I was living 15 minutes away in Chico when the Camp Fire ignited on November 8, 2018. For those unfamiliar with California’s grim tradition of naming wildfires, this one is infamous for its devastation: Paradise, California, was nearly wiped off the map. Eighteen thousand structures disappeared in just three and a half hours. It was as if a nightmare script had been unleashed on an unsuspecting town. But this isn’t just a story about loss—it’s about what comes after. What... Read more
Let’s talk about sin—real sin. Not the kind where people have the audacity to fall in love with someone of the same gender, but the kind where you slam the door in the face of the immigrant, the foreigner, the migrant seeking refuge. And before you clutch your pearls and tell me it’s “complicated,” let me remind you that the Bible—yes, the same one you keep weaponizing against queer folks—has a lot to say about welcoming the stranger. Spoiler: God... Read more
When Jesus told his disciples to dust off their feet when their message wasn’t received, he wasn’t being petty or advocating for cancel culture. He was pointing to a deeper truth: not everyone is willing to embrace the kingdom of god—a kingdom built on love, justice, and radical inclusion. Jesus also warned that his message would divide families, and the cost of following him might be estrangement from those closest to us. Here we are, 2,000 years later, living in... Read more
There’s a rhythm to gardening and farming, a cadence that pulls you out of your head and places you squarely into the present moment. At Happy Woods Farm, where Michael and I have spent years rebuilding after the devastation of the Camp Fire—which is 6 years to the day—this rhythm isn’t just background noise, it’s the soundtrack to a life more deeply lived. It’s not about over-spiritualizing every tomato vine or blackberry bramble, but recognizing that tending to the earth... Read more
Congratulations! You did it. You cast your vote for Donald J. Trump (again), and I sincerely hope you’re happy. I really do. I hope you carry that warm, fuzzy feeling of victory right through the next four years (or four minutes, depending on his cognitive decline). Because when the consequences of your decision come knocking, I hope that same satisfaction stays with you. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the “wins” you’ve set in motion, shall we? Let’s Start... Read more
Today, a heavy cloud of sadness settles over me, one that I wish I could say was unfamiliar. But it’s a sadness so many of us have carried for too long. It’s the same sadness that comes when we see the world as it is—unveiled, raw, and harsh. It’s the reality of watching a man who once boasted about sexually assaulting women and ogling teenage girls rise to the most powerful seat in the land, again, with half the country... Read more
As we approach another election day, it’s crucial to reflect deeply on what our vote signifies—not just for ourselves but for the communities we represent and the values we uphold. In my writings, podcasts, and social media platforms, I have consistently advocated for a world rooted in justice, equity, and love. Thus, I find it necessary to articulate why voting for Donald J. Trump on this day and in these United States is not just a political choice but a... Read more
When it comes to Donald J. Trump, there’s no shortage of opinions on what kind of businessman he is. Some see him as a larger-than-life dealmaker who can do no wrong, while others know the actual, less shiny truth. So, let’s take a clear-eyed look at some of Trump’s most glaring business failures—without the glitz, just the facts. And I promise, I’ll try to keep the sarcasm at bay. 1. Bankruptcies Galore When people talk about Trump’s “business acumen,” it’s... Read more
Hey everyone, it’s Matthew J. DiStefano here. If you know me, you know that adding a podcast to my schedule might sound like adding an extra hat to an already overcrowded stand. But when the idea of High Minds, co-hosted with my friend Andy Colenzo, came up, I knew this wasn’t just another podcast—it was the podcast to shake up your weekly routine. We’re not here to regurgitate political sound bites or saturate you with headlines that have already been... Read more
Understanding What’s at Stake We’re at a pivotal point in American history, a fact that’s hard to ignore when you consider the gravity of the 2024 election. When Keith Giles and I sat down for a recent episode of the Heretic Happy Hour, the conversation went from laughter to deep concern quicker than you can say “Project 2025.” Why? Because this election is about more than policies—it’s about the survival of democracy and human dignity. The Real Fear: Project 2025... Read more
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