The BMA Audio Podblast

Nadia Milleron, who is running as an Independent to represent the first congressional district of Massachusetts in the US House of Representatives, speaks with her neighbors and cohosts Jason Brown and Corinna Barnard about the local and national implications of current US foreign aggressions. This conversation starts off with the U.S. imposition of a cruel energy blockade on Cuba, moves on to focus on Israel and the unconstitutional US war onIran and ends up early one recent morning outside the Westover Air Reserve base in Chicopee. Along the way, Nadia makes the case for participatory democracy, voting Independent and breaking the Democratic-Republican duopoly control over Washington.

In this podcast Jason Brown and Corinna Barnard discuss the vast and ever expanding US military budget and the proliferation of US military bases and facilities — beginning right here at home in the first congressional district of Massachusetts.

Welcome to another episode of Culture Shift, where we explore an eye-opening documentary that reveals the concealed threats associated with the U.S. military-industrial complex. Titled "Earth’s Greatest Enemy," this film is the brainchild of journalist Abby Martin and Iraq War veteran Michael Prysner. It stands apart from traditional war documentaries, presenting a compelling narrative that intertwines antiwar advocacy and climate activism. Through striking imagery and poignant personal stories, it highlights the profound toll that militarization takes on people and the planet. In this episode, we'll delve into the film's insightful portrayal of those adversely affected by U.S. military actions—ranging from veterans facing housing crises to communities impacted by police militarization. Together, we will analyze how this cinematic work aims to inspire unified efforts against a common adversary. Tune in as we peel back the layers of this essential film and discuss its significance for the antiwar and climate movements.

An official selection of the Academy Awards, From Ground Zero confronts the shattered realities of the people of Gaza and shows the challenges of rebuilding. The characters in these 22 films face their demons, forge unlikely alliances, and rediscover the strength of the human spirit. We discuss these amazing films in context with the genocide happening now.

The footage of an overzealous ICE agent killing Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis reveals the violence of the American empire turning inward to protect itself.

Cafe Palestina is a venue that screens films about Palestine to create awareness of the effects of occupational genocide there. Yet posters promoting the event are being torn down in the town of Great Barrington. This podcast explores the phenomena.

In this episode dynamic impresario and performer Alex Harvey shares his experience collecting and performing anachronistic maritime music known as Sea Shanties. Alex is a popular traditional folklorist with a modern approach, filling rooms with his street ballads and maritime tunes through his project, Shinbone Alley. During his performances, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the rich intercultural tapestry of 18th and 19th century sea music. This genre, with influences from distant corners of the world, was reinterpreted and woven together by sailors of diverse backgrounds both in ports and on the open water. Each tune serves as one of the earliest forms of collective healing. In this way, it's a nostalgic remedy for our chaotic modern times.

Berkshires In Solidarity with Palestine (BISP) members Christine Fulton and Jason Brown discuss the upcoming event on 9/16 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield 175 Wendell Avenue, MA 01201 Topics include, apartheid, tech warfare, US complicity, genocide and more.

Clark discusses Kerouac's writing style and the jazz music that influenced it.

After a ten year hiatus the film festival reboots showing films made in and about Palestine.

Camino Real by Tennessee Williams at the Williamstown Theatre FestivalNot About Nightingales by Tennessee Williams at the Williamstown Theatre FestivalGet It Right by Randolyn Zinn at The Living Room Theatre

We discuss A Bronx Tale-The Musical (Mac-Haydn Theater), The Bookclub Play (Dorset Theatre Festival), Fuzzy (Barrington Stage Company).

This is the first episode of David Rothstein talking about the origins of the Music Inn in Lenox Massachusetts. The MI, an offshoot of Woodstock, showcased giants of Folk, Rock and Jazz such as The Modern Jazz Quartet, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Weather Report, Dave Brubeck, Taj Mahal, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley and Muddy Waters, The Kinks, the Byrds, the Eagles, America. Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison.