This conversation took place on November 4th, 2024 — the day before the election — (or, what we now know as the "Nakba" of the Democratic Party) . . .

I met David Hilfstein as my sound engineer at a gig at Bethel Woods (where the infamous Woodstock Music Festival was held) — the day after Yom Kippur; and the day before leaving for Japan.

We bonded over how refreshing it was to meet a friendly Jewish face in a musical space since 10/7, where we had both been feeling increasingly unwelcome lately. One thing led to another — including my mentioning I had a podcast, and David revealing that as a lifelong Democrat, he would be voting for Trump this election.

This episode is the culmination of my many lingering questions after the "homework" David assigned me while in Japan:

Maher Bitar, Ariene Tabatabai, Robert Malley

(look up these names if they're totally unfamiliar)

With the results of the election behind us, my hope is that this episode can provide insight into the perspective of the "other side" — whichever "side" you happen to find yourself on.

When the world turns upside down, you can either resist it — or turn with it.

Just don't forget to pack your critical thinking.