The Weed Out Podcast
A podcast by abolitionists for those who are in the mood to hear that discussion. We are Western Massachusetts based but hope to resonate everywhere. Discussions will focus on both local topics and events that impact us all on a broad level and could be applied to people all over the country. We will share ways to get involved with direct action, information on how to make records requests from public officials, and good news about our area and beyond! We hope you will listen and follow along with us as we weed out the nonsense in our town and maybe even yours too.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
For episode 60, we get an update on the Berkshires biggest town - Pittsfield (they have a new Mayor) and are facing a housing crisis. Michael weighs in on this and gives us all an update on what he and his wife are doing with their organization Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc.
Many of us Western Ma folx know and love King Kone - get an update on that too!
xoxo
theweedout.com
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
RiverValleyPSL joins us again after visiting DC on JAN. 13th to protest the genocide in Gaza. There were reports of 400,000 thousand people that gathered together with this common demand for the President and the leaders of the West who are engaging in these actions.
Tune in to hear about the experience from a group that went locally!
theweedout.com
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Sierra Dickey is a writer, educator, and organizer
Sierra's writings on abolition, immigration, education, gender, labor, and nature have been featured in publications like Shadowproof, Modern Farmer, Documented, Talk Poverty, and Library Journal. She currently covers police and prisons for The Shoestring.
Sierra has a Master’s in Education from Antioch University and has spent years working with immigrant learners in Vermont, Western Massachusetts, and Maine. Listen in to hear more about Sierra's most recent work, what it's like to moderate and direct forums for the shoestring and how one finds information or inspiration to write as a journalist in Western MA.
theweedout.com
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
On January 13th, the RiverValleyPSL is heading to DC to come together with other like minded people to "deliver a powerful message" that is asking for ceasefire and the US to disengage with the genocide in Gaza.
Over 100 people from Western Ma will ride from Amherst, Northampton, and Springfield to meet in D.C. - they hope you will join them!
If you'd like to join them and have not yet registered please do so here:
https://donorbox.org/jan-13-river-valley-to-dc
If you can't go, but want to donate please do so! You can do that here:
https://donorbox.org/jan-13-river-valley-to-dc
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Join us as we discuss the fascist parades in the wake of a waltham, ma police officer and national grid worker killed in a motor vehicle accident.
cops parade as a show of force, collect OT, whitewash their image with the deceased body of a coworker. we discuss the role this plays in manufacturing consent.
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
We are talking ableism and how it is baked into our language and so many things that it is something we all have to work on pushing back on the norm. If you are not someone who is disabled, we discuss how someday we will all face some kind of disability. The word disability is another term that is often criticized by those who are differently abled as it implies difference and inability in the name. This is one example of how it permeates the language and culture that we live in. Thanks for listening and considering ableism and how it impacts us all! Take care!
xoxo,
Joanna & Spencer
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Spencer and Joanna will be talking all things CATS! The cute little fur balls are often used as a symbol of antifascists movements, they are the assigned pet of "witches", and they really bring the joy and the are only a few of the things we discuss.
We could not resist a chance to chat about our cats and the different ways they are used as symbols that align with our values. As always, we also will include some local ghoulery & tomfoolery. All of the shelters in Western, Ma are a great place to find a wonderful new family member. Please consider adopting a fur baby during this cold season if you are able. Take care all!
xoxo
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Clara and Fergus, from Demilitarize Western MA, join us to discuss recent direct actions taken against L3 Harris in Northampton, MA. We talk about the group, their goals, and how the group ended up taking these direct actions. Please listen in to hear more and to get involved if you'd be interested in doing them.
theweedout.com
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Spencer and Joanna will discuss the allegations against Captain Reyes and what the Holyoke administration/PD did in order to investigate and handle the allegations. Captain Reyes handled any internal affairs issues and so people reporting concerns would have to go to him. He was eventually accused of creating a hostile work environment which included sexual harassment even when asked to stop. The person that made the allegations was also an officer on the Holyoke PD. Join us to discuss this mess and find out how much it costs the tax payers!
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Owen Broadhurst is a local organizer and friend of The Weed Out. He joins us to discuss recent sweeps of certain neighborhoods in Holyoke that have impacted not only Owen's close connections but neighbors to all of us in the Western Ma Community. The police arrested some for not having ID on them and this should not be the case. Owen also gives the audience an update on The Worker's Party here in Western Ma and how to get involved if you would like to know more or join. Thanks for listening, sharing and following along! We appreciate you all :)
xo,
Joanna & Spence
theweedout.com