We’re both from deep red states that weren’t until fairly recently. We reflect on that, which takes us into topics like our childhoods, religion, family, political shifts, hate, and fascism. What does it mean to live around a whole bunch of pretty good people whose voting patterns nonetheless perpetuate horror after horror? For mysterious reasons, the audio for this episode isn’t awesome, but it’s not terrible either. We blame the deep state. And Biden.
We would really appreciate it if you shared this episode with a friend … or, perhaps more appropriately, an enemy.
Chapters:
- Brain Freeze, 0:00 – 7:13 — Socio-political mindlock is endemic in the United States. What made our gray matter even grayer this week? We pull a goldie oldie from the Obamacare debate vault.
- Good morning!, 7:14 – 25:02 — Chris is an idiot. Where’s the Wal-Mart at?
- Show Biz Church!, 25:03 – 50:05 — Jørn shares something he’s probably never told anyone outside of his family and childhood friends. It’s really funny. Saving souls on the beach. What is religion for? To a kid, Church can be far scarier than a horror film.
- You MAGA me sick., 50:06 – 1:21:27 — The politics of dehumanization is a very real – and very dangerous – thing. Fascism is basically here, we should probably do something about it sooner rather than later. Sodom and Gomorrah pop up here for some reason.
- Cherry on Top, 1:21:28 – 1:27:15 — We despise delusional optimism, but we really like to celebrate sparks of joy and goodness in our lives. Who knew reading about Cold War lunacy could be so awesome?
Relevant sources:
le Carré, John. A Small Town in Germany. Penguin, 2013[1968].
—. A Perfect Spy. Penguin, 2011[1986].
—. Little Drummer Girl. Penguin, 2011[1983].
—. Smiley’s People: Karla Trilogy Part III. Penguin, 2011[1979].
—. The Honourable Schoolboy: Karla Trilogy Part II. Penguin, 2011[1977].
—. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: Karla Trilogy Part I. Penguin, 2011[1974].
We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the issues we discuss, tell us why that thing we said was really dumb, let us know how you’re doing, or send us random comments and questions on anything at all. Chris: [email protected], Jørn: [email protected]
If you need immediate help related to mental health please call or text 988 to connect with a confidential crisis specialist anytime of the day seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org/ to start and chat and find other resources. The Trevor Project offers the same thing with a focus on the LGBTQ community. Call 866-488-7386 or text 678-678.
Logo by Dave Sharpe
Music: “Life of a Wandering Wizard” by Serge Quadrado Music.
