Correcting the Record: Andrew Sillen on the Forgotten Kidnapping of a Free Black Teen

For over 150 years, history has told a lie about David Henry White—a free Black teenager from Delaware who was kidnapped and enslaved aboard the Confederate warship Alabama. His story was twisted to fit a Lost Cause narrative, claiming he served voluntarily.

Now, thanks to the meticulous research of Andrew Sillen, the truth is finally revealed. In his new book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White, Sillen dismantles this falsehood and restores White’s story, highlighting the racist violence and deception that robbed him of his freedom and, ultimately, his life.

On Thursday, February 13 at 9:20 AM, I’ll interview Andrew Sillen on The Morning Show on KSVY 91.3 FM to discuss:

• The real story of David Henry White and his 600 days of captivity.

• How history distorted his legacy to justify the Confederacy.

• The battle between Captain Raphael Semmes (Confederate) and Captain John Winslow (Union)—two figures representing opposite moral legacies of the Civil War.

• What this story teaches us about America’s ongoing struggle with racial justice and historical truth.

📻 Listen live on 91.3 FM or stream at ksvy.org.

BOOK HERE

#BlackHistoryMonth #DavidHenryWhite #KidnappedAtSea #AndrewSillen #CivilWarHistory #TrueStory #LostCauseMyth #KSVY

A Radical Twist on a Classic: SF Mime Troupe's "A Red Carol"

On Thursday, December 12th, I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Gene Sullivan, the Director of the SF Mime Troupe, on The Morning Show at KSVY Sonoma. We dove deep into their holiday production, A Red Carol, opening on December 14th. This year's remix of Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol is unlike any version you've seen before. The SF Mime Troupe has remixed the timeless tale to emphasize its original message of societal change and activism, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved story.

Michael shared his insights into the play's radical reimagining of the classic narrative, bringing economic disparity, class struggle, and the need for social transformation to light.

The play features the same iconic characters from the original but with a twist. A Red Carol places Scrooge's transformation within the context of a more politically charged atmosphere. The Spirits of Christmas — past, present, and future — are not only guiding Scrooge toward personal redemption but also calling for a larger societal reckoning. The Troupe's version is a call to action, reminding us that the changes we need as a society go beyond individual change and extend to systemic and structural issues.

During the broadcast, I also had the opportunity to share the first five minutes of the radio play version of A Red Carol, which is available for donation on Bandcamp. This unique production lets audiences experience the Mime Troupe's radical take on the story in an audio format, bringing the powerful messages of the performance straight to your ears. It's a perfect way to engage with the production if you cannot attend in person, and I highly recommend listening. The first five minutes of the radio play truly set the tone for the entire show, featuring a lively, energetic dialogue that addresses current issues with a touch of humor and sharp wit.

Z Space, San Francisco

Following my interview and radio segment, I attended Z-Space in San Francisco to see the live performance of A Red Carol. Z-Space is a fantastic venue—an intimate space perfect for raw, stripped-down productions that can confront the audience with the production by practically sitting in your lap; the black-box style layout allows for a close, personal experience with the performance. It's the ideal space for the Mime Troupe's blend of physical theater and political commentary, where the actors' energy and emotion can honestly fill the room.

The performance was a blast! The actors brought vibrant energy to their roles, balancing the play's sharp critiques with the humor and charm the Mime Troupe is known for. The set was minimal, allowing the storytelling to shine. At the same time, the use of live music, sound effects, and the actor's musical physicality in their performances added meaning to the dialogue.

What stood out most was how the story not only reflected on personal transformation but also called for collective change—a powerful reminder that Dickens' message of redemption was never just about the individual but about addressing the broader societal systems that perpetuate inequality.

As I sat in the audience, it was clear that A Red Carol is more than just a holiday performance; it's a timely piece of theater that invites us to examine our world today. In a year that brought social and economic upheaval, the SF Mime Troupe's play couldn't be more relevant. It challenges audiences to consider their own roles in society. It calls for action — not only in the spirit of the holidays but in the spirit of community and justice.

If you missed the interview with Michael, don't worry! You can still listen to our entire conversation on KSVY. Follow the link below to access the recording:

{Interview Link}

Also, check out the radio play version of A Red Carol on Bandcamp. The radio play is available by donation, allowing you to engage with the production and support the Troupe's nonprofit mission. You can find it here:

https://sfmt.bandcamp.com/track/a-red-carol

Finally, I encourage you to visit the SF Mime Troupe's website to support its important work. The Troupe has been producing socially relevant theater for decades and continues to inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.

https://www.sfmt.org

Beyond the holiday season, don't miss the chance to experience A Red Carol and other works by the indomitable SF Mime Troupe. It's a radical, refreshing reminder of the power of theater to spark change and engage audiences in conversations about class, justice, and the future we want to create together.

The Doomsday Clock: A Warning for Humanity

The Doomsday Clock, one of the most recognizable symbols of global peril, is set to make headlines again. On January 28th, 2025, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists will unveil the new time for the Doomsday Clock in Washington, DC. This annual ritual is not just a marker of time but a sobering reflection of humanity’s progress—or regression—in confronting existential threats.

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Doomsday Clock Logo

Since its creation in 1947, the Doomsday Clock has been a metaphorical countdown to global catastrophe. Born from the minds of Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and other scientists who developed the first atomic weapons during the Manhattan Project, the Clock was initially a response to the threat of nuclear war. Over the decades, its scope has expanded to include dangers posed by climate change, biological risks, and disruptive technologies. The closer the Clock’s hands move to midnight, the greater the peril.

Today, the Doomsday Clock is by the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board (SASB) in consultation with its Board of Sponsors, which includes nine Nobel laureates. Considering many global challenges, this esteemed group assesses humanity’s vulnerability to catastrophe. For 2025, these include nuclear proliferation, artificial intelligence, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, escalating conflicts in the Middle East, bio-threats, and the worsening climate crisis. These interconnected issues paint a picture of a fragile world, teetering on the edge of disaster.

The Science and Security Board: Experts at the Forefront

The SASB comprises internationally recognized leaders in science, policy, and security. They bring deep expertise to the complex task of evaluating the global landscape. In previous years, the Clock’s setting has captured international attention, with notable figures like former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and former Irish President Mary Robinson lending their voices to this urgent call for action.

This year’s announcement promises to be no less consequential. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges—from the rapid advancements and ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence to the stark realities of a warming planet—the Clock’s setting will serve as both a warning and a rallying cry for change.

Exclusive Interviews on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM

Rachel Bronson - President & CEO Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

I will host two exclusive interviews on my morning show on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM in anticipation of this momentous event. These conversations will delve into the critical issues shaping the Doomsday Clock’s 2025 setting and its broader implications for humanity.

On Thursday, January 16th, at 8:40 AM, I’ll speak with Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Dr. Bronson has been at the helm of this vital organization, guiding its mission to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers we face. Her insights will provide a window into the rigorous process behind setting the Clock and the key factors influencing this year’s decision.

The following week, on Thursday, January 23rd, at 9:00 AM, I’ll be joined by Scott Yundt, Executive Director of Tri-Valley CAREs. Near the Livermore National Laboratory, this grassroots organization has steadfastly advocated nuclear disarmament and environmental justice. Mr. Yundt will illuminate the local and global impacts of nuclear weapons development and the urgent need for activism in the face of mounting threats.

Both interviews will be broadcast live on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM and streamed worldwide at ksvy.org. They promise to be enlightening and thought-provoking, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping our collective future.

Why the Doomsday Clock Matters

The Doomsday Clock is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action. Its annual setting serves as a stark reminder of the choices humanity faces and the consequences of inaction. As we approach January 28th, the world waits with bated breath to see whether the Clock will move closer to or further from midnight. Will we rise to the challenges before us, or will we continue down a path of increasing danger?

Join me over the next two weeks as we explore these questions with leading experts. Together, let’s confront the urgent issues that shape our world and work toward a safer, more sustainable future. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation.

Missed the Final Radical Creatives of 2024? Catch the Replay!

Thank you to everyone who tuned in for a night of funky House, Jungle, Drum & Bass, and epic melodic festival sounds! If you missed it or want to experience it again, you can catch the replay now:

Hour 1 (10 PM): https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/.../KSVY_2024-12-27...

Hour 2 (11 PM): https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/archives.ksvy.org/KSVY_2024-12-27__23_02_23.mp3

Radical Creatives will return in 2025 with more cosmic beats and transformative sounds. In the meantime, explore the KSVY archive at ksvy.org/ksvy-archives for past episodes.

Thank you for making 2024 a year of incredible music and connection. Let’s keep the rhythm alive into the new year! KSVY Sonoma

Experience the Magic of Connection and Creativity

This Winter Solstice season, we’re celebrating the joy of connection and creativity in a way that inspires calm, presence, and renewal. Friday’s Radical Creatives episode was a special one, featuring a live set recorded earlier that evening at the new Glen Ellen Gathering Space. The energy was electric as we danced, clapped, and howled, embracing the solstice’s transformative spirit.

For those who joined us in Glen Ellen, thank you for bringing your vibrant energy to this inaugural Pause and Play event! Starting with John Wubbenhorst’s raga-inspired Hamsadwani and building up to 140 BPM, the music wove a story of grounding, rising, and joyful release. The gathering reminded us all of the beauty of being fully present—away from screens and immersed in creativity, community, and soul-moving beats.

If you missed the live set or want to relive the magic, you can catch the full recording on Radical Creatives in the KSVY archive:
🔗 Hour 1: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/archives.ksvy.org/KSVY_2024-12-20__22_02_15.mp3
🔗 Hour 2: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/archives.ksvy.org/KSVY_2024-12-20__23_02_23.mp3

The next Pause and Play event is set for Friday, January 10, from 5-7 PM at the Glen Ellen Gathering Space. Step away from the digital world and join us for hands-on art, meaningful conversations, and more beats from DJ StaRJay in a warm and welcoming environment. Space is limited to 28 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot at glenellengathering.com/events.

Together, let’s rediscover the joy of being present, connected, and inspired. Whether on the dance floor or through the airwaves, we can’t wait to share this journey with you. 🌌✨

From Sonoma to SIMEI: A Journey of Innovation and Connection

After an unforgettable journey to SIMEI 2024 in Milan, Italy, I’m back in the States, reflecting on an experience that was both inspiring and transformative. This trip was an incredible blend of tradition, innovation, and camaraderie, and I owe a huge thank you to APS Packaging for making it all possible. Special gratitude goes to Alberto Migliardi, whose hospitality and guidance were instrumental in making this adventure seamless and memorable.

A World of Innovation

SIMEI, the world’s largest trade fair for winemaking and bottling technology, was a dazzling showcase of innovation. With over 480 exhibitors from around the globe, the event offered a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology shaping the future of the wine industry. From sustainable packaging solutions to state-of-the-art bottling lines, SIMEI was a masterclass in how tradition and modernity can coexist.

Before arriving in Milan, our journey began in Canelli, Italy, where we toured the Maspack facility, a leader in winery packaging innovation. Visits to historic wineries like Capetta and Coppo gave us a taste of Italy’s rich winemaking heritage, highlighted by a walk through Coppo’s UNESCO-recognized cellars, known as the “cathedrals” of wine.

The California Dream Team

I had the privilege of traveling with an extraordinary group of wine professionals who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the journey. Representing some of California’s most renowned wineries and industry institutions, our “California Dream Team” included winemakers, bottling experts, marketing leaders, and engineers. From sparkling wine pioneers at Korbel and Roederer Estate to custom wine service innovators at Infinity Bottling or Rack & Riddle, the depth of expertise in our group was truly inspiring. We were joined by representatives from prestigious wineries like Rodney Strong, Bonterra Organic Estates, and Crimson Wine Group, as well as key players from academic institutions like UC Davis, adding a layer of technical and research insight to our conversations.

Sharing this journey with such a talented and passionate group highlighted the dynamic nature of California’s wine industry. The collaboration and exchange of ideas throughout the trip underscored the importance of connecting on a global scale to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in winemaking and technology.

Special Thanks

This trip would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of APS Packaging, whose commitment to fostering innovation and connection in the wine industry made this adventure a reality. A heartfelt thank you to Alberto Migliardi, who went above and beyond as our host and guide, ensuring every moment of the journey was memorable and enriching.

Looking Ahead

From the vineyards of Sonoma to the cathedrals of wine in Canelli, and the cutting-edge trade show floor of SIMEI, this experience was a testament to the global nature of the wine industry and the importance of fostering collaboration. I’m excited to bring the insights, stories, and connections from this journey back to our community and can’t wait to see how these lessons shape the future.

Stay tuned for more highlights from the trip and the remarkable innovations we discovered along the way. Cheers to tradition, innovation, and the shared passion that unites us all!