For domestic violence awareness month, Audrey shares her experience strength and hope, both from a clinical perspective and from once living in the 90th percentile of homicide risk from her abuser. To show up for survivors, the most important thing we can do is listen to them, believe them, validate their experience. The role of anger can be valid and constructive, not just self-immolating.   We also touch on ongoing ICE kidnappings, the radicalization of the liberal Democratic base, controversy surrounding progressive Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, continued rizz of the Mamdani campaign, and the tsunami of the national No Kings protest.   U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233   Domestic Violence online resources (Instagram) for those who may need help: @ndvhofficial @rainn @childhelp @nrcdv @deafhotline @niwrc @strongheartsDV @futureswithoutviolence @womenforwomen @blackandmissingfdn   Opening quote by Evan Rachel Wood   Title references Tina Turner’s escape from her abuser with little more than the clothes on her back.   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Audrey and Patrick discuss Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s address to top military brass. The continued deployment of U.S. troops to cities (bolstering ICE brutalities) plays a key role in the continued degradation of American institutions and the rapid drop into authoritarianism we’re all experiencing. Met during treatment in early recovery, Audrey’s friend and former service member Richard Orosco joins us. Richard is a third-generation Mexican American from Redondo Beach, California, and a proud U.S. Army veteran. A graduate of Mira Costa High School’s class of 1996, Richard enlisted shortly after graduation and served nearly six years as a truck driver, with assignments in Korea and across the United States. After a service-related injury led to a medical discharge, he has spent the years since focusing on recovery and personal growth, overcoming PTSD and anxiety through dedicated therapy and support from the VA in Long Beach. Today, Richard is happily married, a proud father to his daughter attending Cal State Long Beach, and continues to embrace life’s next chapters with optimism, gratitude, and a passion for travel and self-improvement.   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject Every bit helps.   Opening conversation between Elissa Slotkin and Pete Hegseth was taken from his confirmation hearing. Title references the fictional (for now) “Bedford Forrest Medal of Honor” bestowed upon Col. Steven J. Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, in theaters now.   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

In light of Charlie Kirk’s murder, this week we talk about political violence and review “Eddington,” Ari Aster’s recent film that explores America's culture war, alienation, and predilection for carnage.   “You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won't have a single gun death. That is nonsense. It's drivel. But I think it's worth it. I think it's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe.” • Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA Faith event in 2023.   For excellent journalism focusing on trans rights: https://www.erininthemorning.com/   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda   Support humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Opening clip from Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine”   Music from Jefferson Ross’ Southern Currency and Herman Kluge’s Society of Little Friends   Episode Art by Perry Kneisel   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Our friend Jake shares his experience of being trans, queer and disabled, working overtime to survive a political climate that terrorizes marginalized groups. Central to his survival has been an aggressive pursuit of all the tools available -  mental health support, political action, even home gardening - which can be mobilized to help him live. We need to talk about suicide and how that’s connected to political choices and the material conditions they foster. Trans rights are human rights. The harm visited on any marginalized group is a threat to us all. As the saying goes: if they can do it to “them” - be it immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, Palestinians in Gaza, the unhoused - they can do it to “us.”   For excellent journalism focusing on trans rights: https://www.erininthemorning.com   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda   Support humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Introductory quote by Hunter Schafer   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Audrey remembers loved one Adam Popp, who passed away far too young from a drug overdose. We talk about harm reduction, soul mates, and Prince. As much as is possible, we encourage those with loved ones in the throes of addiction to try and hold on, in ways big or small. Human connection and socialization remains one of the most effective ways to combat addiction’s isolating effects. Where there’s life, there’s hope.   International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st. https://www.overdoseday.com/   Prevention toolkit: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/toolkits/ioad.html   Adam’s DJ moniker “Progress Inevitable” lends our closing song, “Fire.” More of his music is available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/proginev   Please consider donating to humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Introductory quote by Chris Cornell   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

"Quiet isn't always peace, and the norms and notions of what is just isn't always justice" -Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate   Audrey and Patrick touch on Trump’s misbegotten attempts to resolve the Russia/Ukraine war and make broader assessment of U.S. imperialism. Classrooms away from each other, we experienced 9/11 on TV in the same high school, separately embarking on journeys towards the anti-war, pro-human perspective we share today.   Considering Taylor Swift’s appearance on the New Heights podcast, we ask what powerful individuals should do with their platforms and influence in our time of omnipresent injustice and systemic collapse. How defensible is silence (an “apolitical” stance) when celebrity can move the needle on important issues, saving lives?   Before we wrap up we talk gun control in the context of mental health and deployment of righteous violence against oppressive systems.    Please consider donating to humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Introductory quote by Muhammad Ali   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Audrey and Patrick briefly touch on new Trump authoritarianism and Israel’s assassination of journalists, before returning to their own histories of addiction and questions of recovery maintenance. Patrick has chosen not to have children, but Audrey looks forward to being a mom. We touch on the fears but also the hope and promise of bringing a child into a world so fraught with danger and suffering.   In the second part of the episode, Patrick’s sponsor Danny B. joins with his own experience, strength, and hope of fatherhood.   Rest in power Anas al-Sharif, 28-year-old journalist for Al-Jazeera that was among those slain in Gaza this week by the IDF.   Danny’s Substack article on Trump’s replay of the Bush years - Pride Cometh Before the Fall: https://open.substack.com/pub/envelope/p/pride-cometh-before-the-fall?r=ffyqp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false   Please consider donating to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   CNN Interview with Doug Wilson - Christian nationalist pastor with ties to Sec. Defense Pete Hegseth: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/politics/video/christian-nationalist-doug-wilson-pam-brown-digvid   More on Trump deploying the National Guard to DC: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/13/mayor-dc-trump-national-guard   Introductory quote is from Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men.   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Attorney and law professor H. Marissa Montes joins us to talk about the plight of immigrants during this period of fascism and white nationalism driven by media, lawmakers and the White House. She articulates strategies for fighting the good fight and advocating for our immigrant brothers and sisters. As Audrey’s best friend for twenty years, we discuss where that impulse towards social justice comes from. In her continued honesty and vulnerability, Audrey touches on her recent struggles with bipolar disorder.   Introductory Quote by Ilhan Omar. https://youtu.be/1aI2k2h7rF4?si=diEm60oaL37cyArM   More about Marissa and the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic: https://www.lls.edu/faculty/facultylistl-r/hmarissamontes   Marissa on the Art of Purpose podcast: https://youtu.be/89UBUtUz_C4?si=Sz37V3yF6RUwU4Zc   The episode title derives from Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22: “When the alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

“Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor; and if one is a member of a captive population, economically speaking, one's feet have simply been placed on the treadmill forever.” ― James Baldwin, Nobody Knows My Name   Audrey discusses Trump's new executive order: "Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets," which seeks to punish individuals suffering from addiction, mental illness and poverty by incarcerating them or denying vital treatments. We touch on the ravages of meth addiction, RFK's healthcare-as-personal-fetish, and the ongoing war on the trans community.   From last week, please consider donating to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net  Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project: https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject  Every bit helps.   More on the executive order: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5479139/trump-homelessness-executive-order-civil-commitment-camping    Introductory Quote by James Baldwin: "How much time do you want for your progress?"   Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/#:~:text=Observed%20every%20July%2C%20Disability%20Pride,norms%20to%20live%20meaningful%20lives    Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

“Please God give everyone the strength to say something.” -Ms. Rachel   Following seventy-five years of apartheid and Hamas’ attack on October 7th, Israel’s ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people has become undeniable. The pact between Israel and the West has made a mockery of international law, corroded institutions, compromised democracies, and claimed thousands of lives. In Gaza now there is a famine, wherein baby formula is seized at military checkpoints and aid workers fired upon.   The physical and mental costs are beyond measure for Palestinians suffering on the ground. Empathetic citizens of the world who watch helplessly are also affected, and Audrey and Patrick speak to it, bringing their own experience and perspectives to bear.   For independent journalism, consider: DropSite News: https://www.dropsitenews.com  The Intercept: https://theintercept.com  Séamus Malekafzali: https://substack.com/@malekafzali   Introductory Quote by Rachel Accurso, Educator (“Songs for Littles”), and Leen, from Gaza.   Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/#:~:text=Observed%20every%20July%2C%20Disability%20Pride,norms%20to%20live%20meaningful%20lives   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

In our ongoing series recognizing disability pride month, we talk to social worker Ryan Padilla, SWAICL, about how an accident which led to his paraplegia motivated him towards a new purpose of helping others in therapy, thinking global while acting local. Even before the injury that brought seismic change to his life, Ryan had always nurtured a desire to heal people. He describes in his experience the darkness as well as the light and even a new perspective of gratitude. He loves the person he is today because of his disability, not in spite of it.   Introductory Quote by Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Activist During a joint House-Senate hearing on discrimination on the basis of disability. September 27th 1988.   Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/#:~:text=Observed%20every%20July%2C%20Disability%20Pride,norms%20to%20live%20meaningful%20lives   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Patrick and Audrey break down the “Big Beautiful Bill” (hereby called the Fuckity Fuck Fuck) that was recently made the law of the land by a heartless Republican Party, which seems intent on culling the herd to enrich the very few. In our subsequent exploration of trauma and recovery, Audrey details the long path she’s taken out of her own past of addiction, and the traumatic relationship that kept her in a vise grip of abuse until she finally reached out for help. In brighter news, we touch on socialist Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the NYC mayoral primary, offering a potential progressive, pro-human future we look to for fuel to keep us pushing towards better. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, text BEGIN to 88788 or call 800-799-7233, or visit thehotline.com     Opening quote by Michael Brooks, formerly of The Majority Report with Sam Seder and The Michael Brooks Show. Left is best <3 Read more from David Dayen at the American Prospect. https://prospect.org/topics/david-dayen Here’s what’s in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-in-trump-big-beautiful-bill-senate-version   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)  

Audrey and Patrick talk social justice, Quaker ancestral truths, and formative romantic relationships before pivoting to the event that sparked this show: the ongoing siege and terrorizing of immigrant communities in Los Angeles and other cities in America by fascist ICE commandos animated by a white nationalist Trump administration.   Introductory Quote by: H. Marissa Montes, esq. Marissa is an immigration attorney and professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles as well as the founder of Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic, also located in Los Angeles.   25 Places to Volunteer Your Skills for Immigrants and Angelenos in Need Right Now. https://lataco.com/los-angeles-volunteeer-immigration   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram)