A Country Sick Since Its Beginning: The Check-In with Danielle Moodie and Jared Yates Sexton

Every week I log onto to record The Check-In with Danielle Moodie and it ends up better and going places more profound than I ever expected. In this episode, we discuss the need for Americans learn to live life, not only in opposition to authoritarianism but for basic joy and healthiness. This includes the necessity of self-care and grounding, but also shifting to a life where it comes automatically. This, of course, is the antithesis of fascism and capitalism, which makes it all the more important.From there, we dive into how American life before Donald Trump was obscene. All around us were signs that our society was sick and failing, and, yet, so many of us were incentivized not to recognize it. If there are accurate histories written, and it should be noted fascists have no interest in accurate history because it undermines their plans, we will look back on one abomination after another: slavery, our treatment of the indigenous population, Jim Crow, the growth of the carceral state, intentional scarcity, for-profit healthcare, you name it, as something that deserves the utmost scrutiny and shame.This was an incredible conversation and I feel so privileged to have had it. Thank you to everyone who tunes in and supports this project. I hope you find something here of value that helps you navigate your life.And, in case you missed it, I published a new article this morning detailing what I believe should be the baseline requirements of any person seeking office in the future and what I believe is necessary should the Democratic Party right itself and become an actual force in defense of democracy and creating a better world. I’ve appreciated the feedback so far and if you have thoughts please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.Dispatches From A Collapsing State depends on your support. If this work has helped you or resonated with you, please consider becoming a paid subscriber This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jaredyatessexton.substack.com/subscribe