Let’s Give A Damn – Episode #271: Jess Natale!

Date: October 29, 2024
Host: Nick Laparra
Guest: Jess Natale, creator of @so.informed

Overview

This episode features a candid, energizing conversation between host Nick Laparra and activist/educator Jess Natale, who runs the popular Instagram account @so.informed. Released one week before the US presidential election, the episode dives into Jess’s personal and political journey, the origins and impact of her work, the psychological and real-world toll of activist burnout, the current state of US politics, and—above all—the centrality of community and mutual aid in times of crisis. The discussion is grounded in raw honesty and relentless questioning of systems of power, and connects listeners to the real challenges of activism, information-sharing, and finding hope amid a world on fire.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Backstory: Origins of Jess’s Activism

[19:46–30:15]

• Jess grew up in small-town Connecticut, not the wealthy part many assume:

  “I grew up next to a cornfield…My parents got divorced. I was living with my mom. She had no money, so I’ve been working since I just turned 15.” (20:00, Jess)

• Battled depression, bullying in high school; dropped out for adult education after her mom fought for a different path.
• Jess’s mother modeled tenacity, work ethic, and survival amidst hardship:

  “She taught me work ethic and she taught me how to, like, get my together when I’m on my ass.” (24:02, Jess)

2. Detours: Nontraditional Paths and Resisting Elitism

[25:33–34:04]

• Brief, disillusioning stint at a for-profit art college in NYC; joined the Occupy Wall Street movement instead of pursuing formal education.
• Early work struggles (Macy’s temp jobs, ramen for dinner) led to a move to Austin, Texas, and a job with Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
• Reflects on regret and complexity of activism in retrospect:

  “I don’t think Mitt Romney would have been any better…Back then, the energy was so incredible…we weren’t thinking, this guy’s gonna become a pretty wild war criminal…” (33:12, Jess + Nick)

3. Family and Political Identity

[35:27–37:59]

• Jess’s family is politically divided—her father is a Trump supporter, her mom and sister are progressive, and much of her extended family disowned her over her activism ("Jess is Antifa") starting in summer 2020.
• On navigating family rejection and political difference:

  “It’s a lifetime of rejection…being told my entire life…that I was the only person on earth that thought the way I thought. And I think…that insulated me…to such a way where I just, like, hated everyone. And I think that probably contributed to…wanting out.” (40:04, Jess)

4. Getting Radicalized: From Bernie to @so.informed

[41:15–47:36]

• Jess’s direct experience of poverty sharpened her politics.
• Bernie Sanders’ candidacy was transformative:

  “I discovered Bernie Sanders. And I was like, holy fuck. This guy is talking to me—he sees me.” (41:25, Jess)

• Dedicated to grassroots organizing, particularly for Bernie, but devastated by his 2016 loss and Clinton’s nomination.
• Moved back and forth across the country, experiencing US inequality and racism firsthand, which only deepened her radicalization.
• In early 2020, started @so.informed on Instagram as an outlet for real, people-powered political education:

  “I started making graphics, little slideshows…breaking down his campaign, who he is. And that’s how the SO page started.” (45:44, Jess)

5. Building @so.informed: Authenticity Over Algorithm

[47:20–53:11]

• Her background in marketing and journalism enabled her to create infographics people could share and trust.
• The account grew quickly during the pandemic and after the murder of George Floyd, combining in-the-streets activism, lived experiences, and honest political takes.
• Jess deliberately kept herself anonymous at first to keep focus on the issues, not her personal brand:

  “It’s never been about me and I was so fucking intentional…It started from a personal place of I want Bernie to be president…But it became so personal. My heart is in it.” (49:51, Jess)

• Refuses money from political organizations/DNC and doesn’t monetize her page, maintaining full independence.

6. The Value (and Burden) of Alternative Media

[56:00–59:58]

• Jess is shaped by and skeptical of mainstream media; people are turning to alternative outlets for trustworthy, values-driven news, such as her page, Hasan Piker, and Slow Factory:

  “People trust what I’m sharing because I haven’t been sharing bullsh*t…I’m not gonna sugarcoat it and I’m gonna share it and it’s gonna make you uncomfortable as fuck…” (57:52, Jess)

• Jess resists the title of “journalist” due to the complicity and failures of mainstream outlets; sees herself as a blend of reporting and activism.
• Recounts being ignored/misrepresented by CBS during a vigil she organized, even by her own aunt, a CBS anchor.

7. Palestine: From Awareness to Relentless Action

[63:15–68:46]

• Early exposure to the Israeli occupation through online spaces (Tumblr, Rachel Corrie), furthered by conversations in Occupy Wall Street and the Sanders campaign.
• First viral, collaborative Palestine advocacy was met with a tidal wave of Zionist hate, a pattern that continues:

  “There’s been a Scarlet A or whatever. I’ve been targeted heavily by the Zionists online since then.” (66:26, Jess)

• The emotional toll of sustained, ceaseless, personalized hate is immense, but Jess feels responsibility—especially given what Palestinians themselves ask of international allies—to keep going.

8. Activist Burnout & Survival Tactics

[71:09–74:28]

• Both Nick and Jess discuss exhaustion after more than a year intensely focused on Palestine and global justice issues. Neither feels able to disengage:

  “When you’re hearing children on a video from Gaza asking people, please keep talking about this…who the fuck am I to stop talking about it, you know what I mean?” (72:11, Jess)

• Jess has attended nearly 80 protests in a year, and now participates in behind-the-scenes organizing and mutual aid.
• She credits the principled, all-in Palestinian groups leading NYC actions (Within Our Lifetime, etc.) for keeping her focused and hopeful despite relentless attacks, both online and in real life.

9. Disillusionment With the System: Elections, Politicians, and What’s Left

[75:00–79:35]

• Both hosts underscore how many Democratic politicians—including those personally uplifted by their activism—have betrayed principles (e.g., Fetterman, AOC, Biden) or been purged for standing by them (Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman).
• Nick and Jess believe meaningful change will not come through electoral politics or incremental work within the system:

  “I don’t believe in the system anymore. It doesn’t work. It works for a few. And if you are principled, they will kick your ass out the door as soon as they possibly can.” (78:37, Nick)

10. Revolution, Community, and the Limits of “Burn It All Down”

[82:25–94:23]

• Debate the meaning and dangers of “burn it all down” revolution. Nick voices fears about who gets hurt when systems fall ("Women, children, and minorities get fucked every single time.” – 84:54, Nick) and the lack of real community preparation in US society.
• Jess emphasizes that US individualism is an intentional barrier to true solidarity:

  “We are trapped in such an individualistic society where people are more concerned…that thinking has been instilled in us on purpose so we will never see something burn down.” (86:20, Jess)

• There is no effective playbook for supporting each other until crisis is immediate; mutual aid, hyperlocal networks, and “finding your people” in protests/activism are what will matter most.
• Jess: “The onus shouldn’t be on oppressed people to do the work to make a better reality…” (94:23, Jess)
• Both hosts urge listeners not to browbeat others into voting a certain way, to focus on ballot measures, and to prepare for community care in an uncertain, possibly chaotic future.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On resisting self-centered politics:

  “They want us to be more concerned about ourselves and not tap into community.” (00:00, Jess)

• On surviving family rejection:

  “It is the biggest fuck you on earth to him to be like, I don’t think that’s the case. 3.2 million people think the way I think.” (40:43, Jess)

• On the importance of alternative media:

  “I don’t give a fuck. I’m gonna say what’s on my mind in these posts…It’s a personal thing. I don’t know. Like, my heart is in it.” (49:51/50:32, Jess)

• On why she doesn’t claim the “journalist” label:

  “I’m not a journalist, but I can. And people trust what I’m sharing because I haven’t been sharing bullshit. Like, I’m sharing real things that are happening. But I’m not gonna sugarcoat it and I’m gonna share it and it’s gonna make you uncomfortable as fuck.” (57:52, Jess)

• On the reality of protest organizing:

  “If Empire falls tomorrow, I know who I’m calling. I have my people. Because they’re already out on the streets anyways.” (98:03, Jess)

• On voting and the 2024 election:

  “Do what you gotta do and do not browbeat somebody else who feels like they have to do what they have to do.” (99:40, Jess)

• On her approach to @so.informed:

  "It’s never been about me…and it was really intentional." (50:01, Jess)

• On mutual aid as a survival strategy:

  “Community and taking care of each other, mutual aid and making sure that we’re good and we’re safe…The government is not going to help us under Kamala or Trump. They’re not gonna help us.” (87:23, Jess)

• On activist burnout:

  “I’ve started helping on the organizing side too. And I think that is what’s keeping me going—being surrounded by other people who are incredible, very, very driven.” (73:33, Jess)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jess’s Background & Family: 19:46–35:28
• College & Early Activism: 25:33–34:04
• First Political Campaigning: 32:16–34:12
• Bernie Sanders & Radicalization: 41:15–47:20
• Launching @so.informed: 45:44–53:11
• Alternative Media’s Role: 56:00–59:58
• Palestine/Activism Evolution: 63:15–68:46
• Burnout & Protest Culture: 71:09–74:28
• Systemic Betrayal & Politics: 75:00–79:35
• Election Realism & Revolution: 82:25–94:23
• Building Community: 98:02–99:01
• Final Thoughts on Voting: 99:15–99:46

Final Takeaways

• Real change is collective, not individual: This episode challenges listeners to opt out of individualism, build real community, and think beyond voting as the only lever of influence.
• Be honest about what you can (and can’t) do: Jess’s story is one of integrity—refusing corporate or political money, sharing struggle as openly as success, maintaining boundaries, and recognizing burnout.
• Mutual aid > blind faith in systems: When politicians fail, protest, direct action, and mutual support become more important than ever.
• Find your people: Whether protesting in the streets or connecting online, the people who show up in crisis will be the root of post-Empire survival.
• Don’t tell others how to resist: Whether marching, voting third party, abstaining, or building alternative networks, the path to justice is personal and varied—meet others with empathy.

Where to Follow:
@so.informed on Instagram is the central hub for Jess’s work: “Instagram is all I can handle, to be honest with you.” (100:10, Jess)
“Free Palestine. Free everyone. That’s the goal.” (100:20, Nick)

Listen if you want:

• Real talk on activism’s emotional cost
• Hard truths about the 2024 election
• Unfiltered discussions of media, protest, burnout, and hope
• Relatable stories for those “giving a damn” when it’s hardest

End summary.