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Rafael A. Martinez discusses the lived experiences of undocumented youth in America. He’s Assistant Professor of Southwest Borderlands at Arizona State University and author of Illegalized: Undocumented Youth Movements in the United States.

He details how activism and organizing led to gains such as in-state tuition and DACA, but also the precariousness of these advancements under changing political climates.

Martinez emphasizes the resilience and creativity of undocumented communities in navigating systemic challenges, while acknowledging the significant mental and physical health consequences of living under constant threat of deportation.

His experiences underscore the systemic nature of immigration issues and the interconnectedness of undocumented immigrants’ lives with the broader U.S. society. The interview concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to engage with local organizations supporting immigrant rights.

“Immigration isn’t a broken system; it’s working as designed—to exploit and marginalize immigrant communities.” — Rafael Martinez

We also play an edited version of one of our ten favorite episodes of 2024 — our conversation with Eric Klinenberg about his book 2020.

Check Out our List of the Ten Best WV Episodes of 2024!

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Listen, Like & Subscribe

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Keywords: Rafael A. Martinez, Illegalized book, undocumented youth, immigrant rights movements, DACA, U.S. immigration policy, private detention centers, border militarization, immigrant activism history.

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Sociologist Stephanie Canizales examines the lives of unaccompanied migrant youth in her groundbreaking book, Sin Padres Ni Papeles. Drawing from years of immersive research in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles, Canizales sheds light on the systemic challenges these young people face, from exploitative labor conditions to emotional isolation.

She connects their experiences to historical U.S. policies in Central America and Mexico, revealing the deep ties between migration, policy, and economic inequality. This conversation explores resilience, identity, and what must change to ensure justice for migrant communities.

“The conditions that force young people to migrate aren’t inherent to them—they’re rooted in histories of U.S. intervention and inequality.” — Stephanie Canizales

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

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Key Words: Stephanie Canizales, Sin Padres Ni Papeles, unaccompanied minors, migrant youth, labor exploitation, U.S. immigration policy, Central America migration, systemic inequality, undocumented workers, migration

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Sherri Goodman, a leading voice in climate security, discusses her book Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security.

Goodman explores how climate change amplifies instability, from the Middle East’s water crises, to migration in Latin America, to potential conflicts over emerging shipping routes in the melting Arctic. Goodman also shares insights on geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, China and the Indo-Pacific.

“Climate change is a threat multiplier, exacerbating instability in already fragile regions.” — Sherri Goodman

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

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Key Words: Sherri Goodman, threat multiplier, climate security, Arctic geopolitics, water weaponization, net-zero military, U.S. military energy goals, climate resilience, renewable energy, China Belt and Road, global security risks.

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In this episode of Writer’s Voice, we speak with Daniel Fryer, author of How to Cope with Almost Anything with Hypnotherapy, about the science and uses of hypnotherapy in mental health and well-being.

Then, we honor the late Nikki Giovanni with a replay of our 2009 conversation about Hip Hop Speaks to Children, celebrating poetry’s rhythm and its deep cultural roots.

“Hip hop is the vernacular turned into art—it’s gossip, rhythm, and rebellion rolled into one.” —Nikki Giovanni

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

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Key Words: hypnotherapy, Daniel Fryer, self-hypnosis, Nikki Giovanni, Hip Hop Speaks to Children, hip hop history, poetry, mental health

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In this episode, we dive into the world of eels with Ellen Ruppel Shell, author of Slippery Beast: A True Crime Natural History with Eels. From ancient mysteries and ecological importance to international crime syndicates and sustainable farming, Ruppel Shell unravels the fascinating and complex story of one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures.

The conversation traces the mysterious lifecycle of eels, their pivotal role in ecosystems, and their entanglement in a global black market. Ruppel Shell also highlights efforts to sustainably farm eels and the cultural significance of these creatures to Native American communities.

From Aristotle to the international criminal trade in wildlife, this episode offers a riveting exploration of eels and their connection to humanity.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

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Key Words: Ellen Ruppel Shell, Slippery Beast, eel lifecycle, global wildlife trade, freshwater eels, ecological importance of eels, eel farming, eel conservation, wildlife crime, ecosystems services