This past Saturday, we joined thousands of others in downtown Oakland—and millions more around the country and world—for the Hands Off day of protest. It was a beautiful, energizing, empowering day. In this week’s episode of A Couple Thinks, we talk about what it felt like to be there, what inspired us, and why this kind of joyful resistance matters now more than ever.
From the pointed (and sometimes hilarious) protest signs to the surprising sense of celebration and solidarity, the vibe in Oakland was undeniable. There were families, first-timers, old-school activists, stroller-pushers, drum circles, dogs, and even a Black Panther museum detour that reminded us of Oakland’s deep roots in community-based action. It felt good to be there—and even better to realize we were part of something massive.
But the protest wasn’t just about one moment. It was about building momentum. In the episode, we talk about what might come next, why turnout matters (especially in so-called red towns), and how this could be the beginning of a broader movement—one that pushes both parties to respond, act, and lead.
We also talk about:
* Why joy and celebration are essential to resistance
* What history can teach us about the power of collective action
* How events like these challenge right-wing narratives
* And why we all need to show up again—and bring a friend
🎧 Listen to the episode now and let us know what you think. And if you went to a protest on April 5, we’d love to hear about your experience—either in the comments below or email us at hello@acouplethinks.com.
