238. The Right to Protest Is Under Attack with Annie Leonard & André Carothers

Today, Matt speaks with Annie Leonard and André Carothers, co-authors of Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It, published by Patagonia Books. Annie is the creator of The Story of Stuff and former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA. André is a four-decade activist and co-founder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute.

They discuss why peaceful protest is foundational to democracy - and how it's under unprecedented attack. They break down the surge of anti-protest laws across 49 states, the fossil fuel industry's use of SLAPP suits to bankrupt activist groups (including a $660 million verdict against Greenpeace), and what it means for the climate movement when the right to dissent gets criminalized. They also talk about the legacy of movements like Earth Day and Standing Rock, why the climate movement needs to build broader power coalitions, and how anyone - regardless of experience - can show up in this moment.

 

Pick up the book April 28th at your local bookstore or Pre-order now at theprotestbook.com!

 

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Guest Bios

Annie Leonard

Annie Leonard is a lifelong environmental activist and the creator of The Story of Stuff, an animated documentary with over 40 million views in more than 200 countries. She served as Executive Director of Greenpeace USA from 2014 to 2023, where she co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and helped build the Fire Drill Fridays movement. She has testified before Congress and was named a Time Magazine Hero of the Environment.

 

André Carothers

André Carothers is an activist, writer, and organizer with four decades of work on climate, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament. He worked at Greenpeace US for 13 years, including serving on the board of directors, and co-founded the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for leaders in the social change sector.

 

Episode Resources

• Book website: theprotestbook.com
• Annie Leonard on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annie-leonard-65a00333
• André Carothers on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrecarothers
• Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
• A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
• A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
• A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids