When she is not looking at dandelions, poison ivy, animal scat, and other natural "wonders" that come with bad reputations, author Anita Sanchez is out demonstrating for democracy. She writes about both these pursuits in a Substack titled The Optimistic Activist. Sanchez says she sees plenty right now that gives her hope and encouragement about politics, as well as the planet. Hear this rare good news as she talks with Beyond the Brink and Fighting Back podcast host Rosemary Armao -- who is definitely not an optimist.