You've heard me say it now a million times. The theory of everything is a proud founding member

of Radiotopia from PRX, home to some of the world's best podcasts. Here's something I only say once

a year. The theory of everything and Radiotopia need your support. Radiotopia is a network of

independent artist-owned podcasts, and it runs on listener donations. Without your support,

there is no theory of everything. This year, to celebrate our annual fundraiser, we decided to

try something a little different. This week shows across the network our releasing episodes on the

theme Making Trouble. You can listen, learn more, and donate to support our work at Radiotopia.fm.

My first experience with a legal government surveillance and America's secret intelligence

agencies took place when I was 16. I got a letter from the IRS demanding I come in for a meeting

to discuss my failure to declare my earnings from five weeks of employment at a Michael's Arts

and Craft Center. That summer, I just moved into an apartment with my father. The Michael's Arts

and Craft Center was nearby. I went in to buy some wood to build some frames for my records.

Frames, I wanted to hang up on my bedroom wall. That's how I met Crystal. She found me frozen

in the balsa wood aisle and asked me if I needed any help. I did, and I told her everything.

I told her about how I didn't have enough money to buy the supplies I needed and how I couldn't

ask my father for help because he was broke and how I couldn't ask my mother because she just abandoned

me. Crystal offered me a direct and practical solution. Work here in the afternoons as a stock

boy, she said, and then you can get a 30% discount on anything in the store.

Crystal was beautiful. She was a radiant and angelic being. Of course, I applied for the job,

and during my shifts, I followed her around the store like a puppy dog.

Crystal was an adult. 19. She lived with her boyfriend in an apartment on Capitol Hill. Her friends

were all musicians, artists, college students. Crystal also put me to work outside of Michaels.

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