Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – "It Could Happen Here Weekly 165"

Release Date: January 18, 2025
Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: It Could Happen Here Weekly 165

1. Introduction to the Disaster in Los Angeles

The episode opens with Robert Evans and host James addressing the catastrophic wildfires engulfing Los Angeles. Jay Shetty facilitates the conversation, bringing in expert insights from Andrina, an organizer from K Town 4 All in Los Angeles.

2. The Devastating Fires: Causes and Impact

Andrina provides a detailed account of the fires:

• High Winds: "About three or four days ago we got a warning that we were going to be experiencing high winds up to 50 miles per hour..." [03:09]
• Fire Spread: Seven major fires are raging around Los Angeles, exacerbated by embers carried by strong winds.
• Infrastructure Failure: "The entire water fleet being grounded for a while just meant that it was burning with no control..." [04:37]
• Casualties and Displacement: Approximately 10 fatalities and 150,000 people displaced due to the fires.

James adds context to the scale of destruction:

• "I saw something large like that of just the people that have been evacuated. Right." [05:42]
• "Thousands of homes lost." [05:27]

3. Government Response: Inadequate and Delayed

The discussion highlights the failure of LA city and county governments to effectively respond:

• Water Supply Issues: "The fire hydrants ran dry in some areas, which is terrifying." [05:06]
• Shelter Chaos: "There is no word on any kind of significant assistance for people who have lost their homes." [08:57]
• Policy Failures: "Your water is unsafe to drink right now." [05:27]

Jay Shetty critiques the governmental shortcomings:

• "In every natural disaster that I've covered, the reason it becomes a disaster, I guess, is because the state's incapable of responding in a way that protects people." [07:53]

4. Mutual Aid Response: Grassroots Support Amidst Chaos

Andrina emphasizes the pivotal role of mutual aid groups in the disaster response:

• Community Efforts: "Here in K Town we give supplies to about 400 or so unhoused people a week minimum." [19:57]
• Organizational Challenges: "There's a hodgepodge of disorganization and a lot of mutual aid folks on the ground being the ones to direct people and gather the supplies." [10:33]
• Volunteer Mobilization: "Mutual Aid LA is a good hub. They have a magazine that gets published every month that has a list of mutual aid programs all over LA." [28:56]

Jay Shetty encourages listener participation:

• "If you can make a sandwich, then you can [start a mutual aid group]." [19:57]

5. Structural Barriers and Social Injustice

The conversation delves into systemic issues exacerbating the crisis:

• Government Neglect: "It's not built for that." [09:45]
• Lack of Support for the Unhoused: "The shelters are full, but they'll get back to them and then they have all of their belongings thrown away." [14:58]
• Enduring Homelessness Crisis: "Homelessness rose 18% in the last year." [22:30]
• Systemic Discrimination: "It's choosing to harass people who live on the street." [10:33]

Andrina highlights the daily struggles of the unhoused:

• "People are out there in the cold and the rain. And I have to tell them." [14:58]

6. CES 2025 Coverage: The Dark Side of AI and Tech Innovations

The latter part of the episode shifts focus to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, discussing alarming AI innovations for children and surveillance technologies:

• AI Toys and Risks: Discussion around AI-powered teddy bears and storybooks that replace human interaction with children.
  • Andrina: "These AI products are trying to replace the core concept of friendship." [52:07]
  • Danny Trejo: Critiques the ethical implications of AI companions for kids. [54:07]
• Surveillance Technologies: Introduction of AI-driven surveillance tools that monitor behavior and health.
  • Robert Evans: "A robot that swears right is one thing, but ensuring accuracy to prevent dangerous suggestions is another." [52:26]
• Consumer Tech Failures: Criticism of impractical and invasive tech products presented at CES.
  • James: "There's a lot of stuff here that feels like the first 15 minutes of a George Romero movie." [130:29]

Jon Stewart and Danny Trejo express concerns about the ethical boundaries of tech innovations:

• Danny Trejo: "We don't need AI to pick our clothes or replace human relationships." [132:03]
• Andrina: "Mutual aid groups strive to preserve human connections against these technological replacements." [53:32]

7. Call to Action: Empowering Communities Through Mutual Aid

The episode concludes with a strong emphasis on community action and mutual aid:

• Andrina: "It's not as intimidating as it seems to start one of these projects." [19:57]
• James: "Mutual Aid LA is a good hub. They have a magazine that gets published every month." [28:56]
• Jay Shetty: "Doing something is a lot better than doing nothing." [22:31]

Andrina provides resources for listeners:

• Follow: @ktownforall on Instagram, Twitter, and Blue Sky.
• Donate: Venmo @ktownforall, PayPal link, or ktownforall.org.
• Volunteer: Join mutual aid groups or connect through Mutual Aid LA.

8. Conclusion: The Power of Collective Action

The hosts and guests reiterate the importance of mutual aid and community solidarity in the face of governmental failures and escalating disasters. They stress that while systemic change is essential, immediate grassroots efforts can significantly alleviate suffering and build resilient communities.

Andrina: "The lives of the, you know, now 400 or so people that we see every week are a little better because we decide to do that." [19:57]

Jay Shetty: "We should talk about the response of the LA city and county governments. And then I'd love to talk about the mutual aid response after that." [07:53]

Notable Quotes:

• Andrina [03:09]: "Any little, you know, a cigarette but an electrical spark, is enough to cause devastation."
• Jay Shetty [07:53]: "In every natural disaster that I've covered, the reason it becomes a disaster, I guess, is because the state's incapable of responding in a way that protects people."
• Andrina [19:57]: "Mutual Aid LA is a good hub. They have a magazine that gets published every month that has a list of mutual aid programs all over LA."
• Danny Trejo [132:03]: "What are you using that time to do... you have to have some sense of doing the things that you want to do."

Resources and Links:

• K Town 4 All:
  • Instagram: @ktownforall
  • Venmo: @ktownforall
  • Website: ktownforall.org

Summary:

"It Could Happen Here Weekly 165" delivers a poignant exploration of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, exposing the dire governmental shortcomings and celebrating the indispensable role of mutual aid communities. Through compelling narratives and expert insights, the episode underscores the resilience and proactive spirit of grassroots organizations amidst overwhelming adversity. Additionally, the CES 2025 segment serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical dilemmas posed by unchecked technological advancements, advocating for human-centric solutions over invasive AI innovations. The overarching message resonates with the power of collective action, urging listeners to engage in mutual aid initiatives to foster more equitable and supportive communities.