Pop Culture as Self Care: Listener Messages

I asked listeners to call in and talk about a few pieces of pop culture that have been helping them cope with the stress and isolation of COVID-19. 

In light of the very necessary uprising happening in the United States and across the world, I wasn't sure that I should still release this episode. Black lives matter, and I believe that white people, like myself and many of the listeners of this show, should be prioritizing our time, energy and resources toward supporting Black folks doing this work. 

What ultimately made me decide to put this episode out is that I've been privileged enough to have people in my life remind me that this is longterm work and, to be a good accomplice, I need to take care of myself. Burnout accomplishes nothing. Maybe you need a similar reminder to rest and recover so that you can keep doing important work. Call your city council person and demand they defend the police; reorganize your budget so that you can give more money to black led organizations; have tough conversations with your family and friends. And then watch a show you love; read a book; lay on the floor and listened to a good album. 

I hope these messages will give you ideas for content to be part of your own rest and recovery.