This week on Writer’s Voice we feature three great conversations. Karen Joy Fowler reflects on the relevance of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Dispossessed and its vision of utopia on the occasion of the 50th anniversary re-issue of that classic work of speculative fiction. She wrote the introduction. Listen to our 2012 interview with Ursulla K. Le Guin

Then, Charlotte Dennett gives us a timely update on the geopolitics of the Middle East, connecting current conflicts to her book Follow the Pipelines.

And finally, we pay tribute to Jules Feiffer, the legendary cartoonist and author, revisiting his insights on political art and his noir graphic novel about the Hollywood Black List, The Ghost Script. We spoke with him in 2019. He died January 17.

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Key Words: Karen Joy Fowler, Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed, utopia, Charlotte Dennett, Follow the Pipelines, Middle Eastern geopolitics, Jules Feiffer, The Ghost Script, Hollywood blacklist, energy politics

You Might Also Like: Charlotte Dennet, FOLLOW THE PIPELINES, Jules Feiffer, THE GHOST SCRIPT, Ursula K. Le Guin, UNREAL AND REAL.

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Key Topics:

Segment 1: Karen Joy Fowler on The Dispossessed

• Le Guin’s vision of “ambiguous utopias” and its contradictions
• The ongoing relevance of The Dispossessed in today’s sociopolitical climate
• Exploring themes of equality, individualism, and community
• Fowler’s reflections on human nature and the balance between utopia and dystopia

Segment 2: Charlotte Dennett on Middle Eastern Geopolitics

• The role of pipelines as “arteries of empire” in shaping global power
• How energy politics fuel ongoing conflict in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon
• The significance of the Leviathan gas fields and Netanyahu’s energy corridor ambitions
• Broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and energy security

Segment 3: Jules Feiffer on The Ghost Script

• The Hollywood blacklist’s impact on creatives and its relevance today
• Feiffer’s personal connection to the blacklist as a political cartoonist
• How The Ghost Script blends noir storytelling with political commentary
• Reflections on the power of art to challenge oppression

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In this episode of Writer’s Voice, entomologist and author Barrett Klein discusses his book, The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture. From the crucial roles insects play in ecosystems to their influence on art, architecture, and medicine, Klein unpacks the deep connections between humans and these often misunderstood creatures. [Image above by Barrett Klein.]

“We’d be knee-deep in dung and heaps of cadavers and corpses if it weren’t for insects.” — Barrett Klein

Then, Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop, shares her journey from novice gardener to passionate steward of over 200 acres of meadow and forest. Whyman discusses the challenges of managing invasive species, restoring native habitats, and the unexpected joys of observing interconnected ecosystems.

“The kind of human interference that’s good is managing for the plants that will help the local ecosystem.” — Paula Whyman

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Follow us on Bluesky @rheannonf.bsky.social and subscribe to our Substack. Or find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, and on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast 

Key Words: Barrett Klein, The Insect Epiphany, ecological importance of insects, insect pollination, biomimicry, insect-inspired architecture, insect conservation, pollinator decline, Paula Whyman, Bad Naturalist, native plants, invasive species management, rewilding, land stewardship.

Similar Episodes: Oliver Milman, THE INSECT CRISIS; Isabelle Tree, WILDING; Doug Tallamy, NATURE’S BEST HOPE

The Insect Epiphany: Barrett Klein on How Insects Shape Our World

In The Insect Epiphany, Barrett Klein takes us on a journey through the hidden world of insects. Klein explores their critical ecological functions—pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling—and their cultural significance, from silk production to architectural inspiration.

Highlighting ethical dilemmas, conservation challenges, and surprising stories, Klein emphasizes the need to reevaluate our relationship with the little creatures that “run the world.”

Key Topics:

• The ecological roles of insects: pollination, decomposition, and nutrient dispersal
• The insect apocalypse: implications of declining insect populations
• How insects have influenced art, architecture, and human innovation
• Ethical considerations in using insects, from sericulture to pollinator exploitation
• Conservation challenges: balancing agriculture and biodiversity
• Biomimicry and the lessons we can learn from insect behavior and structures

Bad Naturalist: Paula Whyman on Stewarding a Wild Virginia Mountaintop

Paula Whyman takes us on a transformative journey in her memoir Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop.

Moving from suburban gardening failures to managing 200 acres of meadow and forest, Whyman shares lessons on rewilding, invasive species control, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Inspired by Isabella Tree’s Wilding and Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope, she discusses the importance of ecological stewardship and the profound insights gained through observation and patience.

Key Topics:

• Whyman’s initial inspiration: transitioning from a suburban gardener to a land steward
• Learning the difference between native plants and invasive species
• The challenges of managing invasive plants like mile-a-minute vine, autumn olive, and stiltgrass
• The ecological significance of native species like white oak trees and yellow crownbeard
• Restoring habitats for declining bird species like bluebirds and kestrels
• The concept of ecological entanglement and the interdependence of species

In this week’s episode of WV, nonbinary journalist and author Nico Lang takes us inside the lives of trans and nonbinary youth across America. Their book is AMERICAN TEENAGER: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate And Finding Joy In A Turbulent Era.

“These kids are just trying to live their lives, but they’re forced to fight politically motivated hatred at every turn.” –Nico Lang

Then, we talk with National Book Award winner Lily Tuck about her new novel, The Rest Is Memory. Inspired by real events, the novel follows the life of a young Polish girl whose ordinary life is shattered by the horrors of Auschwitz.

Finally, we share with you a wonderful poem by Marie Howe to start the New Year. The video of the poem “Singularity” is at The Marginalian.org

Read the transcript

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Key Words: Nico Lang, American Teenager book, trans youth, nonbinary, gender-affirming care, anti-trans legislation, Lily Tuck, The Rest is Memory, Auschwitz novel, Holocaust fiction

Nico Lang

journalist and author Nico Lang takes us inside the lives of trans and nonbinary youth across America.

Through intimate storytelling, Lang reveals the unique challenges and joys of these young individuals, from navigating anti-trans legislation to finding community and support. With unflinching honesty, they explore themes of identity, activism, and the human desire for belonging, painting a vivid portrait of resilience in the face of systemic adversity.

Key Topics:

• The inspiration behind American Teenager and Lang’s storytelling philosophy
• The diversity of trans and nonbinary experiences: individuality over stereotypes
• The impact of anti-trans legislation on youth and families
• Stories of resilience: finding community, faith, and hope
• The intersection of race, identity, and queerness in conservative regions
• Challenges of accessing gender-affirming care and the political weaponization of trans rights

Read an Excerpt from American Teenager

Read article by Nico Lang on What Trump Can/Can’t Do About Trans Rights

Lily Tuck

Acclaimed novelist Lily Tuck joins us to talk about her latest work, The Rest is Memory. The novel, inspired by real events, follows the life of a young Polish girl, Czesława, whose ordinary life is shattered by the horrors of Auschwitz.

Tuck weaves history with fiction, exploring themes of displacement, resilience, and the brutality of war from multiple perspectives. With a narrative style that moves fluidly between past and present, the book reflects on the fragility of normalcy and the enduring power of memory.

Key Topics:

• The inspiration behind The Rest is Memory, including the role of Wilhelm Brasse’s photographs
• The life of Czesława as a reflection of resilience and innocence lost
• The intersection of historical research and creative writing in Holocaust narratives
• Tuck’s narrative style: anecdotal writing and fluid time shifts
• Themes of violence, memory, and trauma in historical and contemporary contexts
• Reflections on the title and its connection to Louise Glück’s poem “Nostos”

Poem: Singularity by Marie Howe

Rafael A. Martinez discusses the lived experiences of undocumented youth in America. He’s Assistant Professor of Southwest Borderlands at Arizona State University and author of Illegalized: Undocumented Youth Movements in the United States.

He details how activism and organizing led to gains such as in-state tuition and DACA, but also the precariousness of these advancements under changing political climates.

Martinez emphasizes the resilience and creativity of undocumented communities in navigating systemic challenges, while acknowledging the significant mental and physical health consequences of living under constant threat of deportation.

His experiences underscore the systemic nature of immigration issues and the interconnectedness of undocumented immigrants’ lives with the broader U.S. society. The interview concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to engage with local organizations supporting immigrant rights.

“Immigration isn’t a broken system; it’s working as designed—to exploit and marginalize immigrant communities.” — Rafael Martinez

We also play an edited version of one of our ten favorite episodes of 2024 — our conversation with Eric Klinenberg about his book 2020.

Check Out our List of the Ten Best WV Episodes of 2024!

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Listen, Like & Subscribe

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Keywords: Rafael A. Martinez, Illegalized book, undocumented youth, immigrant rights movements, DACA, U.S. immigration policy, private detention centers, border militarization, immigrant activism history.

Key Topics

• Martinez’s personal journey as an undocumented youth and eventual DACA recipient
• The daily impact of illegality on undocumented youth, from limited mobility to educational barriers
• The origins and evolution of undocumented youth activism, including the rise of civil disobedience
• The influence of historical movements, such as the sanctuary and civil rights movements, on immigrant organizing
• Systemic critiques of U.S. immigration policy, private detention centers, and economic exploitation
• The concept of resilience as both a survival strategy and a double-edged sword

Read An Excerpt from Illegalized

A Lookback at the book 2020

As we go into 2025, it might be a good idea to take a look back at one of the most consequential years in American history, 2020. It just might have been the year Americans lost faith in their government, with consequences we continue to experience.

That’s what sociologist Eric Klinenberg told us when we spoke with him back in May of 2024 about his acclaimed book, 2020: One City, Seven People, And The Year Everything Changed.

Through the stories of seven New Yorkers—a transit worker, a bar owner, a mutual aid organizer, and more—Klinenberg reveals how citizens stepped up when institutions failed during the pandemic, protests, and economic upheaval.

It’s a lesson we would do well to remember as we enter an era when the incoming administration is hell-bent on shredding whatever is left of the federal government’s capacity to serve our needs.

It’s always difficult to choose our ten favorite shows of the year. But the end of December gives us a chance to reflect and share with you some of the ones that stood out for us. So read on for descriptions and links to those picks, from earliest to most recent.

And remember to Listen, Like and Subscribe!

In January, Climate scientist Michael Mann discussed his book Our Fragile Moment, which explores how lessons from Earth’s past can guide us through the current climate crisis. While climate denialism is largely fading, a new threat has emerged: climate doomism. This mindset suggests that it’s too late to prevent catastrophic climate disruption, leading to a sense of fatalism and continued inaction. However, Mann argues that it’s not too late to avert climate disaster. He emphasizes that with the right support, the Earth’s climate system has the potential for resilience, offering hope if we take the necessary actions.

In April, we spoke with Tessa Hulls about her powerful graphic memoir, Feeding Ghosts. It tells the story of three generations of women — her Chinese grandmother, Sun Yi; her mother, Rose; and herself —and how, in the process of writing and drawing their stories, she was able to heal the trauma that haunted them.

Also in April, we spoke with with Brad Gooch about his acclaimed new biography of Keith Haring, RADIANT: The Life and Line of Keith Haring. Then we listen back to a clip of Gooch talking with us in 2017 about his biography, Rumi’s Secret: The Life of the Sufi Poet of Love.

In May, Kelly Fong told us about her book, Investigating Families: Motherhood in the Shadow of Child Protective Services. We explored the inner workings of Child Protection Services (CPS), the impact on families, and the need for systemic change.

Also in May, we spoke with Eric Klinenberg about his book 2020: One City, Seven People, And The Year Everything Changed. It follows seven New Yorkers as they try to cope with the pandemic. Among them, a transit worker, a bar owner, a retired lawyer who organizes a mutual aid network and a Black Lives Matter protester. Their stories and those of the others illustrate how our leaders and institutions failed us — and how some citizens stepped into the breach.

In July, we sat down with Dr. William Bronston, a renowned advocate for disability rights and social justice. Dr. Bronston shared his journey from a young medical student to a leading figure in the fight to protect the rights of people with disabilities. He discussed his experiences working at the Willowbrook State School, his efforts in the deinstitutionalization movement, and the transformative impact of the landmark Willowbrook case. His book is Public Hostage: Public Ransom: Ending Institutional America.

In September, we spoke with Clayton Page Aldern about The Weight of Nature, his groundbreaking new book on the impacts of climate change on our brains — from PSTD to brain-eating amoebas. Aldern explains how climate-induced stressors are shaping our mental health — harming our judgment, leading to rises in neurodegenerative diseases, and even eroding our capacity to tell truth from lies.

In October, we sat down with epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers to talk about her book Crisis Averted. From the successful eradication of smallpox to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers delves into public health challenges, funding gaps, and the “panic and neglect” cycle that threatens our preparedness for future outbreaks.

In November, Julie Sedivy told us about Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love. Sedivy shared her journey from a multilingual childhood to becoming a linguist, reflecting on the complexities of multilingualism, the emotional weight of language, and its profound ties to time, identity, and human connection. She also explored how language shapes our social interactions, cultural divides, and even our final moments.

Also in November, journalist and author Rebecca Nagle told us about By the Fire We Carry: The Generations’ Long Fight for Justice on Native Land. She unpacked the history of the Cherokee Nation and broader Indigenous struggles for sovereignty. Nagle intertwines personal family history with systemic injustices, tracing the consequences of the Trail of Tears, the Indian Removal Act, and the ongoing fight for Native land rights. She examines how these histories intersect with larger issues of capitalism, democracy, and climate justice.

Sociologist Stephanie Canizales examines the lives of unaccompanied migrant youth in her groundbreaking book, Sin Padres Ni Papeles. Drawing from years of immersive research in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles, Canizales sheds light on the systemic challenges these young people face, from exploitative labor conditions to emotional isolation.

She connects their experiences to historical U.S. policies in Central America and Mexico, revealing the deep ties between migration, policy, and economic inequality. This conversation explores resilience, identity, and what must change to ensure justice for migrant communities.

“The conditions that force young people to migrate aren’t inherent to them—they’re rooted in histories of U.S. intervention and inequality.” — Stephanie Canizales

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Read The Transcript

Key Words: Stephanie Canizales, Sin Padres Ni Papeles, unaccompanied minors, migrant youth, labor exploitation, U.S. immigration policy, Central America migration, systemic inequality, undocumented workers, migration

Key Topics

• The personal and structural factors driving unaccompanied migration from Central America and Mexico
• The emotional and material struggles of unaccompanied youth in the U.S.
• Historical U.S. policies and their impact on migration patterns
• The role of labor exploitation and systemic inequality in shaping migrant experiences
• The intersection of identity, resilience, and community among unaccompanied minors
• Broader implications for U.S. immigration reform and social justice

Read an excerpt from Stephanie Canizales’ Sin Padres Ni Papeles to explore the untold stories of unaccompanied migrant youth.

If you found this episode insightful, please share it and leave a review on your podcast app!

Sherri Goodman, a leading voice in climate security, discusses her book Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security.

Goodman explores how climate change amplifies instability, from the Middle East’s water crises, to migration in Latin America, to potential conflicts over emerging shipping routes in the melting Arctic. Goodman also shares insights on geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, China and the Indo-Pacific.

“Climate change is a threat multiplier, exacerbating instability in already fragile regions.” — Sherri Goodman

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Read The Transcript

Key Words: Sherri Goodman, threat multiplier, climate security, Arctic geopolitics, water weaponization, net-zero military, U.S. military energy goals, climate resilience, renewable energy, China Belt and Road, global security risks.

Key Topics

• The concept of climate change as a “threat multiplier” and its national security implications
• Water scarcity and weaponization in Syria and other conflict zones
• The Arctic’s melting ice: geopolitical tensions and environmental risks
• Efforts to decarbonize the U.S. military and achieve net-zero energy goals
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on global climate and security
• Building resilience through military leadership, diplomacy, and renewable energy innovation

If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review!

Listen to Michael Klare on the US, China and Climate

In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we speak with Daniel Fryer, author of How to Cope with Almost Anything with Hypnotherapy, about the science and uses of hypnotherapy in mental health and well-being.

Then, we honor the late Nikki Giovanni with a replay of our 2009 conversation about Hip Hop Speaks to Children, celebrating poetry’s rhythm and its deep cultural roots.

“Hip hop is the vernacular turned into art—it’s gossip, rhythm, and rebellion rolled into one.” —Nikki Giovanni

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Read the Transcript

Key Words: hypnotherapy, Daniel Fryer, self-hypnosis, Nikki Giovanni, Hip Hop Speaks to Children, hip hop history, poetry, mental health

Key Points:

Daniel Fryer:

• Hypnotherapy works by accessing the unconscious mind and implanting positive suggestions, bypassing conscious resistance.
• Concerns about losing control during hypnosis are largely unfounded, as the participant remains in control and can resist suggestions they do not want.
• Self-hypnosis can be as effective as going to a practitioner, and involves recording and listening to self-guided hypnotic inductions.
• Hypnotherapy is an effective therapy for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, pain control, and addiction.

“Hypnosis isn’t giving up control; it’s about reclaiming control over your mental habits and responses.” — Daniel Fryer

Nikki Giovanni:

• Hip-hop and poetry have shared roots in rhythm, cadence, and the African oral tradition of call-and-response.
• Nikki Giovanni’s poetry celebrates women’s strength, empowerment, and their central role in creation and life.
• The role of rhythm and cadence in storytelling and its cultural significance across generations
• Celebrating the democratic spirit of hip hop and its ability to transform deprivation into creativity

Enjoyed this episode? Share it and leave a review on your podcast app! Read an excerpt from Daniel Fryer’s How to Cope with Almost Anything with Hypnotherapy for practical tips.

In this episode, we dive into the world of eels with Ellen Ruppel Shell, author of Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History with Eels. From ancient mysteries and ecological importance to international crime syndicates and sustainable farming, Ruppel Shell unravels the fascinating and complex story of one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures.

The conversation traces the mysterious lifecycle of eels, their pivotal role in ecosystems, and their entanglement in a global black market. Ruppel Shell also highlights efforts to sustainably farm eels and the cultural significance of these creatures to Native American communities.

From Aristotle to the international criminal trade in wildlife, this episode offers a riveting exploration of eels and their connection to humanity.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Read The Transcript

Key Words: Ellen Ruppel Shell, Slippery Beast, eel lifecycle, global wildlife trade, freshwater eels, ecological importance of eels, eel farming, eel conservation, wildlife crime, ecosystems services

Key Topics

• The mysterious lifecycle of freshwater eels and their migration to the Sargasso Sea
• Eels’ ecological importance as predators, prey, and ecosystem engineers
• The global eel trade: poaching, organized crime, and unsustainable practices
• The decline of eel populations and its environmental consequences
• Efforts in sustainable eel farming and Native American conservation initiatives
• The paradox of human desire driving both exploitation and conservation

Key Quotes

1. “Eels are like the bottom block of a Jenga tower—remove them, and ecosystems collapse.”
2. “The illegal eel trade is the largest wildlife crime by dollar value, rivaling international drug cartels.”
3. “Nature assumed eels. They’ve been here for millions of years, shaping ecosystems in ways we’re only beginning to understand.”

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it on your favorite podcast app and leave a review.

In this special holiday edition of Writer’s Voice, journalist and author Petrina Engelke shares her journey exploring iconic American cuisine along Route 66, detailed in the book she co-wrote with food blogger Gabriele Frankemölle, Cook Across America: 66 Iconic Recipes Along the Legendary Route 66.

Engelke delves into the diverse cultural traditions that define American food, from maple syrup production in Illinois to fusion Tex-Mex dishes in Texas and barbecue’s African American roots. She also highlights the intersection of food, history, and climate change, discussing how environmental challenges threaten beloved traditions like winemaking and maple syrup harvesting.

“Barbecue is a testament to resilience, born from hard labor and innovation by enslaved African Americans.” — Petrina Engelke

Cook Across America is written for a German readership (Engelke reports on America for German news outlets) but our conversation is an engaging exploration of the many-splendored diversity that makes American food traditions so rich that any English-speaker can enjoy.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Key Words: Petrina Engelke, American cuisine, climate change, Cook Across America

Key Topics:

• The origins of Cook Across America and its connection to Route 66
• The diverse cultural influences shaping American cuisine
• Maple syrup production in Illinois and its climate challenges
• Barbecue’s Indigenous, African American, and colonial roots
• Tex-Mex fusion cooking and debates over “authenticity” in food
• The impact of wildfires and climate change on California winemaking

Learn more about Petrina Engelke’s work on her Substack blog Climate Culinarians and her journalism website. Happy Holidays!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share and review the podcast!

In this episode, Rebecca Nagle, journalist and author of By the Fire We Carry: The Generations’ Long Fight for Justice on Native Land, unpacks the history of the Cherokee Nation and broader Indigenous struggles for sovereignty.

Nagle intertwines personal family history with systemic injustices, tracing the consequences of the Trail of Tears, the Indian Removal Act, and the ongoing fight for Native land rights. She examines how these histories intersect with larger issues of capitalism, democracy, and climate justice.

The conversation also highlights recent landmark Supreme Court decisions and their implications for Indigenous sovereignty and U.S. democracy.

““If you think that lawlessness towards one group can’t eventually affect you, history tells us otherwise.” — Rebecca Nagle

Then, we continue our Thanksgiving week tradition of hearing Native American storyteller and ethnohistorian Marge Bruchac talk about the holiday from the Native point of view — and her re-telling of the Story of Corn.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Key Words: Rebecca Nagle, By the Fire We Carry, Indigenous sovereignty, Cherokee Nation, Supreme Court, Trail of Tears, McGirt v. Oklahoma, Native land rights, Indian Removal Act, democracy and genocide, environmental justice, Neil Gorsuch

Key Topics

• The legacy of John and Major Ridge and their controversial role in Cherokee history
• The Trail of Tears and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities
• The Indian Removal Act: greed, violence, and the roots of U.S. capitalism
• Supreme Court cases Murphy v. Oklahoma and McGirt v. Oklahoma and their significance
• The resilience of Native sovereignty and environmental challenges
• Lessons from Indigenous struggles for addressing democratic backsliding

Timestamps

• [0:00] Introduction
• [4:35] Rebecca Nagle’s family history and connection to Cherokee Nation
• [12:15] The Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act
• [20 :30] Supreme Court cases Murphy and McGirt: reclaiming Indigenous land
• [25:45] Capitalism, environmental justice, and Native land exploitation
• [39:00] Democracy, systemic injustice, and Indigenous resilience
• [43:47] Lessons for today’s democratic struggles

Listen to or read an excerpt from Rebecca Nagle’s By the Fire We Carry.

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