Thia Embers and Alexander Koch

Thia Embers asks Alexander "Alex" Koch about his father's death, they discuss alcoholism, sobriety, each other's bios.

Alex discusses teaching homeschool kids and asks Thia about homeschooling. Thia discusses mothering and relationship with child, his education by being on a farm, time in libraries.

Thia asks Alex what impacted his views to leave being a Republican. He discusses the long process and growing up in Republican family, moved to Seattle (where Thia acknowledges she is from); what specifically he left behind.

Alex describes always being socially liberal but economic side of things, moved back to Maine, Donald Trump for presidential election "sealed the deal" for him as a distasteful candidate, president.

Alex asks Thia how her views shifted relatively recently and if she would share. Thia says all her life listened to NPR and community radio and describes herself as "lazy citizen" and check "Democrat" in the booth and became involved in 2019 a piece of legislation that they didn't want happen that got pushed through. Described being "cracked open." Raised an athiest, politically marooned, interested in protecting Constitution and sovereignty as two big issues.

Alex asks Thia what the specific piece of legislation was that she found for, Thia declines to answer. Alex describes not wanting to associate with a political party because the disagreement between parties doesn't bring communities together.

Thia listens to diversity of radio, most radio programs on both sides don't ask "why" or what's underneath convictions.

Alex discusses media portrayal and inconsistencies happens on all programs, lack of nuance

Thia asks Alex who in his life has made an impact and in what way. Alex discusses his mother after father's death, his "moron phase" and his maternal grandfather as important figures. Alex returns the question to Thia.

Thia shares growing up in Maryland, describes a fisherman and being struck by his generosity; as a way to be in life: give what you can.

Chris asks Thia to clarify this lesson as a way it shaped her personally or within the framework of her belief system.

Personal responsibility to give versus government responsibilities; Thia heard about something called "Hopium" and investing hopes in political parties, not enough in social/charitable organizations. Should be small, grassroots, hands-on, more local.

Alex discusses being involved in town, economic development committee wide range of beliefs. Augusta and DC won't be able to help shape our towns, or have little towns best interests in mind. Thia agrees wholeheartedly. Describes Unity, Maine through neighbor relations and importance of focusing on local.

Thia excited to hear all this, just moved to a new town of Lamoine and started attending town meetings. Alex moderating his town meetings. Thia trying to create a business directory for local businesses.

Alex asks about farmers market, shares about Unity market as a great way to come together.

Chris steps in with closing questions.

Thia asks Alex about people on same political side being troubling to him. Alex discusses communication "rough" and divisiveness, Democrats lack of focus on local, government can't fix everything.

Thia qualifies there are stereotypes attached to both sides, and that people like to affiliate with groups; finds that conversations with people in her life she has changed, dropped "identities" and challenges liberal friends.

Alex says its nice to not have labels so people don't apply a label or stereotypes to others.

Alex offers fun question since they both like gardening and growing organically: what was Thia's favorite crop she grew this year (she just moved and has very clay-rich soil). Alex shares story about building raised beds many years ago and bring soil in.

Chris brings final closing question to dig deeper: what are you proudest of? Thia discusses her work in her 20s to be an excellent mom/parenting/recovery work. Alex discusses personal growth to be an active community member and teacher and being happy with his life.

Alex asks Thia if he was who she expected him to be. Thia had no expectations, and realizes she's a very hard match, there wasn't a lot of friction because they come from different directions with similar values. Alex affirms politics isn't everything.

Thia asserts we have a lot more in common than we have different. Alex discusses people who choose to live in this area share something inherently (desire to live rurally.)