The Heatwave

36 - MECHA 101: The history of Mecha de ASU

For one to correctly solve the present, one must acknowledge the past. Mecha de ASU is an organization that is based in Phoenix, Arizona that is the living legacy of many political movements that have happened in the Amerikan Southwest. Created in 1969 during the prime of the Chicano movement, our organization has shifted and evolved through time, and We feel it is important that this history is not forgotten. In this episode of The Heatwave, We go over the MECHA 101 where We cover the historical legacies that created us as an organization (such as Spanish colonization, the creation of the settler-colonial Mexican nation-state, and the Chicano movement) and what We stand for now! This is tailored for people that are interested in joining our organization, so it barely scratches the surface. If you have any corrections from what was said, please let us know. We hope y’all enjoy it!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, We highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Bocafloja - Siguiente látigo
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

35 - The Drought

It is widely known that the Amerikan southwest is having a water crisis and that time is running out, but one must ask “why? Why are we in the place we’re at? Why does it matter to me?” While much of liberal media “focuses” on the “future” of the planet, anyone who has a sense of what is happening right now understands that the future is now and we’re already paying the consequences of capitalist mismanagement. In this episode of The Heatwave, we address those concerns by focusing on the water crisis at Lake Mead and Monterrey, the drying up of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, and the grassroots indigenous push for the revocation of the doctrine of discovery in Canada.
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Ghais Guevara - C.R.B
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

34 - Organizing in the Valley

Organizing is the topic that everyone on the left dwells on due to how hard it can be, especially here in Arizona. To help bring light to the topic, we had Sandra Cornejo from Semillas Arizona and Trans Queer Pueblo share her experience organizing here in the Valley and what possibly we can do in the immediate future! We discussed the challenges that many organizers regularly face and how she confronted them, so we hope y’all enjoy this brief discussion!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Ric Wilson - Fight Like Ida B & Marsha P
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

33 - Roe v. Wade in Arizona

The resulting mass death from the pandemic in this empire has exposed an unprecedented contradiction where the shrinking of the reserved army of labor has paved the way for an uncertain future for capitalists. The actions taken by the supreme court has shown the true essence of Amerika, where compromising fundamental human rights is needed to maintain a future for the dominant class. Recognizing this dialectical relationship will demonstrate the true solution that needs to be done to secure a safe future for everyone.
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

32 - ”There Will Be No Super-Slave”: The Ghais Guevara Interview

Ghais Guevara is an underground experimental rapper and producer subliminally sowing the seeds of revolution in the minds of all who listen to his music. In this episode of The Heatwave, we ask Ghais about his artistic and political background, the revolutionary potential of mainstream hip-hop artists, his thoughts on therapy, and more. Make sure to follow Ghais on all platforms and check out his newest album, "There Will Be No Super-Slave" coming out July 16! If you’re in the Philly area, don’t miss out on the TWBNSS Album Listening Party!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Shots - Ghais Guevara
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

31 - Capitalist Ruthlessness in the Southwest

Time and time again, the most oppressed and marginalized suffer from the feckless actions of the privileged and powerful. Whether it's from excessive heat and water scarcity here in the valley or gun violence throughout this supposed country, the most oppressed bear the brunt of capitalist barbarity. In this episode of The Heatwave, we discussed the social effects of noise and environmental pollution in South Phoenix, the aggravating water shortage caused by the Colorado River, the call to action caused by the Robb Elementary School shooting, and the artificial character of heterosexuality.
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Refraction - Ghais Guevara
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

30 - End of the Semester Q&A Special

To celebrate the end of the academic year, on this special episode of The Heatwave, we decided to answer some of your burning questions!  Like would you move to North Korea if you were given a chance? Who would you designate as the best and worst presidents of the United States? What is your best argument for why you aren't vegan? Hope y'all enjoy it!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, please feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: El Apagón - Bad Bunny
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

29 - Røt in h€ll, allister adel

The physical and mental deterioration of former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, the $990 million I-10 highway construction project between Phoenix and Tucson, and the monumental overturning of Roe v. Wade uphold this system's disregard for the health of the individual, collective, and environmental level. There is an apparent disconnect between this country's governing body and the minds of the people. In this episode of The Heatwave, we discuss the importance of physical fitness for revolutionaries, the economic implications of the Supreme Court's attack on reproductive rights, induced demand from roadway expansion, and the deaths of Isaac Newton, Alan Turing, and Nikola Tesla (may their souls rest in peace). We hope y'all enjoy it!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Doo Wop (That Thing) - Ms. Lauryn Hill
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

28 - Discussing Anzaldúa w/ Decolonized Buffalo

What is Chicanismo? Is it an ideology? Is it a lived experience? Or is it a simple political categorization? While incorrect, Gloria Anzaldúa's text Borderlands has provided a substantive answer to this question and still has a heavy influence on this day. As an organization that believes in land back and true decolonization, we have felt the need in critiquing Anzaldúa’s text which is characterized by the racist understandings of indigeneity in Jose Vasconcelos’s text, La raza cósmica. In a special collaboration with the Decolonized Buffalo podcast, we critique Anzaldúa's text and how it still plays a big role in the community. For one to strive for collective liberation, one must deconstruct all colonial machinations and the so-called identity of "Chicanismo” must be critically analyzed.
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Bad Education - Bardo Martinez and The Soul Investigators
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!

27 - Imaginemos cosas chingonas

¡Tenemos que imaginar cosas chingonas! In this episode of the Heatwave, we wanted to blow off some steam and talk about something less serious: sports! We wanted to reminisce on the successes of the Phoenix Suns and give our two cents on the recent World Cup draw. If you’re not a big fan, this episode is not for you ¡y así será!
If you’re interested in getting in touch with us, feel free to hit us up on Instagram, Twitter, and The Heatwave’s Instagram. If you’re interested in joining a local org, we highly recommend joining us at Mecha de ASU, PSL Phoenix, or PSL Tucson!
Outro song: Dinero - Santa Fe Klan
The struggle continues, ¡Venceremos!