The Um, Sir Podcast

Um, Sir: Part Two picks up an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation with Ryan Johnson that dives headfirst into immigration, ICE, labor exploitation, and who actually benefits from the system as it exists. From a blue-collar truck driver’s perspective, the hosts unpack why employer accountability (not worker punishment) is the missing piece in the immigration debate, drawing clear lines between labor trafficking, modern-day exploitation, and political cowardice. Along the way, the episode weaves in history, media, pop culture, and a brutally honest conversation about messaging, power, and why talking at people instead of with them keeps us stuck. It’s raw, funny, uncomfortable, and exactly the conversation we’re not having enough.

CHECK OUT
Snohomish Podcast Network

LISTEN

Employing undocumented workers in Texas is illegal, but rarely enforced - KXKN
Employers steal billions from workers’ paychecks each year - Economic Policy Institute
The Fourth Turning Is Here - By Neil Howe
A Chill Sets In for Undocumented Workers, and Those Who Hire Them - NY Times
Without DALE, Employers Gain More Power to Exploit Workers - Center for Law and Social Policy
Undocumented builders face unchecked exploitation amid Trump raids: ‘It’s more work, less pay’ - The Guardian
The Everett Massacre - Everett Public Library
The Minneapolis teamsters’ strike of 1934 - MinnPost
1997 United Parcel Service Strike - Teamsters for a Democratic Union
Chicago Teamsters’ Strike of 1905: Topics in Chronicling America - Library of Congress

BUY. IF YOU MUST
Union-made goods and fair-labor brands (if you’re going to spend money anyway) 
Merch or memberships that support independent podcasts and creators

Workers’ Rights, National Immigration Law Center
Immigrant and Justice Toolkit - Washington State Labor Council
Seattle Legal Defense Network
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
What ITINs are and how undocumented workers actually pay taxes