Who Loses?

In this episode, we explore the concept of "collective effervescence" -- the shared emotional release people feel during major moments -- using the splashdown of Artemis II, religious worship, and sports as examples. 

Then we turn to youth sports and the growing cost barriers. Despite the collective cheers, dads have holes in their shoes and moms are wearing the same bras they wore during the first Obama administration to give kids access. Senator Cory Booker sounds the alarm regarding equitable access to play.

Our second phase is on political strategy and the role of centrism. We question what will happen if we appeal to the political "middle" at the expense of marginalized voices and what it looks like to be fluent in nuance, curiosity, and dialogue rather than ideology alone. Together, we wrestle with questions of compromise, consensus, and community—asking how societies can pursue shared wins without continually placing the heaviest losses on those with the least power.

Mentioned in the show:

How Youth Sports Became a Magnet for Private Equity - Stout

America's Divisions: Getting on Our Nerves (with Jessica Tarlov) – The Focus Group Podcast

The Focus Group Podcast – The Bulwark