not just on music, but on the family he left behind.

🎧 A must-listen for fans of calypso, Caribbean history, and those who believe music is a bridge between generations.

Spotify Playlist: Lord Melody: Wit, Wordplay & Revolution

🎶Mama Look A Booboo

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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 industry, the feedback loop between media and public behavior, and why media literacy isn’t optional — it’s essential for democracy.

Because the way we watch, click, and share doesn’t just reflect the news — it helps write it.

Status newsletter by Oliver Darcy (media and news industry)

Platformer newsletter by Casey Newton (tech)

Substack: Margaret Sullivan (news & journalism standards)

Reliable Sources from Brian Stelter

Lucas Shaw’s newsletter from Bloomberg

Podcasts:

By Puck News: The Powers That Be (features media news every Monday)

The Grill Room hosted by Dylan Byers

Hardfork – covers tech & AI featuring Casey Newton & Kevin Roose

Uncanny Valley by Wired Magazine

Powerlines by Oliver Darcy

Pivot with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway

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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
• What makes The Big Three a bold timely show in the media game
• How we hold space, build power, & stay grounded in purpose!

This episode isn’t just for listeners—it’s for truth-tellers, movement builders, and anyone who’s tired of the noise and ready for the work.

Fired Up Friday Show  https://advocacya.substack.com/podcast

Candidly Tiff & The Big Three https://www.youtube.com/@Candidly_Tiff

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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 why certain moments stick with you—or why some communities feel like home while others don’t—this one's for you.

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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 today's authoritarian creep didn’t come out of nowhere — it is rooted in white supremacy and class warfare.

RADICALIZED: Truth Survives Podcast

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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 "sound quality" but she was literally working— running from meeting to meeting in the legislative halls preparing for what she knew was coming🫶🏽

Watch on Video version on Youtube w/ Subtitle (makes up for sound issues)

X (formerly twitter) https://x.com/RepLSimmons

Teen Vogue  (features Rep Simmons): 

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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. 

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