In this episode, we explore the intersection of pop culture, spirituality, and social justice from a Unitarian Universalist and anti-authoritarian lens. Join us as we dive into Wicked the movie, examining its themes of power, rebellion, and empathy. We also reflect on the life of Luigi Magione and the timeless story of Esther, unpacking how both challenge traditional hierarchies and offer alternatives to oppressive systems. Along the way, we discuss The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, Mutual Aid by Dean Spade, and Pleasure Activism by adrienne marie brown, all of which offer insights into community building, self-care, and resisting domination. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on creating a world that values justice, care, and collective liberation.

Sources:
-- Story of Esther from Jewish perspective link: https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/esther-bible
-- Eliot Chapel sermon on Esther's choice link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnq7elXriZg
--The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9780140067477)
--Mutual Aid by Dean Spade (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9781839762123)
--Pleasure Activism by adrienne marie brown (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9781849353267)
--Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9780140441314)

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In this episode of Ro Comment, we explore themes from Robin Wall Kimmerer's The Serviceberry, the bountiful opportunities of gift economies, and what we can do to help repair "long wrongs" in our communities. We discuss how Unitarian Universalists—and all people of conscience—can respond with courage, compassion, and resilience in 2024. Join us as we navigate political turmoil, moral action, and the ongoing fight for love in uncertain times.

References:
-- The Serviceberry (2024) by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9781668072240)
-- Inciting Joy (2024) by Ross Gay (Link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9781643753959)
-- Marcel Mauss info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Mauss
-- Native Land world map: https://native-land.ca/
-- Resources to support trans Missourians: PROMO, MTUG, SQSH, St. Louis Anti-Violence Project
-- Buy Now Netflix documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81554996
-- Timothy Syndner's article in New Yorker 11/18/2024 issue

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In this episode of Ro Comment, we explore themes from Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny and On Freedom, the impact of Trump’s election on democracy, and what true freedom and resistance look like today. Inspired by Rachel Maddow's call for "piracy," we discuss how Unitarian Universalists—and all people of conscience—can respond with courage, compassion, and resilience. Join us as we navigate political turmoil, moral action, and the ongoing fight for love in uncertain times.

References:
-- On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Synder (2017) (link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9780804190114)
-- On Freedom by Timothy Synder (2024) (link: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9780593728727)
-- Rachel Maddow, MSNBC "Be a Pirate" message from November 6, 2024 (link: https://www.instagram.com/maddowshow/reel/DCGZ4hbRLu-/)
-- "Everything is Waiting for You" poem by David Whyte (2012) (link to poem: https://onbeing.org/poetry/everything-is-waiting-for-you/) (link to collection River Flow: https://www.left-bank.com/book/9781932887273)

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