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
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Content Warning: This episode discusses police brutality and violence against civilians. Please be advised.
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On April 4th, Holyoke resident Marisol Driouech was stopped for a headlight out on her vehicle. Driouech was picking up a delivery for an online food ordering service when they were stopped by the police. It then turned violent for Driouech rather quickly with the Northampton police being the ones to carry out the violence. This story was covered by theshoestring.org and can be found here.
theweedout.com for more!
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Recently, our friends at theshoestring.org covered some technology that the Easthampton police will soon be using to monitor the citizens in their region. As we know, these technologies typically cost the taxpayers money and do not work accurately and are used for reasons other than "safety". Please listen in to hear more about this as well as some other local news.
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Jeff Raymond of the Mass Transparency Project joins us for our 40th episode. Jeff talks about why having access to public records is important to accessing how money is being used and allocated in a community. It can be a way for the community to tell what is happening with individual municipal employees, etc. Join us to hear some of the wild stories Jeff has from getting some information he has requested. You will also be surprised (or not!) that he still has a large number of appeals pending as many public records have not been freely given yet. What a great discussion about community and the power we have as citizens, local journalists, and community members!
theweedout.com
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
This time we are breaking out some fresh local headlines to talk about and share with y'all. Some have to do with beekeeping, the Trader Joe's Union, others are about local town budgets, and along the way we discuss the importance of the DPW and how the police are really the ones defunding their own communities. Join us for some local news and laughs!
theweedout.com
Monday Jul 03, 2023
Monday Jul 03, 2023
One of our favorite journalists, Andrew Quemere joins us to discuss the Northwestern DA here in MA withholding public records. Andrew was persistent in asking for records and had to put in multiple appeals. These are requests that Andrew has made to multiple DA's throughout the state. The NW DA did not agree that these records should be made public. Listen in to find out what happened with Andrew's public records requests, how he will proceed and how you can get assistance if this were to happen to you.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
In this episode, one of the admins from the IG account Holyoke Memes joins us to discuss local politics, shit posting and how it can be cathartic and also bring awareness and how important it is to laugh! Please join us for a fun and informative discussion.
theweedout.com
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
On June 10th, The Weed Out and our street team (shout out to Bridget, Caleb and Jay Jay!) went to the Common Park in Pittsfield, MA to join with other like minded people for the Solidarity Economy Festival & Gathering. We spoke to a number of people at the gathering both organizers and attendees about what makes them feel safe and what brings them joy. Please listen in, it was a wonderful time!
theweedout.com
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
This episode we speak with Draven Dolores a Springfield resident who is a native and has faced being an unhoused youth. Draven has founds resources in the community that helped and made it possible for them to find housing, get a degree and find work. Draven is an activist who focuses on local government, housing, and had even travelled to DC with Neighbor to Neighbor and others to discuss housing issues that the Federal Level. Please listen in for local resources. Draven shows how important it is to uplift the community with help and not violence.
www.theweedout.com
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Izzie & Thalia join us for a second time after their recent vote on Friday, May 25th. It was a unanimous vote to move forward and unionize. Please join us to celebrate this win with them, talk about what is coming, and learn how to support them on the long road ahead!
www.theweedout.com
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
How do you find your joy? Do you find it in the little things? Do you like to plan ahead and have something "big" to look forward to or maybe it's a mix of it all? No matter how you find it we hope everyone knows how important it is to take a step back sometimes and see all the good there is in this beautiful World. Spencer and Joanna talk about gardening, obviously, and so much more! You'll have to listen in to see what else bring us joy.
We give more information on the Solidarity Economy Festival & Gathering that will take place in Pittsfield at the Common Park on June 10th. The festival goes June 10th & 11th - Please check out the website! We hope to see you there. We will be asking - "What keeps you safe? & What brings you joy?" to festival goers who are willing to record with us for a few minutes at a time. Either way, we hope to see you on June 10th!