Who gets to wander freely—and who gets to decide where we belong? Blake sits down with activist, multidisciplinary artist, and social change worker callie mackenzie for a candid, exploratory conversation about race, ruins, trespassing, land ownership, and the privilege hiding inside the practice of urban exploration.

callie mackenzie (she/they) is a social change worker living at the intersections of art, music, and social justice. For her complete bio, visit calliemackenzie.com.

Songs by callie on today’s episode include:

• “roller coaster” from the album “what that heart do” (2025)

• “kerfuffle” from the album “what that heart do” (2025)

• “i can’t talk about freedom” from the album “the wreckoning” (2022)

callie’s complete music library can be accessed at: https://calliemackenzie.bandcamp.com 

• bell hooks interview audio courtesy of Othering and Belonging Institute

• “Kwanzaa: A Celebration” courtesy of WXXI (Rochester, NY)

• “Theatre Acknowledgement” courtesy of CBC

🏆 The Ambies — Winner, Best DIY Podcast (2025)

📡 The Signal Awards — Best Experimental Podcast (2024 & 2025)

📰  Press Gazette Future of Media Awards — Nominee (2024, 2025, 2026)

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🎧 Note: For the best immersive experience, find a quiet place and wear headphones when listening to “abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast.” 🎧

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Further Exploration

📜 Transcripts: https://abandonedpod.com

🗺️ Continue exploring: http://www.allamericanruins.com

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