With credit due to Joni Mitchell for the lyric “captive on a carousel of time,” the title of today’s episode refers to two topics that come up in conversation for Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée this week, plus the sense of overwhelm that in times like these, can pervade the experience of current events. July 25th is an occasion for several remembrances and celebrations, including National Merry-Go-Round Day. Robin spotted a “Permit Pete” at the beach, and Wendy reveals her decision about running for political office.

Later, we learn that it is Captive Nations Week, which gets nicknamed “Irony Week” because while the proclamation calls for freedom for all, it feels as if the United States is moving in the opposite direction. All three discuss the Helsinki Summit and contemplate pathways toward finding our most effective activism, reaching others about the importance of awareness of the political climate, and manifesting the best outcome for the 2018 midterm elections and beyond.