Al Letson was just trying to cover a demonstration – an anti-hate rally in Berkeley. When he saw a group of balaclava-clad men descend on an apparent right-wing agitator, he jumped into the fray, using his body to defend the man from kicks and punches. Letson is the host of Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX.

And for the Spiel, is "#whaboom" the worst of our culture today?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices