Oh, hi, it's me, Katya.

I have a favour to ask. Don't hang up. It's not a huge favour, but it's something that I need you to do.

The last few years have been rough for so many reasons.

And, you know, we've covered it all.

I knew our loyal listeners have been right by our side.

We rely on you, you rely on us, you know how it goes.

You always come through for us when we ask you to, except when you don't.

But what we've observed, actually, is that when the country's in a like a deep crisis,

like really deep, the public radio listener, you guys, you step up.

You feel the urgency, you donate.

But then, when the news temperature drops, even by a few degrees,

and it feels less like we're an oppressor piss, you just don't feel as compelled to give.

You know, you put the pocketbook away.

Or maybe you just feel exhausted by the relentless nature of it all.

And you want to check out for a bit. We're all human. I understand the impulse.

I really, really do.

But here's the deal. If we don't keep this show financially supported, it will go away.

It's that simple.

I mean, how would you feel if the next time the news cycle spins completely out of control?

And you turn to your favorite podcast to help you through it, and we're just not there.

Okay? Picture it.

It's not like it can't happen.

...