Mic Check

On the September 8, 2026 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down live in the studio with Jon Phillips.Jon is a Bethel resident, father, and longtime technology executive. He is a volunteer with Bethel Defends Democracy, a grassroots progressive group that has brought neighbors together for 80 consecutive weeks of peaceful rallies in the center of Bethel. Jon believes democracy depends on ordinary people showing up, speaking out, and staying engaged in their communities, and that even in deeply divided times, we should never lose sight of the fact that we are all neighbors.Bethel Defends Democracy holds a weekly rally, open to all, every Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm, at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Library Place in Bethel, Connecticut.For more on Bethel Defends Democracy, and to sign up for their newsletter:http://bethelrallies.orgbit.ly/BethelRalliesNewsletterQuestions and Feedback for future rallies is always welcome at:[email protected]

BLACK AUGUST MIXTAPE 2026 - VOLUME 2{Originally broadcast on WPKN on August 27, 2026}On the August 3, 2026 episode of Mic Check, Mike Merli interviewed Shaenna Taylor. During the discussion, they spoke about the Bridgeport Police murder of Dyshan Best last March, as well as the subsequent prosecution of, not the officers involved, but Dyshan’s friend Joseph Thompson aka Joe Grits. Joe is a beloved community activist, and a close friend of Shaenna's and Dyshan's. Joe's grief was criminalized, and he became a political prisoner, sentenced to 7 years suspended after 3.Letters of solidarity for Joe can be sent to:Joseph Thompson#322513Corrigan CI986 Norwich-New London TurnpikeUncasville, CT 06382Throughout the second half of August, host Mike Merli used two Mic Check episodes to honor Black August, which is an annual month-long observance that is rooted in the recognition of those who made profound sacrifices in the lineage and struggle for Black liberation.Black August was launched in 1979 by incarcerated members of the Black Guerrilla Family in San Quentin Prison, as a way to honor the lives of brothers Jonathan Jackson and George Jackson, both murdered by the state, in August of 1970 and 1971, respectively. There are many individuals within the Black liberation movement who have been honored during Black August observances over the past several decades. Many were killed by police or other government agents. Many were incarcerated and spent decades behind bars as political prisoners. The annual observance is a means to honor the sacrifices of those who came before, while re-committing to supporting those who are behind bars today (both political and social prisoners).During this program, we hear Black August Mixtape 2026 - Volume 2, dedicated to Joe Grits, who is sitting in prison right now a political prisoner.In the first half of the program, we hear a segment from host Mike Merli's June 9, 2026 interview with Joe, before his sentencing hearing took place. Joe speaks about his journey, his music and activism, and the unthinkable and tragic murder of his friend Dyshan Best by Bridgeport Police Officers on March 31, 2025.The second half of the program features an interview that Shaenna Taylor conducted over the phone with Joe, after his prison sentence began. Speaking from Corrigan Correctional Institution in Uncasville, Connecticut, Joe meditates on the conditions he has experienced and observed in Connecticut’s prison system. And he reflects on his hopes and dreams for himself and his loved ones, Bridgeport, and Dyshan Best’s family.This program is a collaboration between host Mike Merli and Abolition Ummah, a Muslim-led grassroots organization that organizes in solidarity with incarcerated folks here in Connecticut.The music featured in Black August Mixtape 2026 was produced by Captain Pharo, and provided for this purpose by Alyssa Hughes.

BLACK AUGUST MIXTAPE 2026 - VOLUME 1{Originally broadcast on WPKN on August 18, 2026}On the August 3, 2026 episode of Mic Check, Mike Merli interviewed Shaenna Taylor. During the discussion, they spoke about the Bridgeport Police murder of Dyshan Best last March, as well as the subsequent prosecution of, not the officers involved, but Dyshan’s friend Joseph Thompson aka Joe Grits. Joe is a beloved community activist, and a close friend of Shaenna's and Dyshan's. Joe's grief was criminalized, and he became a political prisoner, sentenced to 7 years suspended after 3. Letters of solidarity for Joe can be sent to: Joseph Thompson#322513Corrigan CI986 Norwich-New London TurnpikeUncasville, CT 06382Throughout the second half of August, host Mike Merli used two Mic Check episodes to honor Black August, which is an annual month-long observance that is rooted in the recognition of those who made profound sacrifices in the lineage and struggle for Black liberation.Black August was launched in 1979 by incarcerated members of the Black Guerrilla Family in San Quentin Prison, as a way to honor the lives of brothers Jonathan Jackson and George Jackson, both murdered by the state, in August of 1970 and 1971, respectively. There are many individuals within the Black liberation movement who have been honored during Black August observances over the past several decades. Many were killed by police or other government agents. Many were incarcerated and spent decades behind bars as political prisoners. The annual observance is a means to honor the sacrifices of those who came before, while re-committing to supporting those who are behind bars today (both political and social prisoners).During this program, we hear Black August Mixtape 2026 - Volume 1, which features reports from two incarcerated Muslim brothers here in Connecticut: Brother Jabbar and Brother Jamil. Letters of solidarity for Jabbar can be sent to: Kenneth Brown#326008Cheshire CI900 Highland AvenueCheshire, CT 06410Letters of solidarity for Jamil can be sent to:Jamil Khidr#143853Bridgeport CC1106 North AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604This program is a collaboration between host Mike Merli and Abolition Ummah, a Muslim-led grassroots organization that organizes in solidarity with incarcerated folks here in Connecticut.The music featured in Black August Mixtape 2026 was produced by Captain Pharo, and provided for this purpose by Alyssa Hughes.

Isabelle speaks with Jill Garvey, the Director of States at the Core (STAC), about how we protect Democracy in the United States of America. Jill has considerable expertise in authoritarianism and community organizing. STAC has provided support to many communities in the US as they organize against threats to human rights and democracy. STAC is currently providing election protection trainings. Learn more at statesatthecore.substack.com.

On the August 4, 2026 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Bridgeport native, Shaenna Taylor.Shaenna Taylor is an award-winning educator, mentor, community advocate, and entrepreneur from Bridgeport, Connecticut. With more than 10 years of experience in the Bridgeport Public School system, she has been recognized with multiple Staff Member of the Year awards for her dedication to students and education.Beyond the classroom, Shaenna serves as the Mentor Lead and Director of #100GirlsLeading, empowering girls age 9-18 through mentorship, leadership, and personal development. She is also the co-founder of Bridgeport Stronger Together, where she works alongside community members to advocate for justice, strengthen neighborhoods, and amplify voices that often go unheard.Her commitment to service has earned her the Connecticut Entrepreneur Community Builder Award and the Black People Rock Community Leader Award. A graduate of Sacred Heart University, Shaenna continues to inspire others through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community storytelling.During the conversation, Shaenna discusses the March 2025 Bridgeport Police murder of her friend Dyshan Best, shares memories and stories of Dyshan, and speaks about the unjust incarceration of Joe Grits.To connect with #100GirlsLeading:https://www.100girlsleadinginc.org/To connect with Bridgeport Stronger Together:On FacebookOn InstagramLetters of Solidarity can be sent to Joe Grits by writing to:Joseph Thompson#322513Bridgeport Correctional Center 1106 North AvenueBridgeport, CT 06604Commissary Funds can be sent via JPay to Joseph Thompson / #322513, or via depositing cash at the kiosk inside Bridgeport Correctional Center.

On the Tuesday June 9, 2026 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sits down with Joe Grits, Bridgeport-based community activist and musician. Joe takes time to remember his friend Dyshan Best, who was shot and killed by Bridgeport Police on March 31, 2025. Joe also speaks about his ongoing legal battle, stemming from his grief and pain being criminalized by the state in the aftermath of Dyshan's murder.

Sandra Levinson, executive director of the Center For Cuban Studies (www.centerorcubanstudies.org), reports on her recent trip to Cuba, focusing on the island nation's struggle survival under the yoke of the Trump regime's total oil embargo.Interview by Richard Hill

On the February 10, 2026 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with James Jeter, Co-Founder and Director of Full Citizens Coalition, a non-profit organization here in Connecticut. James was incarcerated at the age of 17 and served 19.5 years in prison before being released in 2016. James is dedicated to the cause of prison education and has sought opportunities to apply his own experience to benefit those still incarcerated or returning home.James and Full Citizens Coalition are part of the Coalition for Community Healing Through Justice Reform, which has been working hard to pass an important piece of Juvenile Justice legislation at the state capitol in Hartford during this legislative session.An important press conference on this bill will be taking place tomorrow, Wednesday February 11 at 10am in Room 1-C at the Legislative Office Building, or LOB, located at 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.For more on Full Citizens Coalition:https://www.fullcitizenscoalition.org/[email protected] connect with the campaign behind the new Juvenile Sentencing Reform legislation being proposed at the state legislature:[email protected]

Stephen Zunes, a foreign policy scholar and professor in Middle Eastern studies at the University of San Francisco, analyzes and contextualizes the Jan. 3 US military strike on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Adela Flores.Interview by Richard Hill

In this episode of Mic Check, host Tyler Nelson speaks with Terri Eickel, Executive Director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), Connecticut’s only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Committed to justice and grounded in hope, IREJN seeks to inspire and equip Connecticut’s religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy.Topics covered in their conversation include:IREJN's origin story and how Terri came into this workthe meaning and opportunity of interreligious coalition buildingdistinctions between eco-justice (a.k.a. environmental justice) and environmentalismbarriers to participation preventing vulnerable CT residents from home weatherizationResidential Energy Preparation Services (REPS) – its success and the need to replenish fundingthe value of rapid solar deployment and turning houses of worship into climate resiliency centersFind more information about Interreligious Eco-Justice Network at irejn.org or by contacting Terri at [email protected] mentioned by Terri include:IREJN Energy Efficiency Small Grant ProgramResidential Energy Preparation Services (REPS)Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)EnergizeCT

On the November 18, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Debbie Gray, founder of Women Aligned With Abundance (WAWA), a Waterbury-based non-profit focused on women's empowerment.Debbie spoke about her personal journey, and the motivation and inspiration behind her founding WAWA, and engaging in the women's empowerment work she's doing.WAWA meets every fourth Wednesday at the North End Recreation Center at 268 North Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.For more information, Debbie and WAWA can be reached at 203-514-2144, via email at [email protected], or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/467279502566892.WAWA's website is https://wawainc.mailchimpsites.com/.

On the September 21, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Derrell Soulds. Derrell was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to a single mother, and has two siblings. He has served over twenty years in and out of prison here in Connecticut, and is currently home and on a positive path. Derrell’s prized possessions are his family members. He has worked hard to earn certifications that include ServeSafe, OSHA 30, Flagging, and a Human Services Certificate via Asnuntuck Community College, with employment tenures at Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Global Steering Company, and as a Support Specialist for Entry Point Staffing. Derrell’s mantra is: “Through God, all things are possible.” During this program, Derrell speaks out about the impacts that systemic racism and the injustices within the prison system have had on him, while also shining a light on his journey, his childhood, the immense and profound love he has for his family, and his hopes and dreams for the future. Derrell welcomes correspondence and support via email at [email protected] and via CashApp at $DerrellSoulds.

On the October 19, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sits down with Jason Claye. Born in Jamaica and raised in Bridgeport, Claye discusses his journey, his community work in Bridgeport, as well as his media production work in the areas of music, film, and photography.Jason Claye is founder of Maroon Worldwide, and 60 Minute Mentorship, which is a new non-profit organization that will be providing mentorship to youth in Bridgeport, Connecticut.He can be reached via email at [email protected] and [email protected], and his website is https://www.maroonworldwide.com.

Isabelle interviews Shannon Downey, aka Badass Cross Stitch, a nationally recognized activist, artist, author and educator. Shannon lives in Chicago and has been organizing community members and resisting the violence of federal agents deployed as part of the Trump administration's Operation Midway Blitz. Since its start in September of 2025 -- this federal invasion of an American city -- has grown in both size and brutality. But something that should not get lost in this narrative is the love, bravery and ferocity that Chicagoans are exhibiting as they defend their communities and their city. Their organizing and tactics provide a model for communities around the country.  Photo by: Shannon Downey

The upcoming holiday season is known as a time for gathering with friends and family over food. But November 1st marked the cut-off of SNAP benefits and the rapid increase of food insecurity across the nation as part of the Trump administration's continued campaign against immigrants, the working class, and the federal assistance programs which tens of millions depend upon.In this episode of Mic Check, host Tyler Nelson speaks with Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services), a resettlement agency located in New Haven, Connecticut. Maggie provides an update on IRIS’s new location in downtown New Haven, the Trump regime's continuing erosion of America’s great legacy of bipartisan immigration policy, and what the loss of SNAP and other essential services means for immigrants and U.S.-born citizens. Their conversation concludes on the topic of hope, plus some tangible ways that listeners can help their sisters and brothers around Connecticut experiencing hunger and food insecurity.Resources recommended by Maggie include:IRIS Food Pantry (75 Hamilton St, New Haven) is open from 8:30-11:00am on Wednesdays. Donations accepted at irisct.org/donate.Community Soup Kitchen of New Haven (84 Broadway, New Haven) provides healthy and nutritious meals to all persons. Information at csknewhaven.org.Connecticut Foodshare connects people with mobile and local food pantries at ctfoodshare.org/find-food.

Laura Modlin interviews Melissa McDowell on how she cured herself with food. "I have met a lot of people in the local food movement who were set on their path to championing better food after curing themselves with what they ate. So, I am pleased to be able to interview one very special lady on WPKN who did just that." ~ LauraPhoto courtesy of Melissa McDowell.

On the August 17, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Barbara Fair.Born and raised in New Haven, Barbara graduated with an MSW (Master’s in Social Work) from Southern Connecticut State University, who presented her in 2022 with a Presidential Gold Medal naming her as a woman of distinction for her many years fighting for prison reform. Barbara is currently Director of Stop Solitary CT, and has spent much of her life in the struggle for racial and social justice in Connecticut and across the nation. Barbara’s most rewarding role in life is as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. During the discussion, they touch on two important events happening this week:On Thursday August 21, from 6pm to 9pm, Stop Solitary CT will hold their monthly Community Meeting, at the Whitneyville Cultural Commons (1253 Whitney Avenue) in Hamden, Connecticut. The discussion will bring together private Defense Attorneys, Prosecutors, and civil rights activist Abraham Santiago.On Friday August 22, at 9am, Barbara and Stop Solitary CT will be gathering in front of Hartford Superior Court (95 Washington Street) for a vigil before a hearing where the court will decide whether or not to publicly release the video of J'Allen Jones' March 2018 death at Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown.Barbara Fair can be reached at:[email protected] info on Stop Solitary CT at:www.stopsolitaryct.org/x.com/stopsolitaryctwww.instagram.com/stopsolitaryct/More info on the death of J'Allen Jones at:www.ctinsider.com/news/article/jal…uit-19813830.phpwww.wfsb.com/2024/10/18/frustra…to%20be%20releasedwww.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/h…eath-of-an-inmate/www.nhregister.com/news/article/ac…ecount=MA%3D%3D

After the US election in 2024, American’s were flooded with what they could expect from the incoming administration in the first 100 Days. The news was filled with the horrors to come, Isabelle Barbour initiated her own 100 Days from January 20th to April 29th of 2025. She set out to connect, hold space, and listen to people across the country about what they were feeling, doing, what they feared and what they loved. This is part 2 of of the 100 Days Project story and features the five people that Isabelle recorded with -- in the last 50 days.

 After the US election in 2024, American’s were flooded with what they could expect from the incoming administration in the first 100 Days. The news was filled of the horrors to come, Isabelle Barbour initiated her own 100 Days from January 20th to April 29th of 2025. She set out to connect, hold space, and listen to people across the country about what they were feeling, doing, what they feared and what they loved. This is part 1 and features eight people that Isabelle recorded with in the first 50 days.

On the July 20, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sits down with José Sandoval aka Abu-Reza, Bridgeport resident and member of the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center (BICC) community. The program features Mike and José discussing the life of Percy Berry, as well as reflections from James Shaham, Hamza Seyal, Fernando Gonzalez, Zain Seyal, and Bisher Hiba, who all knew Percy and are heard here honoring and celebrating his life.Percy was a beloved member of Bridgeport's Muslim community, as well as a Justice Adviser for the Connecticut Justice Alliance, which works to keep children and youth out of the legal system by disrupting and dismantling the pathways that funnel children and youth into courts and prisons. Through that work, Percy spoke at the Connecticut state legislature, testified in hearings, and worked to help others in numerous ways. He played an important role behind the scenes that helped lead to SB 1542 being passed and signed into law. SB 1542 called for restricting the use of handcuffs and restraints on Connecticut kids age 14 and under. More information on the Connecticut Justice Alliance can be found at:https://ctja.org/https://www.facebook.com/CTJusticeAlliance/https://www.instagram.com/ctjusticealliance/More information on the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center can be found at:https://www.mybicc.org/https://www.facebook.com/mybicc/

Laura Modlin interviews Annie Hornish, Connecticut state director and lobbyist for Humane World for Animals, on 2025 Connecticut bill outcomes in Hartford, how to keep your pets safe in summer heat & tips on living with bears.Photo by Laura Modlin.

Laura Modlin interviews Susan Masino, a neuroscientist and professor of Applied Science at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, on how being in nature impacts brain health.Photo by Laura Modlin.

Isabelle Barbour spoke to people around the country about the first hundred days of the Trump administration. This story focuses on the experiences of mothers, grandmothers, activists, and protesters. The piece features the voices of Omkari Williams (https://www.omkariwilliams.com), AC Shilton (https://acshilton.com), Grandma’s for Love co-founder, Shirley Hershey Showalter https://grandmasforlove.com/ and more! You can learn more about Isabelle by visiting isabellebarbour.com

Laura Modlin interviews Annie Hornish for an update on environmental-themed bills in Hartford, Connecticut this legislative session. Including the bear bills!Annie is Connecticut State Director and lobbyist for Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States) and a former Connecticut state representative for the 62nd district.Photo courtesy of ctbears.org.

It’s that time of year. Wildlife babies are coming into the world. Sometimes in our own backyard. Learn how to tell the difference between those who are orphaned and ones who are in no danger and what to do to help them all. Laura Modlin interviews Laura Simon, wildlife ecologist and president of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.Photo courtesy of Laura Simon.

Laura Modlin interviews Annie Hornish, the Connecticut State Director and lobbyist for Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States) about CT DEEP's efforts in Hartford to enact bear hunting in Connecticut.Photo courtesy of ctbears.org

Laura Modlin interviews Olivia DiPalermo from Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition on the negative impacts of excessive road salt and what you can do about it.Aired January 5, 2025.

Laura Modlin interviews Andrew Kupinse about preserving zoning in Easton, CT to protect the water supply in the town’s four reservoirs. They serve 100s of thousands of customers in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Four commentaries on the post-election landscape:   -Michael Zweig, economist and labor historian, talks about the role Labor should play in an anti-fascist front.   -Mel Goodman, former CIA analyst, discusses the ramifications of a second Trump regime on US foreign policy.    -Kica Matos, director of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), warns about the coming attacks on immigrants.   -Chris Viles, professor of English at UCONN-Storrs, discusses the phenomenon of fascism and its implications for our nation.Hosted by Richard Hill, Scott Harris and Prue Cullen

Light pollution is worse than the dark.Laura Modlin interviews Leo Smith, Chair of the Connecticut chapter of Dark Sky International, on what light pollution is, how it harms animals, our ecosystem, human health - and what fixes there are to this issue.

Laura Modlin interviews Bill Lucey, Soundkeeper for the Long Island Sound with Save the Sound, about eels migrating out to the North Atlantic after decades spent in Connecticut's rivers and streams and what they encounter there.