Talking About Our Favorite Protest Songs - Episode 418

On this powerful new episode of Friends Talking Nerdy, Professor Aubrey and Tim the Nerd dive into the timeless and timely world of protest music. Together, they explore a curated list of some of the most iconic protest songs in music history—songs that have given voice to social movements, challenged injustice, and inspired generations to stand up and speak out. Tracks discussed include Bob Dylan’s rallying cry The Times They Are A-Changin’, the haunting reflection of Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Sam Cooke’s soulful anthem of hope, A Change Is Gonna Come. They also dig into For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield, Which Side Are You On by Florence Reece, and Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine, among others, exploring the historical and political contexts that shaped each song and the emotional weight they still carry today. Listen to the playlist on YouTube.

In the second half of the episode, Professor Aubrey shares a heartfelt and firsthand account of attending the No Kings protest in Portland, Oregon, on June 14th, 2025. She reflects on the power of peaceful demonstration, the courage of everyday people taking to the streets to demand justice, and why exercising our First Amendment rights is more important than ever. In a time of political unrest and deep uncertainty, this episode is a tribute to resistance, resilience, and the enduring impact of collective action.

As always, we wish to thank Christopher Lazarek for his wonderful theme song. Head to his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on how to purchase his EP, Here's To You, which is available on all digital platforms.

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