Co-author Erica Smiley discusses her recent release, “The Future We Need: Organizing for A Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,” alongside labor movement activist Sanchioni Butler, a subject of the novel. Also, self-defense firearms instructor Marchelle Davis explores the rise in gun ownership among Black women and her mission to empower women through self-defense.

Co-author Erica Smiley discusses her recent release, <a href="https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501764820/the-future-we-need/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“The Future We Need: Organizing for A Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,”</a> alongside labor movement activist Sanchioni Butler, a subject of the novel. Also, self-defense firearms instructor Marchelle Davis explores the rise in gun ownership among Black women and her mission to empower women through self-defense.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

🔊 WABE Podcasts > News, Politics, Health

Author Erica Smiley and activist Sanchioni Butler on the labor movement; Empowering women through self-defense

Andra Hall went from selling a few cupcake orders while earning $9 an hour at a hotel to building Cami Cakes Cupcakes, a thriving bakery brand that eventually expanded to nine locations. After more than a decade of growth and success, her life took a sharp turn as she navigated a series of major challenges; the COVID‑19 pandemic, a divorce, and a diagnosis of triple‑negative breast cancer. In this episode of Closer Look,  Andra talks about navigating through all of these challenges and how joy has been redefined. 

Andra Hall went from selling a few cupcake orders while earning $9 an hour at a hotel to building Cami Cakes Cupcakes, a thriving bakery brand that eventually expanded to nine locations. After more than a decade of growth and success, her life took a sharp turn as she navigated a series of major challenges; the COVID‑19 pandemic, a divorce, and a diagnosis of triple‑negative breast cancer. In this episode of Closer Look,&nbsp; Andra talks about navigating through all of these challenges and how joy has been redefined.&nbsp;

Cupcakes, Crisis, and a Comeback

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” it’s our annual live broadcast from Dragon Con! We mark 40 years of the epic pop culture event and 250 years of America by asking how creative storytelling. imagined characters and worlds have helped shape our world today. We’re joined for this fun, fascinating, and unpredictable conversation by:

 

TODAY’S GUESTS:

Yaya Han, cosplay designer and author

Pat Henry, co-founder of Dragon Con

Jo Garland, Dragon Con spokesperson

Tawny Newsome, actor, writer and comedian who stars in “Star Trek: Lower Decks”

Adam Hawkins, Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at HOPE Atlanta

Ed Hall, science-fiction author

Dan Whisenhunt, journalist, Decaturish

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s our annual live broadcast from <a href="https://www.dragoncon.org/">Dragon Con</a>! We mark 40 years of the epic pop culture event and 250 years of America by asking how creative storytelling. imagined characters and worlds have helped shape our world today. We&rsquo;re joined for this fun, fascinating, and unpredictable conversation by:
&nbsp;
TODAY&rsquo;S GUESTS:
<a href="https://www.yayahan.com/">Yaya Han</a>, cosplay designer and author
Pat Henry, co-founder of Dragon Con
Jo Garland, Dragon Con spokesperson
<a href="https://www.tawnynewsome.com/">Tawny Newsome</a>, actor, writer and comedian who stars in &ldquo;Star Trek: Lower Decks&rdquo;
Adam Hawkins, Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at <a href="https://hopeatlanta.org/who-we-are/">HOPE Atlanta</a>
<a href="https://www.artpapers.org/people/ed-hall/">Ed Hall</a>, science-fiction author
<a href="https://www.decaturish.com/users/profile/dan%20whisenhunt/">Dan Whisenhunt</a>, journalist, Decaturish

Closer Look at Dragon Con 2026: 40 Years of Fandom and America at 250

On a special edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bottoms addresses questions about her tenure as Atlanta mayor, including key decisions made under her leadership. She also reflects on how her four years in office along with her work in the Biden administration are guiding her approach to governing the state if elected as Georgia’s 84th governor.

 

The discussion covers several major issues: expanding resources for Georgia growers and producers, improving access to healthcare for rural communities, and tackling affordability challenges across the state. Bottoms also responds to campaign attacks from her opponent, Republican Rick Jackson, and outlines the communities she is continuing to engage as the midterm election approaches.

On a special edition of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; host Rose Scott sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate <a href="https://www.wabe.org/keisha-lance-bottoms/">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a>. Bottoms addresses questions about her tenure as Atlanta mayor, including key decisions made under her leadership. She also reflects on how her four years in office along with her work in the Biden administration are guiding her approach to governing the state if elected as <a href="https://www.wabe.org/georgia-governor-race/">Georgia&rsquo;s 84th governor</a>.
&nbsp;
The discussion covers several major issues: expanding resources for Georgia growers and producers, improving access to healthcare for rural communities, and tackling affordability challenges across the state. Bottoms also responds to campaign attacks from her opponent, Republican Rick Jackson, and outlines the communities she is continuing to engage as the midterm election approaches.

Author Erica Smiley and activist Sanchioni Butler on the labor movement; Empowering women through self-defense

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