The State We’re In - Episode 1

A few days ago, a new signal entered the Columbia universe and the Whisper Network.After weeks of Buck Mercer and Cade Garrison trying to turn fear into entertainment, another kind of show comes on the air. It still has buzzers and points, and somebody still gets corrected in public.But the difference is the purpose.The State We’re In is hosted by Matt Kessler, a conservative man from Bakersfield who once thought he could walk into Buck’s room, say something honest, and leave with his own words intact. That did not happen. Buck turned him into material. Matt knows it.So Daniel Reed asked him to try again, but under different rules.Matt is still Matt. By the end, even the contestants tell him so.That might be the point.The show asks a simple civic question: when Empire says power is listening, what does a free people do by morning?Credits & CopyrightWritten and Directed by Stephen BrewerSeries Bible, worldbuilding, and episode structure by Stephen BrewerMusic created with SunoVoices created with Elevenlabs.ioArtwork by CiceroProduced by Stephen Brewer for the Columbia podcast on SubstackStatement on the Ethical Use of AIThis is a work of fiction rooted in themes of conscience, mercy, and civic responsibility. It does not endorse partisan activity, unlawful conduct, violence, or retaliation. The moral and spiritual themes in Columbia are presented for storytelling only. They do not speak for any real religious body, denomination, or church.This episode includes references to political intimidation, surveillance anxiety, immigration enforcement, hostile media, public shaming, online rumor, and fear-based coercion. The episode critiques authoritarianism, coercive media, fear-based politics, and public humiliation as civic entertainment. It does not endorse any extremist movement, unlawful resistance, violence, or retaliation. Any discussion of legal observation, privacy, documentation, accompaniment, or civic response is presented for fictional dramatic purposes and should not be treated as legal advice.Whisper Network broadcasts emphasize peace, restraint, and civic dignity.© 2026 Stephen Brewer. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the author. Get full access to Drawing the Line at percival84.substack.com/subscribe