This week’s episode is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s been a few weeks since we last recorded, and a lot has happened—some frustrating, some deeply concerning, and some… actually encouraging.
And honestly? That mix feels like the moment we’re in.
We start with a conversation about what Aaron calls “selfish voters.” The idea that many people only engage politically when something affects them directly—gas prices, economic shifts, or immediate personal impact.
On one hand, that’s frustrating.On the other hand… it may also be how change starts.
And right now, we’re seeing signs of that shift.
🚶♀️ More People Showing Up
One of the most encouraging signals: turnout.
Recent protests—including No Kings Day—drew millions of people nationwide, many of them first-time participants.
That matters.
Not just because of the protest itself, but because it suggests something deeper:
* People are paying attention
* People are getting involved
* And importantly—people are likely to vote
It’s not just noise. It’s activation.
🗳️ Early Political Signals
We’re also seeing movement in elections—especially at the local and state level:
* Seats flipping
* New candidates stepping in
* Incumbents choosing not to run
None of this guarantees anything for November. But it does suggest momentum is building in ways that aren’t always visible in national headlines.
⚖️ The Courts (Still) Matter
There’s also been a string of court rulings pushing back in meaningful ways—on issues ranging from free speech to executive overreach.
The process is slow. Sometimes painfully slow.
But it’s also one of the few places where the system is still functioning as intended.
🌍 The Hard Stuff
We also talk about the ongoing war involving Iran—something that feels both urgent and, at the same time, frustratingly out of our control.
It’s heavy. It’s complicated. And like many of you, we’re grappling with what it means to stay informed without feeling completely powerless.
🧭 What You Can Do
Even in a moment like this, there are still tangible ways to stay engaged:
* Double-check your voter registration
* Make calls through tools like 5calls.org
* Support local businesses
* Get involved in small but meaningful ways
Because while we can’t control everything, we’re not powerless either.
✨ And Yes—Joyful Moments
We close, as always, with our joyful moments:
* A family bar mitzvah in LA
* Hosting loved ones
* Huge local turnout for No Kings Day
* And even trying out a new Tai Chi class here in Berkeley
Because even in complicated times, joy isn’t frivolous—it’s necessary.
If this resonates, we’d love for you to listen to the full episode.
And as always, you can reach us at hello@acouplethinks.com or share your thoughts at survey.acouplethinks.com.
Thanks for being here with us.
