Talk of the Town is where Sarasota’s conversations flow. Hosted by Carrie Seidman, each episode dives into the local issues and ideas of our community. From thoughtful analysis to breaking headlines, we navigate what’s happening across the Suncoast—with sharp insight, diverse voices, and just the right splash of humor. Come wade in. This is Talk of the Town.
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WSLR Podcasts
The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota features surprising stories and in-depth conversations of strength and resilience in Sarasota and beyond. In each episode, host Bethany Ritz talks with someone leaning into this emerging culture in our region—sometimes on a personal level, other times community-wide—followed by a topical guest offering a wider view of what’s possible. These approaches and systems, some embedded and some emerging, are revolutionizing how we do business and live our best ...
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We are a semi-weekly radio show focused on discussing issues that affect our communities including politics, culture, the economy, our health, and all the issues that affects the daily lives of working people. We hope that through these difficult conversations, we can identify the root causes of these issues and increase our understanding as a community.
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The Peace & Justice Report covers local, state, national and international social justice issues. We bring a wide variety of guests whose views are underrepresented in the mainstream media, activists who are devoting their lives to creating a world free from injustice of all kinds. Hosted by Bob Connors and Tom Walker.
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Episode 4: LIVE: The Passions and Peeves of Suncoast Millennials and Gen Z | Talk of the Town (June 14th, 2025)
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1:00:05Welcome to Talk of the Town, WSLR News' new weekly roundtable hosted by journalist and author Carrie Seidman. This episode was recorded live at Fogartyville on June 14th, 2025 in front of an engaged community audience. This week’s discussion covers three urgent topics: What does that mean for your quality of life if you’re a young adult living in o…
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Big Beautiful Bill: An Attack Against the Working Class - Jul 9, 2025
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30:00This week our host Jack joins us to discuss updates about "Alligator Alcatraz" and Benjamin Netanyahu's latest visit to the White House. After that we share a section from the podcast Freedom Side Live! where they discuss the devastating impacts of the "Big Beautiful Bill".
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Episode 7: The Best of Us: June 15 2025 Father's Day Special
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57:54“The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota” explores our town’s growing resilience-driven culture. For each episode, we hear from a guest who is part of this emerging culture in our region and another beyond our area. But this episode is a little bit different. For Father’s Day we hear from folks in the community who called in to offer a reflection f…
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The War on Iran: New Imperial Target - Jul 2, 2025
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31:11
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31:11Jack joins us this week to give us some updates on the new Trump's inhumane immigrant prison camp named "Alligator Alcatraz", the "Big Beautiful Bill" and Trump's latest aid package to the IDF. To dive deeper into the war on Iran and recent ceasefire we listen to The Socialist Program's interview with Professor Mohammad Marandi, an expert on Americ…
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Interview w/ Jay from Dream Defenders: Queer Joy, the Trans Experience and Intersectionality - Jun 25, 2025
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43:21
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43:21Anoosh joins us this week to interview Jay, a local activist from Dream Defenders. They discuss the experience of living in today's America being black and trans, and how to fight back against hatred through joy. Additionally, Sarah updates us on Trump's Iran Attacks and how to fight back against this new imperialist war.…
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Juneteenth: America's Real Liberation Day - Wed 06-18, 2025
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30:13Jack, Sarah and Matthew join us this week to discuss the origins, local roots and meaning behind Juneteenth as America's most relevant holiday. We also discuss the news around local and national pro-Immigration protests, Israel's continued genocide in Gaza as well as indiscriminate attack against Iran and updates regarding the case of Maria “Lulu” …
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Fight Back Against Queer Oppression - Wed 06-11, 2025
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28:54Alan gives accounts of LGBTQIA+ suppression and Queer Resistance in honor of Pride Month this week.
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Episode 3: Sarasota-Manatee Affordable Housing | Talk of the Town (June 7th, 2025)
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59:49In this episode of Talk of the Town, host Carrie Seidman, the Sarasota-Manatee real estate market continues its steep decline, but market rate residential development continues unabated, The latest on efforts to expand our affordable housing stock. Recorded live in the Joe Jacco Studio at the WSLR Community Media and Arts Center, the conversation f…
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Episode 6: The Best of Us: June 1 2025 with Johana Kuemerle-Pinillos
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57:47This episode delves right into the topic that underlies all the discussions so far on this show: trauma. We focus on one local guest’s expertise for the full episode. Dr. Johana Kuemerle-Pinillos is a trauma specialist and clinical practitioner. She is bilingual-bicultural, Spanish-English, PhD Level Clinician, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW…
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St. Pete PRIDE vs. People’s Pride Coalition - Wed 06-04, 2025
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29:00V joins Ira this week to discuss a pinkwashing and a growing rift in Pride representation.
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How Medicaid cuts will impact the disabled community - Wed 05-28, 2025
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32:10Helen Beck and Mateo join Ruth this week to discuss 'the Big Beautiful Bill' and its impact on health care access to the differently-abled.
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The Dump Duke Energy Campaign - Wed 5-21-2025
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29:16Jason Scott, Anoosh, and Mateo join Ruth this week to discuss the Dump Duke Energy campaign.
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Union Building w/ Mia Rawls - Wed 05-14-2025
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29:22Mia Rawls and Anoosh join Ira this week to discuss Union building.
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Desantis' Citizens Petition Skullduggery & May Day Protest - Wed 05-07-2025
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30:51Sarah and Anoosh join Ira this week to discuss changes to the Citizen's Petition process and the May Day Protest in Ybor City.
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Episode 2: Van Wezel's Uncertain Future, Ringling's Crossroads, and Legislative Gridlock | Talk of the Town (May 31, 2025)
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59:37In this episode of Talk of the Town, host Carrie Seidman brings together cultural advocates and a state policy expert to explore critical issues shaping Sarasota and Florida. Recorded live in the Joe Jacco Studio at the WSLR Community Media and Arts Center, the conversation focuses on the crossroads facing Sarasota’s cultural landmarks and the stal…
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Episode 1: LIVE: Real Estate Slows, Storm Risks Rise, and City Manager Search Resets | Talk of the Town (May 24, 2025)
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57:58Welcome to the premiere episode of Talk of the Town, WSLR News' new weekly roundtable hosted by journalist and author Carrie Seidman. This episode was recorded live at Fogartyville on May 24, 2025 in front of an engaged community audience. This week’s discussion covers three urgent topics: The cooling real estate market and what it signals for Sara…
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Episode 5: The Best of Us: May 18 2025 with Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder
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52:59This episode’s topic is on The Love of the Land explored in two parts. For part one, which aired on WSLR on May 4, Jon Thaxton discussed land preservation and stewardship as a practical, spiritual, and vitalizing life-long practice. For part two, which aired on May 18, Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder discusses her new book, Mother, Creature, Kin: What We…
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Episode 4: The Best of Us: May 4 2025 with Jon Thaxton
57:48
57:48
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57:48This episode’s topic is on The Love of the Land and is explored in two parts. For part one, which aired May 4 2025, Jon Thaxton discusses land preservation and stewardship as a practical, spiritual and vitalizing life-long practice. For part two, released live on WSLR on May 18 2025, Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder will discuss her new book, Mother, Crea…
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May Day and Heydi Sanchez Tejeda - Wed 04-30, 2025
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30:46Ruth and Anoosh join us this week to discuss the meaning behind May Day as an important date for workers rights and the inhumane deportation case of Heydi Sanchez Tejeda.
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Episode 3: The Best of Us: April 6 2025 with Tonya DiSapio and James Encinas
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55:31The third episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired April 6 2025. This episode explores both sides of domestic violence—victim and perpetrator—and the power of listening. While Tonya Disapio will discuss her experience working as a victim advocate in Sarasota, Reverend James Encinas will share about his experience with profound liste…
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Episode 2: The Best of Us: March 2 2025 with Wendy Ingram and Gregg F. Martin
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59:08The second episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired March 2 2025. The hour-long show explores the mental health risks that can arise in the pursuit of excellence. While Ingram will discuss how the well-being of academics, professionals, and visionaries permeate every aspect of our world, two-star Major General Martin will share how …
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Episode 1: The Best of Us: February 2 2025 with Emily Brown and George Prochik
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59:59The first episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired February 2 2025. The hour-long show explores how the practice of repairing, making, or even viewing artworks is elemental to our human capacity for resilience, proving that the arts run deeper than superficial luxury. While Emily Brown will offer a personal perspective, George Proch…
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Trump's War on DEI | Speeches from Black Revolutionaries - March 12, 2025
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31:00Ira and Alan join us this week to discuss the ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by the Trump Administration. We talk about DEI's history, how it relates to Affirmative Action, and the effects of its complete eradication. Finally, we close with a few speeches and interviews from Black revolutionaries to celebrate the past Black History M…
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This week, we decided to air an episode of The Socialist Program. Ruth introduces us to a conversation between Brian Becker and professor Richard Wolff where they discuss the decline in the economy, the increase in the cost of basic goods, the major downward shift in the European economies, and the impact of Trump's tarriffs on U.S. workers.…
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Ira introduces us to the full audio from Say Their Names event on Feb 22 in Sarasota. We hear speeches from local activists and mothers of victims of police brutality. The speakers include Ruth Beltran, Ira, Tracey Washington, Franki, Lisa Keys, Natasha Clemons, Deanna Joseph, Mona Hardin, Karen Wells, Selwyn Jones, and more.…
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Ali introduces a few speeches from local organizers during a February 9 demonstration against Trump's anti-immigrant agenda in Sarasota, FL.
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Interview with Junior Salazar - Feb 5, 2025
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53:38Ruth, Ira, and Firas sit down with Junior Salazar, a local activist, to discuss the recent threats on our immigrant communities and what we can do to fight back. Upcoming Events: Immigration Rights March @ Five Points Park Sunday February 9 from 12pm - 4pm
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Interview with Deanna Joseph - Jan 29, 2025
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1:05:24Ruth sits down with Deanna Joseph of the Andrew Joseph Foundation to discuss the story of her son, Andrew Joseph. You can find more information about the Andrew Joseph Foundation at https://andrewjosephfoundation.com Upcoming Events: Tuesday 2/4: Organizing for Justice: Learn From Families and Survivors of Police Crimes C Blythe Andrews Library 260…
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Ruth introduces a few speeches from local organizers during our January 19 demonstration against Trump's right wing agenda in St. Petersburg, FL.
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California Wildfires & ICC sanctions - Jan 15, 2025
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30:05Ira joins Ruth again this week to cover the devastationin California due to the wildfires, as well as a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives that would impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Join us this Sunday, January 19 at 2pm in Williams Park in St Pete for a demonstration against Trump's right wing agenda!…
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Military Service & Mass Casualty Events - Jan 8, 2025
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29:42Ira joins Ruth this week to discuss the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. We start the episode hearing from Mike Prysner, and then our hosts dive into what makes military service the number one predictor of becoming a mass casualty offender.
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Ruth DJs this week and shares a few revolutionary songs to welcome in 2025!
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Ira & Adam join Ruth to discuss some updates for the Uhuru trial, then we review some of Trump's appointees and how they will affect working Americans here in Florida and across the country. We are hosting a volunteer meeting this Saturday, December 21st! ️Register here: bit.ly/Jan20vol Join us Saturday, December 21st for these organizing meetings …
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Sierra & Adam share some clips from a live stream from The People's Forum NYC discussing what is to be done now that Donald Trump has been re-elected.
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Adam & Sierra join Ruth to discuss House Bill 9495 "The Nonprofit Killer Bill" making it's way through congress. We provide some background information about the history of this piece of legislation and how it threatens the existence of many nonprofits in our country. UPDATE: The House passed bill 9495 on Thursday November 21, 2024 with a vote 219-…
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NOVEMBER 13TH 2024: AUTHOR RAFAEL MARTINEZ
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56:34Today we talk to Rafael Martinez, author of Illegalized – Undocumented Youth Movements in the United States. Martinez takes readers on a journey through the history of the rise of undocumented youth social movements in the United States in the twenty-first century. The book follows the documentation trail of undocumented youth activists spanning ov…
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Ruth is joined by Ali, Adam, & Sierra to discuss updates from the Middle East and share information about a Palestinian study group for the book Trinity of Fundamentals. There is still time to join! Next study session is Sunday November 17. Click the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/yf95vbh3
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NOVEMBER 6TH 2024: ANDREA BUSCEMI OF ORDINARY ZEN SANGHA/FUNCTIONAL AND INTEGRATIVE SPECIALIST DR. CARLOS SANTO
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56:39Today we speak with Andrea Buscemi from Ordinary Zen Sangha, she'll be talking about the upcoming event with Zen Monk Chong An Sunim. During the second half of the show we'll be talking with Dr Carlos Santo about the Chronic Disease Epidemic.
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Ruth & Adam get together one week before Election Day to discuss their thoughts. We listen to an interview from Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez posted to the Latina Rebels page about voting third party.
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OCTOBER 30TH 2024: HYDROLOGIST STEPHEN SUAU/SUSTAINABILITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMER FOR SARASOTA COUNTY ALIYAH GARRETT
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56:58Today we’ll talk to hydrologist Stephen Suau about the recent flooding from Helene and Milton, and about local red tide as affected by Lake Okeechobee. Later we talk with Sustainability Outreach Programmer For Sarasota County Aliyah Garrett about their 19th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop
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Peyton from Breakthrough News joins Ruth to discuss the ILA Dockworkers Strike. We share an exclusive interview from the picket line with Nick DiFresco, President of ILA Local 1691.
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Hurricane Disaster Response - Oct 23, 2024
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39:51Sierra & Adam join Ruth to discuss the Hurricane Disaster Response in central Florida.
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OCTOBER 23RD 2024: LORNA HAWKINS FOUNDER OF DRIVE BY AGONY/BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBER CHEYENNE WILLIAMS OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
56:35
56:35
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56:35Today we’ll discuss creating and implementing platforms for victims of crime to express their feelings about the deaths of their children due to gun and street violence with Lorna Hawkins founder & executive director of the non-profit group Drive By Agony. Then we'll speak with Board Of Director member Cheyenne Williams of The American Foundation F…
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Spotlight: American Indian Movement - Oct 2, 2024
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30:09Join us this week as Ruth and Adam chat with Sheridan, a local Indigenous rights activist with the American Indian Movement.
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Today we’ll spend the hour with Robert Creamer, a political organizer for over four decades. He’ll talk about his new book Nuts and Bolts: The Formula for Progressive Electoral Success. It’s a “pragmatic handbook for organizers, communicators and campaigners – inspiring our continued fight for our democracy.”…
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PEACE & JUSTICE OCTOBER 2ND 2024: AMERICAN INDIE SINGER/SONGWRITER DAVID ROVICS/TERESA TAFT OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST
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55:40
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55:40For the second half of the show Bob talks with Regional Volunteer Recruiter For Sarasota And Charlotte County at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Teresa Taft on how to become a volunteer for this organization and their work.
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Peyton from BreakThrough News joins Jack to discuss the recent election in Venezuela.
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SEPTEMBER 25TH 2024: DR. LYLA JUNE JOHNSTON/SANDRA TAPFUMANEYI/PHILIP OF TAARPR
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56:34
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56:34Dr. Lyla June Johnston is a scientist, public speaker, poet, hip-hop artist, and acoustic singer-songwriter of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne), and European lineages. Dr. Johnston talks environmental concerns and an approach designed through Native American customs to care for nature. Sandra Tapfumaneyi Sarasota County Emergency Managemen…
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Join us this week as Ruth and Ali discuss Israel's recent pager attacks in Lebanon on September 17 & 18, 2024.
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Join Ruth and special guest Sierra to discuss the Uhuru movement and trial in St. Petersburg, FL.
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