Fighting and Dying for Billionaires

On this week’s Labor Heritage Power Hour, we preview the upcoming DC Labor FilmFest, opening May 1, with a look at restored classics American Dream and Harlan County, USA, plus opening night film Steal This Story, Please featuring Amy Goodman.

We also get the latest labor arts news from across the country, including wins for library workers and new union drives in media and entertainment.

In our Labor Landmark of the Week, Sarah Gray takes us to Tacoma, Washington, to honor Solidarity Forever author Ralph Chaplin.

Then we head to Portland, where union musicians are building a “third space” through monthly solidarity socials—bringing together music, conversation, and community.

In the latest instalment in our Story Behind the Song series, Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner of Magpie explore how Eugene V. Debs’ historic anti-war speech inspired their song Canton 1918.

And in Labor History in 2:00, Rick Smith remembers legendary labor singer-songwriter Hazel Dickens, whose powerful voice carried the stories of coal miners and their families.

Plus, a preview of a new Labor History Today conversation with Joe McCartin, Stephen Lerner and Jeremy Brecher on how “Resisting Trumpism Can Revive the U.S. Labor Movement.”

Music from Anne Feeney, Magpie, Dave Rovics and Patti Smith.

Broadcast on April 23, 2026; hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant; produced by Chris Garlock; engineered by Kahlia Chapman.
The Labor Heritage Power Hour is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network and syndicated on Pacifica’s Audioport.