The Michigan Advocate
Tired of national news that doesn't feel relevant to your community? Tune into The Michigan Advocate, hosted by dedicated human rights champion Joanna Whaley, for essential stories about justice and civil liberties in the Great Lakes State. Joanna provides a critical look at local human rights struggles and triumphs, revealing how major national policies and legal decisions regarding voting rights, environmental justice, and workers' rights directly impact Michigan’s neighborhoods and communities, making this the essential podcast for anyone who believes that all rights are local.
This show is previously known as "The Joanna Whaley Podcast"
Episodes
159 episodes
Short & Sweet... RESIST
Today, we take a brief, somber moment to reflect on these dark times we live in. In the wake of ICE murdering another U.S. Citizen, we talk briefly about how to push back.
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9:26
Tariffs and Michigan - Interview with Detroit Axle CEO, Mike Musheinesh
What happens when the "Motor City" meets a trade war? For decades, Detroit Axle grew from a local family shop into a global aftermarket powerhouse. But in 2025, the landscape shifted overnight. With the Trump administration’s aggressive ...
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29:57
Interview with Deanne Austin (Social Justice Advocate in Michigan)
Today on the show, host Joanna Whaley interviews Deanne Austin. Deanne is considering a run for the Michigan House of Representatives and is involved in social justice work in the City of Detroit and the state of Michigan. Joanna and Dean...
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30:00
2025 in Review
Today on the show, we review the year of 2025. Joanna talks about key learnings and looks ahead to 2026. We hope you had a relaxing holiday season, and we hope these learnings speak to you. SUPPORT THE HOST:
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30:00
Holiday Hot Takes Survival Guide
It's that time of year again; the twinkling lights, the festive eggnog, and the inevitable moment when Aunt Karen brings up the latest drama in Lansing, or Uncle Rick starts arguing about the Detroit Lions’ coaching strategy, which, let's be ho...
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43:18
REPLAY: Faith and Citizenship (A Panel Discussion from Gracepointe Church TN)
This episode originally aired in May of 2025Today on the show, we listen to a panel discussion that took place at Gracepointe Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Gracepointe is Joanna's home church, which she attends online. In this discussi...
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49:53
The Rich & The Rest of Us - Interview with Indivisible Downriver734 Founders Ashley Perry and Jessica Schering
Are we living in a two-tiered economy? The wealth of the few continues to soar, while the struggle for the majority, the working class, the middle class, gets harder every year.On today's show, we cut through the corporate spin and the p...
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1:06:14
Trump Calling for Death to a Michigan Elected Offical
In this episode, we explore how Donald Trumps charged language and polarizing narratives emanating from the top level of government will trickle down, poisoning everything from city council meetings and school board debates to neighborhood disc...
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15:00
A.I. Data Centers and the Potential Impacts on Michigan
Michigan is the guardian of 21% of the world’s surface fresh water. Now, a thirsty new industry is knocking at the door. The Michigan Advocate explores the rapid expansion of A.I. data centers across the state.While tech giants ...
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15:00
The Epstine Files and How Denialism Can Harm Us All
Today, we look beyond the sensational headlines of the newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein documents to confront a more pressing local danger: the weaponization of denialism. We explore how the refusal to accept established facts is deepening the po...
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15:00
Leading When it's Not Fun
Today on the show, we discuss how important it is to lead when it all hits the fan. Stepping up to lead when things are fun and cute is needed, but can you step up when it's all going wrong? DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN:
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23:00
Evolving for Something Bigger Than Yourself
Today on the show, Joanna discusses the ways in which we operate when something is bigger than one person. We all have a mode of operation in large settings or in movements. Today, Joanna discusses her evolution of self in the whole picture.&nb...
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21:35
I AM RUNNING FOR OFFICE!!!!!
Today, Joanna shares some major news. She is running for the Michigan House of Representatives!! Joanna shares the journey from LGBTQ+ rights advocacy to running for office. In this difficult time in America and in Michigan, she is running to g...
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23:47
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!: Lessons From Being 37
Today on the show, Joanna discussed lessons learned in the last year. As she celebrates her birthday, she shares ideas of loving more and how difficult lessons have shaped who she is today. SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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23:15
REPLAY: The Appropriation of Freedom
EPISODE ORIGINALLY AIRED: March 2nd, 2025The concept of "freedom" has become a battleground, often weaponized by voices of bigotry and a narrow, Christian heteronormative worldview. Today, we delve into this complex issue, unpacking how ...
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34:19
Back to School Shooting Season
Today on the show, we discuss the epidemic of school shootings in America. The ability of lawmakers to do nothing on this topic is mind-numbingly ridiculous, and we need to demand our leaders do more, and do it now. Joanna shares her thoughts o...
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30:00
REPLAY: Should Church be a Business?
Today we discuss the tensions of church being a business, when Jesus turned over tables in the temple. Join me for a talk about how to navigate this tension in a world where costs are rising and our churches ask for more. Also we have a a snip ...
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30:13
Emme Zanotti Interview - Fighting for LGBTQ Rights in Michigan
Today on the show a special guest, Emme Zanotti who is the Senior Director of Movement Building & Political Affairs at Equality Michigan, joins the show to talk all things LGBTQ rights in the state of Michigan. She brings wisdom and care to...
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30:01
Nobody Can Afford Going Back to School
Today on the show Joanna discusses the rising costs of going back to school and how the State of Michigan can't pass a school budget. Plus other topics form around town. SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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30:01
Leading Locally Well - Interview with Celina Peters
Today on the show we have a discussion with a City Council Canidate for Trenton, MI. Celina Peters is a passionate and strong local leader who cares to see her community thrive. Listen as we discuss how to lead well at the local level.
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30:01
Breaking Up The Old Boys Club
Today on the show, Joanna discussed how to navigate the "Old Boys Club" and how to use passion to push back against it. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/don...
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18:06
The Big Beautiful Blahhhhh....
Today on the show Joanna discusses the big beautiful bill and how to look at it from a liberation theological lens. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.joannawhaley.com/donate<...
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18:00
TALKING UNIONS: Interview with Brian Kelly
Today on the podcast, we interview Brian Kelly, president of the EPA Workers Union in the Great Lakes Region. We discuss the impact of the Trump administration on mental health, focusing on workers caught in the decline of DEI initiatives and h...
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30:00