In this episode, we explore the concept of Surplus Powerlessness -- the internalized belief that we are more powerless than we truly are. Drawing from Michael Lerner's 1991 book of the same name, we focus on how narratives, society, and personal trauma convince people they lack agency.

Phase 1 – No ICE, Please: The Drs discuss the ongoing court cases against !CE and National Guard deployment following the OBBBA which made them the largest and most well-funded federal law enforcement agency in U.S. history.

Phase 2 – Getting Things Done: Dr. Gold has been noticing the doers of society on social media. Folks like Kiki Rough, Perfecto Pat, Genny Mack and Danny Clarke take us back to our roots (literally and figuratively) as we remember -- and sometimes learn for the first time -- how to survive. Cooking cheap meals, baking from scratch for neighbors and the community, and gardening -- even down to creating healing tinctures out of corn silks highlight how we can reclaim our productive power in challenging times.

Mentioned in the episode:

Trump administration shakes up ICE leadership across the country in major overhaul – AP News

“You’re Dead, Liberal”: Federal Agent Threatens to Shoot Veteran – The New Republic

ICE detains Kilmar Abrego Garcia again in Baltimore – DC News Now

Surplus Powerlessness by Michael Lerner – Goodreads