Episode 34 | The Saga Continues
Amidst a democratic victory in the special elections, the current elected Democrats joined with Republicans to reopen the government, with the promise of a vote on healthcare forthcoming. While SNAP benefits have been restored, the rollout is slow and varies by state. ICE continues to rampage cities and traumatize residents. Amidst all of this, a push to release the complete Epstein files continues. While we recorded, Trump issued a statement to the Republicans to release them, which implies that his name has been redacted by some of his cronies thumbing through them over the last months. This administration sows chaos as a distraction and then plays the hero by “rescuing” us from the chaos they created.
Amidst a democratic victory in the special elections, the current elected Democrats joined with Republicans to reopen the government, with the promise of a vote on healthcare forthcoming. While SNAP benefits have been restored, the rollout is slow and varies by state. ICE continues to rampage cities and traumatize residents. Amidst all of this, a push to release the complete Epstein files continues. While we recorded, Trump issued a statement to the Republicans to release them, which implies that his name has been redacted by some of his cronies thumbing through them over the last months. This administration sows chaos as a distraction and then plays the hero by “rescuing” us from the chaos they created.
Trump is on the defensive, quite like a wounded animal. However, the wounded animal is sometimes the most dangerous. Stay alert, connected, and present to what is going on. Demand the release of the files to your reps and be an ally to those whose lives are shaken by this administration’s cruel policies.
Thanks for listening.
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https://www.theroot.com/telltale-signs-that-trump-is-quickly-running-out-of-tim-2000073298/slides/9
https://www.axios.com/2025/11/14/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-november-payments
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/17/trump-administration-news-updates-latest
Episode 33 | “The Cruelty is the Point”
“The cruelty is the point" was coined by Adam Serwer, a staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine, in his October 2018 essay of the same name. It became a widely used catchphrase to describe the political approach and policies of the Trump administration.
Defunding food programs for the poor, withholding pay from government employees, especially the ones the president doesn’t like, and limiting asylum to a few thousand people a year is cruel. There is a delight this administration takes in punishing its “enemies” as well as the poor and dispossessed. Sociologist Robert Bellah encouraged us to dig deep into shared cultural values beyond the self to create a moral society with a shared set of values. This is what he called a civic religion. Right now, however, it seems we are driven by capitalism and competition rather than collaboration. It is difficult for an individualistic society to make a shift toward collectivism. Still, I think a second music is playing, “one below the other…lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present” (Annie Lighthart). Let’s tune into it and beat our drums to the sounds of freedom and compassion.
“The cruelty is the point" was coined by Adam Serwer, a staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine, in his October 2018 essay of the same name. It became a widely used catchphrase to describe the Trump administration's political approach and policies.
Defunding food programs for the poor, withholding pay from government employees, especially the ones the president doesn’t like, and limiting asylum to a few thousand people a year is cruel. There is a delight this administration takes in punishing its “enemies” as well as the poor and dispossessed. Sociologist Robert Bellah encouraged us to dig deep into shared cultural values beyond the self to create a moral society with a shared set of values. This is what he called a civic religion. Right now, however, it seems we are driven by capitalism and competition rather than collaboration. It is difficult for an individualistic society to make a shift toward collectivism. Still, I think a second music is playing, “one below the other…lower, steady, perhaps more faithful for being less heard yet always present” (Annie Lighthart). Let’s tune into it and beat our drums to the sounds of freedom and compassion.
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https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/10/the-cruelty-is-the-point/572104/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/30/trump-refugee-restrictions-white-south-africans
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/28/texas-snap-food-stamps-federal-shutdown-explained-2/
Episode 32 | A Broken House
In the language of dreams, houses symbolize the dreamer’s psyche or inner world. The state of the house — be it chaotic, old, in disrepair, clean, bright, or dark — reflects what might be going on for the dreamer. If we externalize this symbol into the waking world, we might say our house is broken. Quite literally, the White House, a symbol of democracy, has been busted open, and its gilded power has been expanded without process or approval. Dump trucks are carrying debris from the grounds early or late in the day. The whole thing is happening without photos or reportage. A secret project we all know is happening.
In the language of dreams, houses symbolize the dreamer’s psyche or inner world. The state of the house — be it chaotic, old, in disrepair, clean, bright, or dark — reflects what might be going on for the dreamer. If we externalize this symbol into the waking world, we might say our house is broken. Quite literally, the White House, a symbol of democracy, has been busted open, and its gilded power has been expanded without process or approval. Dump trucks are carrying debris from the grounds early or late in the day. The whole thing is happening without photos or reportage. A secret project we all know is happening.
The symbolism is not lost on me. What was covert — abuses of power and privilege — has been made overt. The grabs at power are not in the dark. Our house is broken. We’re past the point of being able to say, “Well, surely it’s not that bad.” We are witnessing a president who has no plans to leave his broken house. Wherever we are, we need to speak truth to power, to challenge and stand up for what is being lost. We want to remind you that we aren’t powerless — however small the action is. Your efforts matter whether you do something in your neighborhood, city, state, or country.
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https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2025/10/east-wing-rubble/684703/
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/10/24/the-us-warships-off-venezuela-arent-there-to-fight-drugs
https://news.gallup.com/poll/696722/congress-job-rating-sinks-trump-steady.aspx
Episode 31 | No Kings
On Saturday, October 18, around 7 million (MILLION!) people marched around the country to support “No Kings Day.” Whether we realize it or not, the protests stretch all the way back to England circa 1215. King John signed the Magna Carta in Runnymede in support of the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced key concepts like the right to a fair trial, due process, and protection from arbitrary rule that would inform the US Constitution a few centuries later. Meanwhile, we’ve got a president who fancies himself above the law, so people took to the streets.
On Saturday, October 18, around 7 million (MILLION!) people marched around the country to support “No Kings Day.” Whether we realize it or not, the protests stretch all the way back to England circa 1215. King John signed the Magna Carta in Runnymede in support of the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It introduced key concepts like the right to a fair trial, due process, and protection from arbitrary rule that would inform the US Constitution a few centuries later. Meanwhile, we’ve got a president who fancies himself above the law, so people took to the streets.
In this podcast, we talk about the ingredients of activism, from doing, to learning, to being. How do we live out our everyday lives in accordance with our values? How can we contribute to change in big and small ways? We can first look to our communities to take up the issues closest to home. Tiny movements ripple outward to create great change.
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Learn more from the following links:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/11/autocracy-resistance-social-movement/684336/
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/texas-governor-calls-removal-rainbow-crosswalks-calling-safety-issue-rcna236929
https://youtu.be/1XyhGq2QUjE?si=zkloUzzr9xOgvR8e
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/19/nx-s1-5579042/no-kings-protests-takeaways
Episode 30 | “What’s Going On”
The above image is a screenshot of Rufus Scrimgeour in the 7th Harry Potter movie. He opens the film with, “These are dark times; there is no denying.” We encourage you to stay informed, stay engaged, and document what is happening around and inside you. Thanks for listening.
Somehow Marvin Gay’s epic song feels like an appropriate soundtrack to this week’s podcast. What’s going on in our country needs our attention. As ICE is being employed as Trump’s personal paramilitary, as recruitment for it increases and gets ever more lucrative, and as the Texas National Guard makes its way to Illinois, we ought to be singing along. We ought to be flooding the streets. We need to resist by staying informed, supporting causes for freedom, justice, and democracy, and documenting what’s happening around us.
We also need to find moments for connection, joy, and ease. This, too, is important.
The golden rule asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves, so now’s the time to ask ourselves how we are doing in that regard? Who do you consider your neighbor? We will need each other, for what affects one affects all.
Thanks for listening. Click on the following resources to learn more.
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https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/05/greg-abbott-trump-texas-national-guard/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/01/massive-immigration-raid-on-chicago-apartment-building-leaves-residents-reeling-i-feel-defeated
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/trump-college-funding.html?unlocked_article_code=1.q08.gpFl.0d1qIz9Ca72H&smid=url-share
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/texas-lawmaker-testifies-gop-used-minority-communities-as-pawns-in-new-map/?utm_campaign=13199957-Premium%20Content%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=383600716&utm_content=383600716&utm_source=hs_email
https://www.ice.gov/join
Episode 29 | NSPM - 7
Amidst all else that is getting media attention, Trump and his team managed to sign a little-noticed national security directive intended to target “radical left violence” or anything that is anti-Trump. Both individuals and institutions can be targeted if you indicate any of the following behaviors now identified as “violent:”
anti-American (what it means to be an American is not clearly defined)
anti-Christian (read: anti-Christian Nationalism)
anti-Capitalist
support for the overthrow of the US government (um, January 6th anyone?)
extremism on migration (wait, so mass deportation isn’t extreme?)
extremism on race (can’t even define what this means, but my guess is if I say Black Lives Matter, I am an extremist.)
extremism on gender (there are only two, y’all. Anything else is considered extreme.)
hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family
hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on religion, and
hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on morality (so “freedom and justice for all” might be viewed as hostile).
This memorandum should terrify us and wake us up. I emailed the article (linked below) to my dad, who is right of center, and he said, “Whelp, I qualify for about half.” The categories of violence have not clearly been defined, which is perhaps an even scarier notion because they are up for interpretation by the enforcer. These are designed to pit us against each other, to engage in policing each other’s freedoms and behaviors. What will you do to raise awareness and resist?
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To learn more about Trump’s NSPM-7 directive, click here.
Episode 28 | Free speech & Repsonsibility
It’s impossible to avoid talking about the ugliness of political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Whether we agree with him or not, there is no justification for shooting him. For us, as we are greeted with a barrage of repsonses to his death, the issue that rises to the top is around free speech. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
However, free speech is not upheld if it incites violence, harassment, or contains threats. If one person’s freedom of expression harms another, is it still considered free? I think we ought to hold ourselves accountable for how our speech can harm others, and it ought to be applied ethically and responsibly.
It’s impossible to avoid talking about the ugliness of political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Whether we agree with him or not, there is no justification for shooting him. For us, as we are greeted with a barrage of responses to his death, the issue that rises to the top is around free speech. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
However, free speech is not upheld if it incites violence, harassment, or contains threats. If one person’s freedom of expression harms another, is it still considered free? I think we ought to hold ourselves accountable for how our speech can harm others, and it ought to be applied ethically and responsibly.
Since recoding this podcast, free speech is being openly challenged - Jimmy Kimmel was canceled, journalists have been fired, and teachers have been let go for personal posts or “contradictory curriculum” in the state of Texas. We even waited almost a week to release this for fear of reprisals. However, saying something feels more important than silence. Now more than ever we must protect our freedoms and fight for a democracy.
Episode 27 | Facing Hopelessness
I know this episode's title is dire. The truth is that we are in a dire situation, we are facing hopelessness, and Josh and I believe we can’t go to sleep on it.
I know many of us want to go on about our day to avoid feeling perpetually stressed. To a degree, this is okay—take in what you can and stand in where you can. But going to sleep on what is happening may inadvertently cause harm. How can we attend to reality without being consumed by it?
Last week, Rep. Ann Johnson, who is living this every day, said repeatedly, “I know I sound crazy, but this is really happening.” I believe her. I am a person who wants to look reality in the face and decide to persist regardless of the outcome. Ultimately, we face hopelessness by letting it transform into hope and doing what we can. This podcast is part of our effort to do just that. Thanks for listening.
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Click to read about Stacy Abrams on 10 steps toward autocracy.
Click to read about Justice Sotomayor’s dissent.
Click to view Trump’s weird rant about farmworkers.
Episode 26 | Rep. Ann Johnson, Badass
This whole episode is embedded in good news—and if not overtly fluffy good news, it's inspired by a fierce and compassionate woman who is quickly becoming my local hero: Rep. Ann Johnson.
This whole episode is embedded in good news—and if not overtly fluffy good news, it's inspired by a fierce and compassionate woman who is quickly becoming my local hero: Rep. Ann Johnson. She is in league with Abraham Lincoln, who jumped from a 2nd story window in 1840 to break quorum, and with Professor Dumbledore, who disapparated to protest the asinine Minister of Magic in Harry Potter 5: The Order of the Phoenix.
The quote from Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird came to mind as I listened to her on Sunday at St. Paul’s in Ordinary Life class. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” She and her colleagues knew they were licked when they left the state, but they did it anyway to draw attention to the unconstitutionality of gerrymandering in Texas. Make no mistake, Republicans are calling it “redistricting,” and while that may be the ultimate result, their move is designed to manipulate electoral boundaries in favor of one party over another. We cannot go to sleep on this.
We were talking about whether we should continue our podcast owing to several factors—one of which is my lame social media presence—but Rep. Johnson lit a fire in me. This is our protest song, this is our action, this is our way of connecting with even a few who want to protect our fragile democracy. I’m not giving up for a president with dictator dreams. I hope you don’t either.
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Go to https://annjohnson.com to find out more and donate.
Episode 25 | A Language Problem or a Moral One?
We spend a few moments updating voter redistricting, our numbness to violence, and the uptick in cities threatening to be taken over by the military.
We also discuss a conservative viewpoint expressed by David Brooks and others that the right's “nihilism” is, in part, caused by high-falutin’ leftist language and ideas around equity and inclusion. We are curious what listeners think about this view. The article is linked in the notes.
We spend a few moments updating voter redistricting, our numbness to violence, and the uptick in cities threatening to be taken over by the military.
We also discuss a conservative viewpoint expressed by David Brooks and others that the “nihilism” of the right is, in part, caused by highfalutin leftist language and ideas around equity and inclusion. While those accustomed to being unquestioningly included in systems likely do feel overwhelmed by the attention to DEI-related topics, it is childish to say that the nihilism of the radical right is the fault of the increase in “vaguely progressive agendas.”
It is dangerous to deny that the Republicans are at least partially personally responsible for the way Donald Trump has been allowed to overtake the party. I can empathize with the overwhelm, but I cannot give credence to not holding the right accountable for the destruction not only of their own party but of our fragile democracy. We’ll link a few articles in our notes…let us know what you think.
I hope the Trump opposition can get really clear on what they are for. Don’t dress it up in pretty language, just be bold and say what you care about, and then fight for it.
Thanks for listening!
One edit: I said the group that preceded Project 2025 was the Seven Storied Mountain. I got that wrong! Thomas Merton, a mystic and wonderful teacher wrote a book called The Seven Storied Mountain. The group I was trying to recall is called the Seven Mountain Mandate, or 7MM, for short. You can read more here.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/21/opinion/rufo-yarvin-trump-nihilism.html
https://abc7.com/post/trump-expands-cities-targeted-possible-military-deployment-baltimore-spat-governor/17636050/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/29/trump-project-2025-history
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/22/democrats-woke-language-blacklist-00519421?nid=0000018f-3124-de07-a98f-3be4d1400000&nname=politico-toplines&nrid=6766ab12-468a-43ce-a6f6-daeeb782d096
Episode 24 | Entering the Zone of Militarization
In this episode, we talk about the militarization of the D.C. area as Trump moves the National Guard in, voter redistricting in Texas, and the impact of White Christian Nationalism on our society. We wonder what rights to resist the military/law enforcement have if they perceive an injustice is occurring. We commend the dissent of the Texas Democrats. As of our recording, the vote in Texas had not been passed. As of this upload, the vote to reorganize voting districts has been passed. A lot can happen in a day.
It occurs to me that in this time, the primary question on our lips ought to be, “Who do we say is our neighbor? And how are you treating them?”
In this episode, we talk about the militarization of the D.C. area as Trump moves the National Guard in, voter redistricting in Texas, and the impact of White Christian Nationalism on our society. We wonder what rights to resist the military/law enforcement have if they perceive an injustice is occurring. We commend the dissent of the Texas Democrats. As of our recording, the vote in Texas had not been passed. As of this upload, the vote to reorganize voting districts has been passed. A lot can happen in a day.
We are reaching the enactment of what Timothy Snyder warned us about - the militarization of the police force working as a conglomerate with other government and military agencies. I cannot stress enough how dangerous this is. Employing the military against its own people…we got a problem, y’all. We have a problem when ICE is recruiting more heavily and offering larger incentive packages than public school districts are for teachers.
There are a few links we discussed in todays podcast, so please peruse.
On Project 2025 and its impact on your state.
A return to the nostalgia of Manifest Destiny as evidenced by the resurfacing of “American Progress”
The drama of the Epstein files continues and moves to Texas.
American philosophy and theology center around the individual rather than around the collective. As I’ve said before, when we cannot operate as if we are part of the large “we,” as if our actions don’t impact those around us, we lose sight of the purpose of democracy.
Thanks for listening, and stay strong, folks!
Episode 23 | Thinking with ‘We’ in Mind
Our aim here is to help us consider that what is happening in our country politically and socially impacts the whole project of democracy. Today, we talk through voter redistricting, the quieter, more sinister goings on based on the Epstein Files, and several institutions that continue to “obey in advance” in order to capitalize on federal funding. In return, the Trump administration is scrutinizing these institutions even more.
One of my favorite psychologists, Fritz Kunkel, believes that crises and catastrophes can lead us toward a “We” culture, in which humans leanr to consider themselves as essentially connected. And that realization of connection is foundational to change.
Our aim here is to help us consider that what is happening in our country politically and socially impacts the whole project of democracy. Today, we talk through voter redistricting, the quieter, more sinister goings on based on the Epstein Files, and several institutions that continue to “obey in advance” in order to capitalize on federal funding. In return, the Trump administration is scrutinizing these institutions even more.
I think we must become conscious of the tendency to withdraw during times of stress, recognize when it is necessary and when it is harmful, and be decisive and conscious about how and where we show up and resist. thanks for being on the journey with us.
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John Sanford, Fritz Kunkel: Selected Writings
Pro Public, “The Men Trump Deported ro a Salvadoran Prison”
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/04/texas-redistricting-democrats-quorum-break-what-need-know/
Episode 22 | The Stirring of a star
The title of this podcast comes from an 1893 Francis Thompson poem that reads, “Near or far, to each other linked are, that thou canst not stir a flower without troubling of a star. All things interconnected are.” The underlying message, then, is that we are all connected. Nothing that happens to one of us can occur without affecting all of us subtly and directly.
The three topics we cover this week are the ongoing dehumanizing treatment of our immigrant community, voting redistricting plans in our state, and the ongoing issue of the Epstein files. How might we view these issues through the lens of morality and compassion? And how can we keep tending to the smaller, quieter issues (redistricting) in the face of loud ones (immigration and unlawful deportation) that are commanding our attention?
Overall, we explore the issue of our treatment of the perceived outsider. As a nation, we are not doing so well on this front, raising questions about our national commitment to morality and justice. We cannot effectively impact wider society if we are unwilling to examine and locate our personal moral center. What do we believe about the outsider, and what is ours to do to impact the well-being and dignity of all humans? Find your place in the river to step in and create the world you want to live in, whether writing letters to lawmakers or running for office.
Thanks for listening!
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Episode 21 | Flooded
We are in an era of feeling flooded - both literally and figuratively, emotionally and politically. We give time to talking about the flood along the Guadalupe River in Texas and the deep well of grief that many are facing. We offer some resources to help those who might be suffering, like Bo’s Place in Houston.
Then we turn to an increase in ICE raids across the country. Congress just passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” which provides huge amounts of money for the war against immigration.
We are in an era of feeling flooded - both literally and figuratively, emotionally and politically. We give time to talking about the flood along the Guadalupe River in Texas and the deep reality of grief that many are facing. We offer some resources to help those who might be suffering, like Bo’s Place in Houston.
Then we turn to an increase in ICE raids across the country. Congress just passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” which provides huge amounts of money for the war against immigration. Here is a quick breakdown of funds as it currently stands:
$170 billion: for immigration and border enforcement.
$46.5 billion: for border wall construction and improvements.
$45 billion: for detention facilities, including family detention centers.
$29.9 billion: for hiring, training, and retention of ICE personnel, as well as technology and transportation upgrades.
$10 billion: grants for states to help with federal immigration enforcement.
$65 billion: for CBP, with a significant portion going towards border walls.
Increased fees: for asylum applications, work permits, and appeals.
New fees: for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications.
It’s been said that history doesn’t so much repeat as it does rhyme, and this is one such moment. The Fugitive Slave Act of the 1850s influenced the development of policing in this country by capturing and returning those freed from slavery back to slave states. Now we see ICE agents partnering with law enforcement, exerting force on immigrants, treating them as less than human, and separating families to return people to their home countries, often ones left under duress.
We can resist unjust laws non-violently, a playbook that already exists. We can turn to the wisdom of those who have already lived through and written lines of this poem. We believe it is our duty to resist laws that work against justice and human dignity, and we hope you will consider joining up where you can!
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Heather Cox Richardson, Letters from an American
Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow
https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/
Engaged Citizen 20 | Patriotism & Courage
We are at the end of Timothy Snyder’s book as a guide. Using the final chapters, we talk about the difference between patriotism and nationalism - an apt conversation as we engage in conflict in the Middle East and service members will surely have to ask themselves if they are enlisted for patriotic or nationalistic ideals. The highest ethic of their profession is rooted in patriotism - universal humanistic values guided by a longing to make the world and our country better. Nationalism, on the other hand, presumes superiority. So we are asked in this moment, what are we willing to stand for? Snyder ends with this simple, direct statement: “If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.”
We are at the end of Timothy Snyder’s book as a guide. Using the final chapters, we talk about the difference between patriotism and nationalism - an apt conversation as we engage in conflict in the Middle East and service members will surely have to ask themselves if they are enlisted for patriotic or nationalistic ideals. The highest ethic of their profession is rooted in patriotism - universal humanistic values guided by a longing to make the world and our country better. Nationalism, on the other hand, presumes superiority. So we are asked in this moment, what are we willing to stand for? Snyder ends with this simple, direct statement: “If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.”
A sobering thought for sure.
I guess where we land is to encourage each of us to ask what values we are willing to protect, and how are we best suited to do so? I really believe each of us has a unique superpower, a unique way of showing up in the world that fuels more justice, love, and mercy. When we fall away from those values, I don’t think we are acting from our superpowers, but rather from fear. Let us keep hold of the patriotic values of freedom and justice. Thanks for listening. We’ll be with you again the week of July 7th.
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Heather Cox Richardson, “Letters From An American,” June 21, 2025
Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
James Baldwin, various
Episode 19 | Listen & Be Calm
In times of heightened social anxiety, it’s important to remember your strategies for self-care. First, learn to notice what triggers anxiety, then bring awareness ot the body and breath. Be sure to drink water and take breaks from social media and the news. When our nervous system is settled, we are better able to listen and respond calmly in chaos.
In times of heightened social anxiety, it’s important to remember your strategies for self-care. First, learn to notice what triggers anxiety, then bring awareness ot the body and breath. Be sure to drink water and take breaks from social media and the news. When our nervous system is settled, we are better able to listen and respond calmly in chaos.
We need to listen for dangerous words and actions that promote extremism and put us on high alert. It may be tempting to submit to authority, but that is neither free nor safe. Protecting freedom can be uncomfortable, but it ultimately promotes more safety. As Fannie Lou Hamer reminds us, none of us is free until all of us are.
When we know what we are listening for, we are better prepared to remain calm when the unthinkable happens - say, activating the national guard against state wishes. Remaining calm allows us to act from a place of wisdom rather than reactivity, which often only inflames authoritarians. I think it’s good to remember the tenets of nonviolent action as they were employed by the Civil Rights activists in the 50s and 60s. Gather the facts, negotiate with leadership, prepare yourself mentally and physically, and participate in direct action. Of note are the thousands of peaceful protests that occurred across the country. We are the change we’ve been waiting for!
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/15/how-many-people-attended-no-kings/84219725007/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-alex-padilla-forcibly-removed-dhs-sec-kristi-noems-press-conferenc-rcna212688
https://time.com/7294521/us-trump-deportation-drive-democratic-cities/
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
“Letters from an American” by Heather Cox Richardson
Episode 18 | Going Back A Bit
A few weeks ago, we talked about Chapter 6 in On Tyranny, “Beware the Paramilitary.” As the National Guard descends upon the state of California to assist ICE, we are witnessing the rise of a military state as local and national law enforcement agencies are called upon to do Trump’s bidding and serve his anti-immigrant agenda. We also saw the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States from the El Salvadoran prison, CECOT, to be brought to trial for some pretty egregious accusations that seem to have come from nowhere. We will see how our legal system holds up in these two incidents and whether justice will be served.
A few weeks ago, we talked about Chapter 6 in On Tyranny, “Beware the Paramilitary.” As the National Guard descends upon the state of California to assist ICE, we are witnessing the rise of a military state as local and national law enforcement agencies are called upon to do Trump’s bidding and serve his anti-immigrant agenda. We also saw the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States from the El Salvadoran prison, CECOT, to be brought to trial for some pretty egregious accusations that seem to have come from nowhere. We will see how our legal system holds up in these two incidents and whether justice will be served.
Two actions we can take right now.
Give money to and get involved in NGO’s and non-profits that are upholding human freedoms.
Build friendships with and talk to people outside of this country. The trend toward the far right is not unique to the US, so we are not the only ones needing to come up with humane solutions.
What good news are y’all experiencing? What is giving you hope, life, and joy?
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https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/09/governor-newsom-suing-president-trump-and-department-of-defense-for-illegal-takeover-of-calguard-unit/
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/content/immigrants-and-crime
“The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus
https://www.outsports.com/2020/7/7/21315242/sean-doolittle-lgbtq-ally-washington-nationals-baseball-mlb-pride-night/
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
Episode 17 | Education & THe Press
The Norman Rockwell painting illustrating this podcast points to our good news: Ruby Bridges has a new book, a love letter to her first-grade teacher. She bravely stood up to segregated public schools in New Orleans at age 7. If she can, we can.
In a stable democracy, a free press and schools are two institutions that can generally be counted on to provide a wide range of views in an objective, expansive way. When governments start to control the media and limit the capacity of esteemed educational institutions, it threatens our ability to hold and honor differences and creates more divisiveness.
In a stable democracy, a free press and schools are two institutions that can generally be counted on to provide a wide range of views in an objective, expansive way. When governments start to control the media and limit the capacity of esteemed educational institutions, it threatens our ability to hold and honor differences and creates more divisiveness.
The Trump administration's attack on both the media and education is strategic. He said to 60 Minutes Anchor, Lelsey Stahl, that he works so hard to discredit the press and “liberal” education so that no one will believe them when Trump is portrayed negatively. It is really something when the leader of the so-called “free world” cannot handle criticism. I’ve said this repeatedly, but our job as citizens of a democracy is to challenge it so that it grows and stretches continually.
You don’t have to do something giant and newsworthy to take a stand against the erosion of these two entities. Hope is usually much quieter than power. It consists of considering what is, noticing what needs tending to, and picking up the pieces where you can. It consists of small daily acts. Fascism seeks to erode hope, but whether we let it is up to us. Stand up for your schools and your local publications wherever you can.
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Bono on “Stories of Surrender”
The New Yorker Radio Hour with Lesley Stahl
Heather Cox Richardson, May 31, 2025
“Crucible of Hope” with Dr’s Bill Kerley and Holly Hudley
Ruby Bridges, “A Talk With My Teacher”
Episode 16 | Finding Balance
In the next two chapters of On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder juxtaposes the need to act more publicly while also protecting our privacy. We explore how we might show up and form alliances while also protecting our private lives from being scrutinized. Part of resisting tyranny is forming alliances with people we wouldn’t normally interact with to realize that we are part of an interconnected web of reality.
Lady Justice, A mural in downtown Houston by Victor Ash
In the next two chapters of On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder juxtaposes the need to act more publicly while also protecting our privacy. We explore how we might show up and form alliances while also protecting our private lives from being scrutinized. Part of resisting tyranny is forming alliances with people we wouldn’t normally interact with to realize that we are part of an interconnected web of reality.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by the House last week threatens the basic health and well-being needs of the poorest people in America. What will it take for those directly unaffected to support the needs of those most affected? We encourage you to read and understand what is happening, pay attention, and ask questions.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-24-2025?r=mztvn&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/22/what-is-trump-big-beautiful-bill
Gerald Horne, The Counter-Revolution of 1776, 2014
Gerald Horne, The Dawning of the Apocalypse, 2020
Episode 15 | All at Once
These two chapters in On Tyranny further the importance of investigating and Making Contact with others. It’s funny that one is kind of a solo act based on how we view the world, and the other is about how we relate to each other. So, this resistance to tyranny is not just about what we know in our heads, but also about how we move through the world in our bodies.
These two chapters in On Tyranny further the importance of investigating and Making Contact with others. It’s funny that one is kind of a solo act based on how we view the world, and the other is about how we relate to each other. So, this resistance to tyranny is not just about what we know in our heads, but also about how we move through the world in our bodies.
The first rule in our house is kindness. It’s paramount to us—how we treat others and how we stand for each other’s right to belong. Let’s not forget our human connections, that no matter what, each one of us is deserving of dignity. Sometimes we need to be reminded of how to live from it.
I think resisting tyranny is about learning to hold tensions within ourselves and between ourselves and others. Treat each other as fundamentally human, and establish good boundaries when it comes to resisting fear and non-truths.
Josh and I will be back together next week! Thanks for listening.