Hey, it's Jody. We are hurtling, hurtling, I tell you, towards a new year. And I don't know if you

were this way, but I tend to take this time of year to take stock a bit, think about how the past

year went, try to lock in some good memories, and also reconnect with the things that matter

to me going into a new year. It's not so much a resolution, but kind of a recalibration.

And I know for me, that often means remembering my values, the work that I love, the people

who make the stuff, whether it's music or art or books or audio, the stuff that helps me

make sense of myself and the world. I know that's all very high-minded, but if that's not what

this time of year is for, then I don't know what it is. Which all brings me to a gentle reminder,

dear listener, that the end of the year also means we are nearing the end of the Radiotopia

fall fundraiser. It has been such a joy to make this day over this past year. And as you know,

we have such big plans for next year as we head towards our America 250 series. And truly, we

cannot do it without listeners like you, taking the step from listener to becoming a Radiotopia

member. When you support Radiotopia, you are literally helping us

make this show by providing stable funding that we can use to pay for equipment, to pay our

researcher, to work with Radiotopia to market the show and grow our audience and do fun

collaborations. Support from people like you is the Jenga piece that keeps this whole thing

from crashing down.

And remember earlier when I mentioned checking in with your values?

Well, to me, independent, ambitious media, a collective of the best audio makers in the world.

Gosh, that feels right in line with the kinds of values I want to express, and I suspect you do too, going into a new year.

So I know you're watching the calendar,

but there is still time.

...