Getting to the Root of it with Venus Roots

In this episode, Niki interviews acclaimed journalist and author, Vincent Bevins. In this conversation, the two discuss the trend of mass protests across the globe often resulting in the opposite of what people were demanding in the streets in the first place. They weave the history of anti-communism, US-backed right-wing coups, the weaking and demobilization of leftist organizations and parties, and the role of media.

Vincent Bevins is the author of The Jakarta Method and If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution

In this episode, Niki interviews Ghanian-American doctor, Dr. Samira Addrey, Graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba. In this conversation, the two discuss the legacy of not only the Latin American School of Medicine, but how Cuba has managed to develop some of the world's best doctors, biotech innovations, and their commitment to medical solidarity, despite the US blockade and all the crises it creates for Cuba and its people.

Additional note regarding the situation in Cuba:
"Right now the U.S. government is deliberately starving the Cuban people 90 miles to our South...

In this episode, Niki interviews Palestinian labor organizer and author, Zaina Alsous, where the two discuss the history of Palestinian and Arab worker-led revolts, the significance of the largest US labor unions calling for an immediate ceasefire, and the limitations of our current ability to hold general strikes in the US and what is required to make this more possible.

You can read more editorial work by Zaina here.

In this interview, Niki interviews historian and journalist Vijay Prashad, where the two discuss the history of Palestinian resistance throughout Zionist occupation, why the US may have the power to destroy countries but cannot win wars, and where the seeds of hope lie in this revolutionary moment.

Vijay Prashad is the Executive Director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, the Chief Editor of Leftword Books, and the author of forty books.

"The lesser of two evils politic has not served working class people." In this interview, Niki interviews presidential candidate for PSL (Party for Socialism and Liberation), Claudia De la Cruz. The two discuss the unfolding crises in the US - unemployment, inflation, housing/rent crisis, climate collapse, the threat of war, among other issues and how both Democrats and Republicans refuse to address these crisis and bring about solutions to most Americans.

As a relentless genocide takes place on the Palestinian people, Biden, Democrats, and Republicans alike have made their commitments and interests clear. Soon, these same...

In this episode, Niki is interviewed by their best friend and comrade, Sabrina Beydoun. Niki reflects intimately on what themes have been anchoring her this past year of sabbatical and hiatus - the challenges of what it means to leave home and build anew, being in a place of transition and uncertainty, and unprecedented personal challenges, while reckoning that the only path forward is collective care and interdependence. 

Sabrina Beydoun is a Lebanese-American chef, writer, and cultural worker. You can read their substack, Nourished here.

In this episode, Niki interviews Fariha Róisín, author of Who Is Wellness For? In the conversation, the two discuss the role of dignity in affirming one’s healing in the face of trauma, colonialism, capitalism, and other systems of oppression. They also unpack the relationship between spiritual warfare, commodification of wellness, and the corporate industries that intentionally invisibilize the violence behind popular wellness trends and practices. 

Audio disclaimer: I encourage you to listen on your laptop or car, as there is a bit of background noise coming from Fariha's audio. Otherwise, enjoy this tender conversation. 

M...

In this episode, Niki interviews Elea Chang, disability justice advocate, community organizer, and artist. The two discuss the capitalist notion of the "pandemic being over," and the ways in which disability justice offers a pathway of care, solidarity, and safety in these uncertain times. In this, they also discuss the limitations of representation and identity politics in an economy that commodifies it all.

Elea is the creator of Disabled and Here, an interview and stock images celebrating disabled BIPOC.

This episode is in partnership with Open Collective Foundation.

*This episode was originally published in May 2021*

In this episode, Niki interviews Annika Hansteen-Izora, an art director, poet, and designer. The two reckon with the interests (profit, militarism, white supremacy, ableism - to name a few) that dictate social media platforms, algorithms, and the digital world at large, in a time where we are all spending hours on end on apps. Drawing from Afro-Futurism, Afro-Nowism, and speculative fiction, the two envision what communities centered in care and safety may look and feel like. 

Annika is currently the Creative Director of Design and UI at S...

In this episode, Niki interviews musician and political educator, MELLY. The two discuss the political characteristics of creating art and cultural production, as well as navigating vulnerable life changes imposed by immigration, heartbreak, and pandemic isolation.

Melissa Denizard is a political educator, writer, documentarian, and burgeoning pop star. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to teach political education rooted in pop culture, history, and contemporary politics. Melissa's work has been recognized by Natalie Portman, Odley Jean, Refinery29, XoNecole, and Brut Media. 

Watch Melly's debut music video, EXODUS here. Support Melly's upcoming film project h...