The Growing Edge Newsletter & Podcast—April, 2025

With Carrie Newcomer & Parker J. Palmer

The Growing Edge

Apr 01, 2025

The Growing Edge Newsletter—April, 2025

In this Issue

• Notes from the Edge

• Podcast Episode 59: Practical Ways to Stay Engaged in Challenging Times—A Discussion of Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny

• Community Question of the Month

• Parker’s Online Appearances

• Carrie’s Events & Appearances

A Note from Parker

If the high approval rating for the new administration continues, one thing seems clear: we are witnessing a major victory for white supremacy. I don’t know any other way to interpret the data I’ve seen.

As I write, the polls indicate that 47% of Americans approve of the current administration. The question is, why? Clearly, they’re not cheering about the rising cost of living or the falling value of their pensions. They’re not thrilled about the threats to Medicaid, Social Security and other parts of the social safety net they depend on. Nor are they uniformly happy about the thousands of dedicated federal workers (including a lot of veterans) who have been fired without cause from vital federal agencies. And I don’t think that many of them love the idea of big tax cuts for billionaires, leaving the rest of us to pay the taxes called “tariffs.”

So what has 47% of Americans on cloud nine? It must be the fact that the current administration, moving with Germanic efficiency, is ruthlessly ridding the U.S. of anything that smacks even vaguely of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; expelling (or defaming and endangering), people who represent “otherness” in any form; and sealing our borders to keep more of “those people” (including asylum seekers) from getting in. In other words, 47% of Americans are gaga about this regime because it’s doing everything it can to Make America Comfy for White People Again. Correction: make that “White Straight Male Christian People.” Jesus wept.

It’s no longer enough to say, “It can happen here.” It IS happening here—with the approval of 47% of Americans. That’s why Carrie and I focus this month’s podcast on Timothy Snyder’s important book, On Tyranny. This brief and accessible guide to resisting cruel, oppressive, and arbitrary power rooted—as authoritarianism always is—in an evil myth about which kinds of humans are “superior” to others. It’s a must-read for all who understand that the true strength of America has always rested on its capacity to honor and host diversity in all its creative glory.

Lose that and we lose our democracy. Lose that and we lose our humanity. Lose that and we lose our souls. We who believe in love, truth and justice must do everything we can to defeat the evil being done in our name.

A Note from Carrie

I was so grateful for this podcast conversation with Parker about Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny. One of the things I really appreciated about the book is that it gave short descriptions of ways authoritarians gain prominence, but it also gave inspiring stories and practical ways for us to push back and address these direct challenges to democracy. In a time when we are facing a tsunami of disturbing, heartbreaking news it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’m finding it so important to continue to have conversations with trusted friends about how to best use my energies, gifts and resources. I cannot personally fix all the issues that concern me, and yet I can claim my own voice and agency through daily, human sized actions. I am not required to do everything. But I am called by love to do something. This is a moment for finding our feet and claiming the ground we stand upon. Now is when it is more vital than ever to keep the lines of communication clear and open and the threads of connection and relationship strong. Each day I ask myself, “What is mine to do and who will go with me?” Like so many of us, I know that I’m angry and grieving and worried about the future of our shared democracy. It’s real and again, how important and helpful it was to read this book and discuss some of the suggestions (and what that might look like in my own life) in it with a wise and dear friend. My hope for this podcast is to assure listeners that they are not alone and it is not too late—to dig deep, find community and faithfully do what is ours to do.

Episode 59: Practical Ways to Stay Engaged in Challenging Times—A Discussion of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

Please join us for a conversation about historian Timothy Snyder’s book On Tyranny. Carrie and Parker discuss four of the twenty hallmarks of authoritarian governments addressed in Synder’s clear and informative work. The book is relatively short, but chock-full of insights, stories and practical advice for navigating the very real challenges of our times. We’ll look at the overarching symptoms of an existential threat to our democracy, with a focus on the power each of us has in our daily lives for defending and preserving our most deeply held values and national aspirations.

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Question of the Month

Many of us are feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami of disturbing news and daily assaults upon individuals, organizations, programs, and institutions we value. After listening to this podcast, what are your take-aways? What does staying engaged in daily, human-size ways look like for you?

Music From The Podcast

Carrie Performs “Lifeline,” a new song co-written with John McCutcheon, inspired by a story from Parker J. Palmer’s book A Hidden Wholeness. You can listen to more of Carrie’s music on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

Parker’s Online Appearances & Facebook Author Page

“The Courageous Life” podcast, founded and hosted by Joshua Steinfeldt, invites listeners into a deep conversation about finding the courage to pursue what matters most in life, work, and love. In this episode—”On Work, Friendship, and Embracing Impermanence”—Joshua interviews me and my dear friend Jerry Colonna of Reboot fame. You’ll find the podcast HERE or wherever you get your podcasts.

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Meena Ariagno, creator and host of the “Eavesdrop With Meena” podcast. We had a lively and engaging conversation about the importance of courage, authenticity, and dialogue in navigating today’s turbulent political and social landscape. You can listen to Parts I and II HERE or on your favorite podcast platform.

Carrie says: “Parker’s vibrant Facebook presence is a ray of light, truth and thoughtful commentary on the platform. Check it out HERE!”

Carrie’s Concert & Retreat Appearances

To learn more about Carrie’s concerts, retreats and appearances check out her website tour page at www.carrienewcomer.com/tour

Carrie’s A Gathering of Spirits Substack Page

Carrie has a vibrant community offering on Substack. Here’s the LINK to visit and join the conversation there!

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