The Covid-19 pandemic introduced the term “Essential Workers” for a class of people who existed before and will persist long after the virus is gone. Vital to society, but rarely heard from, this “essential” class is often hit hardest by the imbalances and injustices of our culture. In each episode, host Wilmer Valderrama will have intimate conversations with people on the frontlines of the food system, transportation, child-care and other workers who are so often overlooked. That conversation leads to a round-table discussion with activists and politically-active celebrities, discussing themes, issues and areas of needed change. The show seeks to reveal the invisible connections between all of us.
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The Covid-19 pandemic introduced the term “Essential Workers” for a class of people who existed before and will persist long after the virus is gone. Vital to society, but rarely heard from, this “essential” class is often hit hardest by the imbalances and injustices of our culture. In each episode, host Wilmer Valderrama will have intimate conversations with people on the frontlines of the food system, transportation, child-care and other workers who are so often overlooked. That conversation leads to a round-table discussion with activists and politically-active celebrities, discussing themes, issues and areas of needed change. The show seeks to reveal the invisible connections between all of us.
Longshoreman Nicole Salima and truck driver Armando Pacheco are two essential components of the supply chain, making sure all our vital goods get where they need to go.
Grief expert and psychotherapist Megan Devine contextualizes what grief has been like on a larger scale throughout the pandemic for first responders like Anthony Almojera, our essential voice featured in Part One last week.
Anthony Almojera is a lieutenant EMS paramedic in New York City who was on the front lines during the first massive wave of COVID-19 related emergencies.
Firefighter Gabriel Perez has dedicated his life to keeping Californians safe from wildfires, a calling that has given him a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to be of service to his community.
As a funeral director in Mullins, South Carolina, Shawn Troy cares for the families in his community at their greatest time of need, especially during a time with so much loss.
Rachel Barstow is the education director at the Children’s Center for Communication, Beverly School for the Deaf in Massachusetts, working to provide the highest level of care for children who have disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
Cristina Franco Abundis is the director of Casa Arcoiris in Tijuana, a safe temporary housing space for LGBTQ+ migrants seeking asylum in the United States.
Ashton Pittman is a journalist for the Mississippi Free Press who worked throughout the pandemic to provide fair and accurate reporting to his community.
Dr. Lance Whitehair is a doctor for the Indian Health Service who cares for COVID-19 patients while carrying out the Navajo Nation’s response to the pandemic.
Chicago West Side-based business owner Liz talks about her grocery pop-up and delivery service 40 Acres Fresh Market and why supporting Black-owned businesses is essential to community building.
The Covid-19 pandemic introduced the term “Essential Workers” for a class of people who existed before and will persist long after the virus is gone. Vital to society, but rarely heard from, this “essential” class is often hit hardest by the imbalances and injustices of our culture. In each episode, host Wilmer Valderrama will have intimate conversations with people on the frontlines of the food system, transportation, child-care and other workers who are so often overlooked. That conversation leads to a round-table discussion with activists and politically-active celebrities, discussing themes, issues and areas of needed change. The show seeks to reveal the invisible connections between all of us.
