Episode 12: Foreign Policy for Dummies ft. Farmer Stubblefield

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into some of the most urgent and challenging global issues, including the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the role of U.S. foreign policy, and the power of community action. We also explore personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and our responsibilities as individuals within a broader socio-political landscape.

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Addressing the Genocide in Palestine:

• Discussing the genocide occurring in Palestine and the complicity of global powers.

• Bria and guest, Farmer, touch on how U.S. tax dollars are being used to fund military actions overseas, leading to suffering and death.

• Emphasis on the importance of caring about global issues, even when they feel distant or overwhelming.

The Power of Collective Action:

• Farmer talks about the power of community-building and boycotting companies that support harmful policies.

• Example of how consumer action, like boycotting Starbucks, has led to tangible changes within the company (e.g., CEO departure).

• Bria reflects on how patience is key in these kinds of movements, and how it can be easy to feel discouraged if we don’t see immediate results.

Ukraine vs. Palestine - The U.S. Response:

• Exploring the contrast between the U.S. response to Ukraine's conflict and the ongoing atrocities in Palestine.

• Bria highlights how the U.S. has been quick to send aid to Ukraine while failing to take meaningful action in support of Palestinians.

• Both Bria and Farmer reflect on the complexities of international politics and why these double standards exist.

The Role of Voting and Political Action:

• The importance of political action, particularly voting, in addressing international and domestic injustices.

• Discussion on how voting for politicians who support harmful policies (e.g., U.S. support for the Zionist project) is an issue, and how it’s important to vote for candidates who oppose such policies.

• Farmer reflects on the possibility of withholding support (e.g., refusing to vote for complicit candidates) as a form of protest.

A Moment of Reflection:

• Bria and Farmer acknowledge the weight of the conversation and offer a moment of lighter reflection. They discuss how difficult it is to be aware of such issues without feeling disheartened, but also encourage resilience.

• The need to take care of mental health when engaging with heavy political issues, and the importance of nurturing hope and action.

Personal Reflections and Growth in 2024:

• Bria shares personal reflections on the challenging year of 2024, identifying it as a year of growth and painful lessons.

• Acknowledging the emotional toll that witnessing global injustice can take, but also recognizing the potential for personal growth and self-improvement through adversity.

• How embracing discomfort and learning from hardships is essential for long-term personal development.

New Year’s Resolutions:

• Bria and Farmer share their New Year's resolutions for 2025:

The Importance of Building Positive Relationships:

• Bria emphasizes the importance of building relationships that support mutual growth, understanding, and reciprocity.

• Reflecting on the importance of letting go of relationships that drain energy or are no longer aligned with one's values.

Closing Remarks:

• Bria thanks Farmer for sharing his insights and contributions to this deep conversation on global injustice and personal growth.

• Emphasizes that the discussion about Palestine, voting, and political action is not just about global politics but also about individual responsibility.

• Bria wraps up with a call to action: to keep learning, keep growing, and keep engaging in meaningful ways that contribute to social change.