Terrified Nation

What if we’re all living inside a dysfunctional family—not just at home, but in our entire society?

In this deeply personal episode, Debilyn invites us into a vulnerable, honest reflection about how our stressed-out, emotionally reactive world is affecting us all. Between rising costs, political chaos, and fraying communities, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re barely holding it together. And when people feel unsafe, they ...

What can tending a small garden teach us about building a healthy democracy? More than you might think.

This episode invites you into a personal story that starts with seed pods on a tiny apartment balcony and grows into an unexpected metaphor for civic life. Along the way, we explore what it means to keep showing up—even when the seasons are hard, the pests are many, and the results aren’t immediate. Like a garden, democracy needs ...

What if our reflex wasn’t to protect with force—but to care with courage?

What if safety meant connection, not control?

In this vulnerable and stirring episode, Debilyn Molineaux shares an intimate account of her time in Boulder, Colorado—where a peaceful meditation retreat, meant for compassion and renewal, was violently interrupted by a firebomb attack on a nearby gathering. What began as quiet reflection quickly became a chil...

Welcome back to Terrified Nation!

We open Season 4 with a story that is both unsettling and deeply human—a moment when fear quietly entered a space meant for peace.

In this premiere episode, host Debilyn Molineaux vulnerably recounts her experience at a meditation retreat in Boulder, Colorado. What began as a quiet morning of spiritual connection was interrupted by news of violence.What had been a sanctuary suddenly felt fragile. The...

Episode Summary:

In this special season finale of Terrified Nation,  Debilyn Molineaux takes us back to the 2018 Bridge Alliance Summit, where she delivered a thought-provoking talk on the future of democracy. Using nature’s fractals as a metaphor, she challenges us to think about how small, interconnected efforts can build a resilient democratic system. Seven years later, have we made progress? Are we working together more effectiv...

Are We Learning the Hard Way?

Why do we only seem to learn through pain or discomfort? It’s a question that cuts deep as we navigate a world in flux. In this episode of Terrified Nation, host Debilyn talks into the chaotic transformation of our systems, our government, and our society—asking the tough questions about where we’re headed and what’s at stake.

The rules are changing faster than we can keep up. Decades-old institutions ar...

In this episode of Terrified Nation, Debilyn Molineaux speaks with Zachary Elwood, a writer and analyst known for his work on psychology, deception, and political polarization. As Zach reflects on years spent tackling complex issues, he envisions a future that balances purpose with peace. Together, they explore his ideal life, the values shaping his path, and how personal well-being connects to broader societal change.

Key Topi...

In a world of self-checkouts, food delivery apps, and instant entertainment, human interaction has become optional. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? In this episode, Debilyn Molineaux explores the lost art of negotiation and why it’s critical for a functioning democracy.

Through the lens of The Grand Bargain Project, we examine how bringing people with competing interests together can help rebuild the social fa...

In an unpredictable world, how do we stay true to our values while navigating life’s challenges? In this episode of Terrified Nation, host Debilyn Molineaux sits down with David Green, leader of the U.S Values Alliance , to explore the importance of presence, emotional resilience, and the role of community in shaping a better future.  

David shares his personal journey of embracing emotions—both light and dark—and how values li...

History is full of hidden power players, and eunuchs were among the most influential. In this episode of Terrified Nation, Debilyn Molineaux explores how these unlikely figures shaped empires, led military expeditions, and influenced religious institutions. From Zheng He, the admiral who commanded China’s greatest fleet, to Eutropius, a eunuch who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire, and Eusebius of Caesarea, who shaped Christianity’s f...

What if the future of our democracy isn’t dictated solely by policymakers but shaped by everyday people choosing to engage, connect, and lead? We face a crucial question: How do we take action today to create the thriving, inclusive communities we hope to see in the future?

In this episode of Terrified Nation, Debilyn Molineaux sits down with June Klees, a leader in the Civic Wellness Movement  and an educator dedicated to empo...

We all grew up with fairy tales—stories of knights, princesses, and happy endings where someone always comes to the rescue. But what happens when we realize that Prince Charming isn't coming?

In this deeply personal episode of Terrified Nation , host Debilyn Molineaux shares her journey from believing in the fairy tale to choosing to save herself. Through heartbreak, hard truths, and self-discovery, she uncovers the universal c...

In this episode of Terrified Nation,  we dive into the challenge of bridging divides in our polarized society. How do we create spaces for real conversations? Diplomat and advocate for dialogue, David Searby, joins us to share his insights on fostering meaningful discussions and cultural engagement.

David’s work with *Country First Conversations* emphasizes a grassroots approach to rebuilding trust. He highlights the importance of p...

Power, fear, and survival instincts shape our lives in ways we don’t always recognize. In this deeply personal episode, host Debilyn Molineaux shares her own journey—from a childhood ruled by fear to a career built on manipulation, and ultimately, to a path of empowerment and transformation. She challenges the cycle of domination and control, revealing how embracing chaos might just be the key to something better.  

Debilyn tak...

In this episode of Terrified Nation host Debilyn Molineaux talks with Lynnell Popowski, a dedicated advocate for progress and community. Through an intimate conversation, Lynnell shares her vision for the future—one deeply connected to nature, legacy, and the evolving challenges of rural life.  

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🔹 Lynnell’s personal journey and the role of community in shaping her values  

🔹 Her vision of life ...

Have you ever had that moment when you realized—oh wow, I’m responsible for myself now? It’s exciting, but let’s be honest, it’s also terrifying. Growing up means stepping into responsibility, and sometimes, we resist it. But what if the United States is at that very moment right now?

In today’s episode, host Debilyn Molineaux explores the idea of America’s growing pains. Are we clinging to an outdated version of independence—one th...

Terrified Nation host Debilyn Molineaux engages in a compelling conversation with Maria Yuan, founder of IssueVoter.org . They delve into Maria’s journey of civic engagement, personal empowerment, and her imagined future of participatory democracy. Maria shares her unique approach to structuring her day, embracing flexibility while remaining deeply committed to her mission.

From discussing personality tendencies and the challen...

In this episode of Terrified Nation, Debilyn Molineaux takes us on a deep dive into one of the most urgent and unsettling moments in modern history. The United States is experiencing rapid political and social transformation, and the big question is: How do we navigate a paradigm shift?

We all have ideas about what we want to believe, but Debilyn challenges us to confront what is really happening. From the rise of authoritarian infl...

What happens when the beliefs that once defined you no longer make sense? In this episode of Terrified Nation, we have a heartfelt conversation with Rich Logis from LeavingMAGA.org about the emotional and personal journey of walking away from the MAGA movement.  

Rich, along with others who’ve taken this path, shares what first drew them in, the moments that made them question everything, and the courage it took to step away. L...