Our Hard Knock Radio Shows for the July 2025

Hard Knock Radio Shows July 2025

Hard Knock Radio Summary: Davey D Talks Floods, Climate Crisis, and Community Response with Alexia Leclercq

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Alexia Leclercq, an Austin-based climate justice organizer, about the devastating floods in Central Texas and the broader implications of climate inaction. The conversation shed light on government negligence, environmental racism, and grassroots community efforts in the wake of disaster.
No Warning, No Help

The segment began with context: catastrophic flash floods near San Antonio left at least 80 dead or missing. Despite official claims that residents ignored warnings, Leclercq emphasized that many never received meaningful alerts, due to budget cuts to the National Weather Service and outdated or understaffed emergency systems. Flash flood warnings, she explained, were vague and often sent in the middle of the night, leaving residents unaware of how dangerous conditions truly were.
Climate Crisis and Systemic Neglect

Leclercq tied the tragedy to broader climate issues, noting that Central Texas—already known as "flash flood alley"—is increasingly vulnerable due to prolonged droughts and soil conditions. She explained that the climate crisis is turning so-called “100-year floods” into regular occurrences, a direct result of fossil fuel-driven warming and decades of poor environmental policy.

Davey D noted how disasters in communities of color—from Texas to St. Louis—are routinely underreported or blamed on the victims, while places like California see swift criticism of leadership during crises. Leclercq stressed that working-class and BIPOC communities are hit hardest and offered a sobering take: "The climate crisis is literally killing people."
Fossil Fuels, Denial, and Disaster

The conversation pivoted to Texas’s deep ties to the oil and gas industry. Leclercq condemned the rollback of green policies and tax credits, and explained the urgency of staying below 2.5°C of global warming. She broke it down simply: even small increases in temperature—just like a fever—have dramatic impacts on ecosystems and human survival. Texas, she warned, is on track to exceed that threshold soon.
Community Relief Over Government Support

With FEMA absent, recovery efforts have been largely community-driven. Leclercq highlighted organizations like Community Powered ATX, The Healing Project, Southern Oaks Church, and Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country—all stepping up with donations, food, and supplies.
Closing Thoughts

Davey D and Leclercq agreed that natural disasters are no longer just "acts of God"—they’re symptoms of policy choices. And as the planet grows hotter, communities like those in Central Texas will remain on the frontlines. Davey D ended with a reminder: "Mother Earth will be fine—the question is whether we’ll be here to dance with her."

HKR-07-07-25  Texas Floods | London Attacks 20 years Ago

n a wide-ranging and timely conversation, host Davey D sat down with Professor Stephen Zunes of the University of San Francisco to break down the current situation with Iran, the history that informs it, and the often contradictory role the U.S. plays in Middle East policy.

Zunes began with an Iran 101, noting the country's rich history, strategic size, and its role as a major regional player. He argued that much of the U.S. and Israeli hostility toward Iran stems less from human rights concerns and more from Iran's refusal to submit to U.S."Israeli hegemony in the region. While Iran's regime is undeniably repressive, Zunes pointed out the glaring hypocrisy in how the U.S. tolerates similar or worse abuses from allies like Saudi Arabia.

Davey D steered the conversation into historical context, recalling the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Irans democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, for trying to nationalize oil.Zunesagreed, saying this U.S. interference directly contributed to the eventual rise of the current theocratic regime. The irony? It was the secular Left that was destroyed in the years following the coup, leaving a vacuum for the Ayatollahs to fill.

A major point of discussion was the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Zunes described as extremely restrictive and effective. He criticized Trump for tearing up the agreement, and Biden for not rejoining it. This,Zunes argued, has helped provoke unnecessary conflict, made diplomacy harder, and provided political cover for Israels aggressive actions.

Davey raised the concern about double standards and the potential targeting of Iranian Americans. Zunes acknowledged those fears, highlighting the possibility of civil liberties being curtailed in the name of "national security""a pattern familiar from post-9/11 America.

The conversation concluded with Zunes warning about a manufactured crisis: keeping the spotlight on Iran helps distract from Israels war in Gaza and settler colonialism in the West Bank. He called for a renewed anti-war movement and for Americans to hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable for reckless foreign policy.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. 

HKR-07-03-25  Professor Stephen Zunes Speaks About Iran

On this urgent episode ofHard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Pastor Mike McBride of the Black Church PAC and LiveFree.org to break down the far-reaching implications of a sweeping federal bill, dubbed sarcastically by critics as theBig Billionaire Looting BillorBBL Bill. As headlines focused on celebrity scandals like Diddys legal troubles, Pastor Mike and Davey call attention to the much more dangerous developments quietly moving through Congress.

A Trillion-Dollar Transfer to the Rich

Pastor Mike warns that this 1,000+ page bill includes one of the largest tax breaks in U.S. history"effectively transferring over $1 trillion to the wealthiest Americans. Meanwhile, $925 million is being cut from essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid, disproportionately impacting poor and working-class communities. On top of that, the bill earmarks$75 billion for ICE expansion, including:

Hiring 10,000 new ICE agents,

Building detention centers (like the controversial Alcatraz in Florida),

Funding one million additional deportations annually,

And allocating $15 billion toward secret federal policing units.

Attacks on Immigrant and Black Communities

The bill signals a return to over-policing and racialized targeting, especially in sanctuary cities. Pastor Mike notes the growing alignment between federal agencies and private for-profit detention centers, creating economic incentives to criminalize and detain marginalized people. A new wave of ICE enforcement is poised to hit Haitian and Black immigrant communities hardest"many of whom have lost Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Even U.S.-born citizens with criminal records could be subject to extreme legal overreach.

Digital Misinformation and Manufactured Crime Waves

Davey and Pastor Mike also expose how right-wing networks and doom-loop websites are manufacturing a crime narrative"often funded by police unions or conservative operatives"to justify harsh policing. They explain how these fear-based tactics are being used to promote authoritarian policies, all while suppressing grassroots democratic reforms.

The Call to Action

Pastor Mike calls on listeners to act fast, stressing that we may haveless than 24 hoursto stop this bill in Congress. He urges folks to:

Call the Congressional switchboard at202-224-3121

Visitbit.ly/StopTheBBL

Text ten friends and spread the word
He emphasizes,Freedom is a constant struggle,quoting Angela Davis.

Final Thoughts

The interview closes with a sobering reminder: this bill isnt just bad policy"its a roadmap toward a more authoritarian and unequal America. Davey D and Pastor Mike urge listeners to see past the distractions, stay organized, and stand firm in values rooted in justice, humanity, and dignity for all.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. 

HKR-07-02-25 Pastor Mike McBride on Triump's Big Ugly Bill

In a wide-ranging and urgent discussion, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D spoke with veteran journalist Tim Redmond of48 Hillsto unpack the political dynamics shaping San Francisco and their connections to national trends, especially under a potential second Trump administration.

The Billionaires Budget and San Francisco's Priorities

Redmond criticized San Francisco Mayor Daniel Luries proposed budget, calling it the Billionaires Budget for prioritizing law enforcement and jails over critical social services. He noted that the city is opening new jails and cracking down on unhoused residents, without meaningful investment in permanent housing. Despite an $800 million budget shortfall, theres no talk of taxing the citys wealthiest"something Redmond argues could easily generate enough revenue to cover the gap and fund affordable housing and education.

Strange Bedfellows and Democratic Silence

Davey D and Redmond called out a pattern of quiet cooperation or muted dissent from Democratic leaders"including Lurie, Nancy Pelosi, and Gavin Newsom"when it comes to Trumps policies. While national Democrats have fiercely attacked progressive candidates like New Yorks Zohran Mamdani for proposing bold economic reforms (like taxing the rich to pay for housing and transit), theyve been comparatively silent about Trumps dangerous and racist agenda.

Redmond warned that Democrats fear Mamdanis model could succeed"and become contagious. Theyre afraid people will like it, he said, which could trigger a broader demand for progressive taxation and public investment.

Backlash Against Ethnic Studies

The conversation turned local again with concerns over San Francisco Unifieds apparent move to pause its ethnic studies program. Redmond said this reflects a chilling national trend"aligning with right-wing attacks on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)"even in so-called liberal cities. Teachers, he noted, are being silenced when it comes to discussing reparations, colonization, and Palestine. Davey D pushed back, recalling his own sanitized curriculum growing up and how hard-fought the current gains in ethnic studies have been.

The Cost of Compliance

Redmond emphasized that San Francisco and California have the resources"and the moral obligation"to push back. He proposed taxing the wealthiest residents to offset any threats to federal funding. If Trump wants to pull $500 million from SF, fine"lets raise it ourselves, he said. Redmond also reminded listeners that California already pays far more in federal taxes than it gets back.

Davey D echoed this, calling out the gaslighting in political language: That federal money is our money.

The Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship

The two also discussed recent Supreme Court decisions, including a ruling that may enable Trump to revoke birthright citizenship. Redmond warned this could render thousands of Bay Area residents effectively stateless, especially children born to immigrant parents. He also criticized the Courts selective application of judicial restraint"blocking liberal policies like student loan relief while letting right-wing initiatives proceed unchecked.

Sanctuary City in Name Only?

Despite San Francisco's sanctuary city label, Redmond called out the lack of meaningful resistance from the mayor or police in the face of ICE activity, including a recent incident involving a trans performer detained at Pride. They say they dont enforce ICE laws, he said, but theyre not doing anything to help either.

Organize Locally, Act Boldly

Redmond urged listeners to organize at the local and state levels. He argued that California could pass a wealth tax and fund its own priorities without federal interference. It starts locally, he said. We have to stop playing scared.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. 

HKR-07-01-25 Tim Redmond of 48 Hills speaks

(HKR-07-08-25) On this July 8th edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with veteran anti-fascist organizer Daryle Lamont Jenkins of One People's Project about the dangerous political landscape unfolding in the U.S. The conversation centers on the passage of the big ugly bill, a federal spending package that gives more funding to ICE than to the U.S. Marines. Jenkins warns this opens the door for far-right extremists"like Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and Patriot Front"to embed themselves further in government agencies under the guise of immigration enforcement.

Jenkins and Davey D point to the silence"and in some cases, complicity"of centrist Democrats who seem more focused on crushing progressives than opposing fascist forces. They highlight how politicians aligned with AIPAC and corporate interests are working to derail movement candidates like Jamaal Bowman, Corey Bush and Mondaire Jones, while staying quiet on policies that fuel mass surveillance, raids, and immigrant detention.

The conversation also addresses inflammatory rhetoric from figures like Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter, who've made genocidal statements targeting Latinos and Indigenous people. Despite their extremism, these influencers have ties to powerful players and are amplified by platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook. Jenkins argues this unchecked speech isnt just noise"it shapes policy and endangers lives.

Davey D and Jenkins call out attempts to divide Black communities from immigrant struggles, particularly through social media campaigns that stoke xenophobia and erode solidarity. They stress the importance of organizing, resisting ICE on the ground, and demanding transparency from those in power.

Jenkins closes with a clear message: were not powerless"but we do have to act. From confronting masked ICE agents in the streets to building up independent political platforms and third-party options, the fight against fascism and complicity must be bold, creative, and sustained.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. 

HKR-07-08-25 Daryle L. Jenkins: How the State Is Arming White Supremacy

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