Trump says people want a dictator — and for MAGA, that’s a selling point, not a threat. Here’s why I almost lost hope this week… and how your calls brought me back.

This week I almost didn’t record. Watching Trump inch America closer to fascism — sending troops into cities, threatening free speech with flag-burning bans, and bragging that people want a dictator — left me feeling hopeless. And here’s the twisted part: for his MAGA base, “dictator” isn’t a threat, it’s a selling point. That’s how cults work. But by the end of this episode, I realized one voice may feel small, but millions of voices together can still change things. Even a silly podcast like mine is part of that chorus.

Along the way, I take listener calls (including one about having gay MAGA friends), reflect on what I miss about believing in God, share my favorite childhood movies, talk about the role of instigators in building community, and answer a surprise question from Corey about my work ethic. It’s a messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful ride.
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Website: https://www.danieljcartier.com/

• (00:00) - Introduction and Personal Reflections
• (02:29) - The Cruelty of the Current Administration
• (04:37) - The Importance of Communication and Awareness
• (07:03) - Patriotism vs. Nationalism
• (09:01) - Overcoming Hopelessness and Taking Action
• (11:09) - Oklahoma's Ideology Test for Teachers
• (12:55) - The Role of PragerU in Education
• (13:55) - Concerns Over Propaganda in Teaching
• (14:03) - Trump's Executive Orders and Military Threats
• (16:02) - The Impact of Trump's Policies on American Society
• (16:47) - The Dictatorship Debate
• (20:13) - Voicemails and Personal Reflections
• (24:12) - Childhood Memories and Media Influence
• (28:11) - Questioning Faith and Religion
• (32:09) - Community and Atheism
• (32:48) - Navigating Political Friendships
• (41:40) - The Role of Compassion in Politics
• (42:24) - Introduction and Self-Promotion
• (44:28) - The Asshole of the Week: A Call to Action
• (49:00) - Community Engagement and Personal Connections
• (51:31) - The Role of Social Instigators
• (53:24) - Building Community Connections
• (55:46) - Creating a Supportive Environment
• (56:37) - The Essence of Work Ethic
• (01:02:23) - Reflections on Creativity and Connection