Episode 11 - Why Is Capitalism In Crisis? - A Talk by Pam Frache

LISTEN: 49:00

Jim went to the Marxism2013 Conference at Ryerson University where they graciously allowed him to record some talks, including this one called "Why is capitalism in crisis?” from Pam Frache, a leading member of the International Socialists. She is a former labour researcher and current gracuate student at McMaster University. The conference was organised by the International Socialists, an organization of activists committed to helping in the construction of such a party through ongoing activity in the mass organizations of the working class and in the daily struggles of workers and the oppressed.

Song List:
The Coup: The Guillotine
Billy Bragg: Power in a Union
Tracy Chapman: Talking about a Revolution

Guest Links:
Socialist.ca
on twitter 
on facebook
Marxism2013 Conference

Episode 10 - Some Great Idea - A Book About Toronto's History and Future

From Left to Right: Jim, Louis and Ed

LISTEN: 59:57

We visited Ed Keenan at the offices of The Grid for a discussion of his new book, Some Great Idea, a retrospective of the city of Toronto through a look at three of its main figures William Lyon Mackenzie, R.C. Harris and Jane Jacobs. The book moves on to look a post-amalgamation Toronto and its class divisions as represented by its first three mayors Mel Lastman, David Miller and Rob Ford.

Forgot the Sign! (so I had to photoshop it in)

Song List:
My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style by The Dream Warriors
The Market Song (Devil you know) by Kevin Quain

Guest Links:
Some Great Idea
The Grid
Ed on Twitter
Ed on Facebook

A History of Grid Covers

Episode 9 - Matt Mernagh and the Struggle for Marijuana Rights

L to R - Matt Mernagh, Jim Vernon, Louis Marrone

Paul was a great host.

LISTEN 59:59



In this episode, we share a beer at Pharmacy with Matt Mernagh, a/k/a/ Mernauhuana, the Cannabis Champion of the World. Coach of the Toronto Hash Mob, Mernagh has led the fight for an end to marijuana prohibition since 2002, through a series of legal challenges, public protests and tireless advocacy. We talked about the politics of prohibition, the Canadian anti-prohibition struggle and the global movement to celebrate 4/20.

Song List:

That Ain't Classy by Classified

Teenage Anarchist by Against Me

Links:

mernagh.ca

Toronto 420 Rally

The Mernahuana Show

Pharmacy

Episode 8 - The Mining Injustice Solidarity Network

The Telephone Booth Gallery, 3148 Dundas St. W, Toronto

LISTEN 59:52

Sakura Saunders and Brendan Soares, from the Mining Injustice Solidarity Network, sat down with Jim and I at the Telephone Booth Gallery. We used the personal journeys that led them to become mining activists as a road into discussions of Canadian foreign policy regarding mining, some of the sad consequences of it, and the need for homegrown awareness and activism in response.   It's quite a story for this Californian whose passion of justice led her to Toronto and drummer/co-songwriter who's life changed when he went to the Philippines to help change the lives of its inhabitants. 

Sakura Saunders: Sakura Saunders is an organizer for ProtestBarrick.net, an all-volunteer online network of groups researching and organizing around mining issues, particularly involving Barrick Gold. Sakura also co-founded the Mining Injustice Solidarity Network in Toronto which focuses on creating a platform for mining-impacted communities to share their stories in Toronto. 

Brendan Soares: Brendan Soares is the drummer/co-songwriter for the Toronto based politically driven prog-rock band SLYDE. Brendan has been interning with Mining Injustice Solidarity Network since September 2012 and is currently in his final semester in the Community Worker program at George Brown College.

Visual Residue features recent paintings by Paolo Fortin and print 
works by Tim Laurin that explore the ephemeral qualities of 
recollection and memory, transience and isolation. 

The Telephone Booth Gallery: Established in 2010, Telephone Booth Gallery is located in the Junction, a bourgeoning west end Toronto neighbourhood.  The gallery exhibits contemporary Canadian and international artists.  The Gallery Director, Sharlene Rankin, has a keen interest in nurturing emerging talent, with a focus on materials and process-oriented works.



Song List:
Lies by Slyde
Bling is Dead by Test Their Logic

Links:
Mining Resistance SPRING INTO ACTION
Mining Injustice Solidarity Network
The Telephone Booth Gallery
Global Youth Volunteer Network

Outtakes 11:13

Episode 7 - Building Community through Art, Culture and Politics

LISTEN: 62:28

Beit Zatoun is a cultural centre, gallery and community meeting space in downtown Toronto that promotes the interplay of art, culture and politics to explore issues of social justice and human rights, both locally and internationally. Through music, poetry, film, public forums, visual art, conversations and more, Beit Zatoun contributes to an understanding of social and political issues in ways that strengthen and connect both communities and individuals interested in bringing about change.  We spoke to founder Robert Massoud on site.

Songs
Oil Harvest Song - Arabic folkloric from Palestine
"Oh Palestine" by Jim Page
"Where Are All the Children" by Diem Lafortune "Mama D"

Episode 6 - Investigative Poetry Night

Join us at La Revolucion when actor and cheeky writer Andy Boorman is our guest host for a night of investigative poetry - think investigative journalists who are poets. Each poet will introduce a song, performed live, after reading their poems of history and social consciousness.

ATC co-Host and York U professor of philosophy Jim Vernon will provide an introduction to the history of Investigative Poesy, as envisioned by Ed Sanders.

Line-up:

-Poet/Writer Mike Spry with musician Indira Nanavati Cadena Topic: D.B. Cooper
-ATF co-Host/Writer Louis Marrone with musician Ian Goodtimes - Topic: 2002 Senate Report on Cannabis
-Poet Ryan Boggs with musician Richard McCarthy Topic: first nations rights and current living conditions on reservations

The poetry readings will be followed by more live music.

LISTEN

Episode 5 - Must Teachers Sacrifice to Put Students First?

Laura McCoy is a teacher in downtown Toronto and a union steward for the Elementary Teachers of Toronto. She has been teaching in Toronto for 15 years. Laura has two school aged children who greatly benefit from a strong public school system, and remind her that it's worth fighting for.  We recorded this interview with kind permission at The Rustic Owl.

LISTEN