Guest #37 | Danka Katovich. Authenticity.

May 22

Peace Is a Policy Choice.
Danaka Katovich, Co-Director of CODEPINK, brings bold clarity to the modern anti-war movement. From U.S. militarism to global resistance, she breaks down why ending war isn’t idealistic—it’s necessary. This is a wake-up call to challenge power, stop the war machine, and fight for peace.

🎙️ DSD INTERVIEW #37 | Stop the War Machine: CODEPINK’s Danaka Katovich Co-Director on Anti-War Stance

🕊️ Peace Is Patriotic | Danaka Katowicz on Code Pink, Anti-War Activism & Standing for Gaza and Ukraine

Episode Description: Code Pink’s Danaka Katowicz joins Deep Shallow Dive for a full-throttle, truth-packed episode on the real cost of war, the rise of nonpartisan peace activism, and how one small-but-mighty group is shaking the halls of Congress—and exposing the bipartisan bloodlust on full display.

Can You Oppose Every War—Even When Your Party Supports It?

In this bold and unfiltered episode, Ray Doustdar speaks with Danaka Katowicz, Midwest organizer for Code Pink, the women-led anti-war nonprofit currently making waves by confronting U.S. politicians across both sides of the aisle. Code Pink is famous for its grassroots tactics, viral Capitol protests, and unwavering commitment to "no war, anywhere"—be it Gaza, Ukraine, or anywhere the U.S. sends bombs instead of aid.

Danaka unpacks the reality of what it’s like to bird-dog politicians in the halls of Congress, the strategy behind their confrontations, and how being called "Chinese-funded terrorists" by politicians like Tom Cotton and Jim Banks is nothing more than smearing anti-war voices. She discusses her own journey—from being just a “normal girl from Chicago” to becoming one of the most consistent, unapologetic peace activists in America today.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the anti-war voice is growing louder—and more credible—by the day.

👤 Who Is Danaka Katowicz?

Danaka Katowicz is a Midwest organizer with Code Pink, a national, women-led peace group fighting war, occupation, and imperialism. A lifelong Chicagoan and lifelong White Sox fan (painfully), Danaka coordinates grassroots education and mobilization in cities across the U.S., and works alongside iconic activist Medea Benjamin to bring truth, humor, and courage to Capitol Hill.

🔥 Key Topics in This Episode

What it’s like bird-dogging Congress in real time
How Code Pink plans and executes protest actions
Why both Republicans and Democrats support endless war
The blatant hypocrisy in arming Israel and Ukraine simultaneously
Smear campaigns: being labeled foreign agents and Chinese-funded
How Code Pink educates, organizes, and grows across the country
What "America First" really means—if you're not a weapons contractor
Standing for peace everywhere—not just when it's politically convenient

🧠 What You'll Learn

That anti-war activism isn’t partisan—it’s deeply American
How Code Pink’s message is the same for Gaza and Ukraine:
✖ No bombs.
✖ No weapons.
✖ Ceasefire now.
Why grassroots protests work—and how public support is rising
That calling for peace is often met with hostility from elected officials
How social media is allowing truth to bypass mainstream propaganda
Why smears are often a sign you’re doing something right

🗣️ Danaka’s Most Powerful Quotes

“We’re not foreign agents. I just want to stop seeing children killed—with my tax money.”
“It’s not about Democrats or Republicans. We don’t want war in Gaza or Ukraine. Period.”
“Calling us Chinese spies is a distraction. It’s gaslighting. But it also means we’re being heard.”
“No war is a women’s issue. It’s a human issue.”

🧩 Top Themes Covered

Code Pink anti-war movement
Danaka Katowicz Deep Shallow Dive
bird-dogging Congress Code Pink
Gaza ceasefire activism
anti-war nonprofit America
feminist peace movements
Medea Benjamin confronts Ben Gvir
anti-imperialist grassroots protest
no weapons to Israel or Ukraine
smearing Code Pink as CCP agents
Deep Shallow Dive Code Pink episode
anti-Zionism Jewish activists
pro-peace confrontations in Congress
social media activism for peace
Tom Cotton smear campaign
Tammy Duckworth Code Pink claims
war budget vs healthcare
Lockheed Martin military funding
what is bird dogging in politics
American foreign policy criticism
RFK Jr. foreign policy analysis
grassroots vs corporate politics
women-led antiwar protest history
peace is not partisan podcast
Deep Shallow Dive war criticism

🧭 Final Takeaway: Peace Isn’t Weak—It’s Radical Courage

Danaka Katowicz and Code Pink are showing the world that truth, when spoken fearlessly, can shake even the most powerful buildings in D.C. This episode is a reminder that courage isn’t about volume—it’s about values. And in the face of bipartisan warmongering, peace is the loudest message we can shout.

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Ray Doustdar

Adding a new chapter to his diverse career, Ray now steps into the world of literature as an author, presenting his debut work, 'Deep Shallow Dive into You.' This book is a testament to his commitment to fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Ray's venture into authorship extends his passion for meaningful communication and impact into writing, offering readers a transformative journey designed to cultivate a more authentic relationship with themselves.

Ray aims to connect with readers profoundly through his writing, sharing insights and strategies to help them uncover their true selves and live with unwavering authenticity and intention.

https://www.deepshallowdive.com