We Live Here Now

Listening gave me a deeper understanding of why some people are so devoted to MAGA, but it also left me with a chilling sense of fear. The podcast captures the immovable resistance some hold against any change to their vision of America—a “toothpaste out of the tube” feeling that’s both unsettling and deeply concerning. This isn’t just a recount of that day; it’s an exploration of the divides shaping our country and the fragility of shared reality. It’s essential listening for anyone grappling with what January 6th means for America’s future.

I think the several poor reviews of this really excellent podcast illuminate how polarized the topic and also our communities are… that people are still so angry that they don’t want to hear something that may cause them to empathize with someone else’s very different perspective. Acknowledging the humanity behind opposing political views and actually listening is how we’re going to move forward. I found this to be a very important story and am grateful it was told.

I loved the thought and care in this podcast. It was clear that it would have been easy to just dismiss this woman and make assumptions about her motivations and actions. But the whole point is to seek to understand and not assume anything. The people in this show are complicated and beautiful.

Ultimately, this show is just about what it means to be a good neighbor and presents a model for learning how to disagree without being disagreeable. I grew up in a small town before the rise of cell phones and “news as divisive entertainment.” We talked to each other. We had drastically different views. But because it was small, we knew it was important to be neighborly. It was refreshing to hear the other side straight from—put simply—a mom who lost a child. I found it interesting how, although she couldn’t see her own privilege because she equated that with wealth instead of race, she was able to understand why Black and Brown moms don’t trust the police (although through a distorted lens from my opinion). Very thought provoking. I live in a blue island in Texas and it’s a good reminder as I see the election signs going up in my neighborhood.

I understand the attempt to humanize people on the other side. I think that’s admirable. But this podcast stopped short of holding anyone involved in J6 accountable. It just came off as excusing the behavior of insurrectionists. It left me feeling just… eh.