RISK! Podcast Episode Summary: "Before the Terribleness of Now"

Episode Title: Before the Terribleness of Now
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Kevin Allison
Guest: Ron Hart

Introduction

In the "Before the Terribleness of Now" episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison engages in a profound conversation with guest Ron Hart. As the 2024 election looms less than a week away, the discussion delves into Ron's personal journey of political awakening, shaped significantly by his experiences in the late 1980s. The episode explores themes of faith, love, political activism, and personal transformation.

Prologue: Early Political Awakening

The episode begins with Ron Hart setting the stage for his story, reflecting on a pivotal moment from his youth that intertwined his personal beliefs with political activism.

Kevin Allison [03:19]: "I'm gonna start with a prologue, so. Which is very exciting. It's like an epic tale. So."

Ron's involvement with the pro-life movement during his Catholic confirmation played a crucial role in shaping his early political views.

Ron Hart [03:50]: "This was like a typed out thing that was signed."

Kevin reminisces about receiving a letter from President Reagan thanking him for his support of the pro-life movement, highlighting the deep-rooted influence of his Catholic upbringing on his political stance.

Kevin Allison [04:30]: "I grew up Catholic... It's like if you jerked off, I was going to go to hell. And if you have an abortion, you're committing murder."

College Years and First Love

Upon entering college, Ron experienced a significant shift in his beliefs as he distanced himself from the Catholic Church and its doctrines. This period of his life was marked by newfound freedoms and intense personal relationships.

Kevin Allison [04:46]: "I never questioned it. Just thought that was how it was supposed to be."

At 19, Ron fell deeply in love for the first time, a relationship that would soon intertwine with his political awakening.

Ron Hart [08:48]: "So I took a seven-hour bus ride to Washington D.C. to try to get laid at a pro-choice rally."

The 1989 Pro-Choice Rally

Ron's decision to attend a pro-choice rally in Washington D.C. was motivated by his desire to reconnect with his girlfriend amidst the charged political climate of 1989.

Kevin Allison [08:56]: "Yes. Oh my God."

On the bus to the rally, Ron notices the predominant presence of women, which challenges his previous perception that the pro-life movement was mainly a male-driven cause.

Ron Hart [09:12]: "I was the only male... It was the only man."

Transformative Experience at the Rally

The rally itself became a turning point for Ron, where he witnessed firsthand the passion and unity among pro-choice advocates. This experience was further intensified by a personal encounter with his girlfriend, who shared her own experience with abortion.

Kevin Allison [11:06]: "The truth is... her life would be very different if she had not made that decision."

Amidst thousands of attendees, Ron and his girlfriend sought a private moment, symbolizing the complex interplay between personal desires and political beliefs.

Kevin Allison [14:46]: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Accelerating Political and Personal Transformation

The rally's atmosphere, marked by chants and fervent speeches, left a lasting impression on Ron. The communal energy and the realization that the pro-choice movement was a human rights issue led him to reassess his stance.

Ron Hart [24:31]: "This was not a women's issue... it was a human rights issue."

This epiphany solidified Ron's commitment to the pro-choice movement, a pledge he maintains to this day.

Kevin Allison [25:13]: "I decided that this was a pledge that I was not going to break."

Reflections on Catholic Upbringing and Political Shifts

Post-rally reflections led Ron to critically evaluate the role of his Catholic upbringing in shaping his initial pro-life stance. The conversation highlights the broader impact of religious indoctrination on political beliefs and the importance of personal experiences in redefining one's worldview.

Ron Hart [28:23]: "I was raised very, very devoutly Catholic... unpacking ways that it affected me negatively."

Kevin Allison [35:09]: "The people that I know personally who have had abortions all have had serious, like, moments where they had to wrestle with, is this the right thing?"

Personal and Political Growth

As the discussion progresses, both Kevin and Ron reflect on the evolving political landscape and the challenges of reconciling deeply held beliefs with new perspectives. They acknowledge the enduring struggle between personal identity and societal expectations, emphasizing the significance of open-mindedness and personal growth.

Ron Hart [36:17]: "People can change... figure things out and hopefully that still exists in the world."

Kevin Allison [47:49]: "You just have to be motivated by sex, apparently."

Conclusion

"Before the Terribleness of Now" encapsulates a journey of self-discovery, political awakening, and the transformative power of personal relationships. Through Ron Hart's story, the episode underscores the complexities of navigating faith, love, and activism in a rapidly changing political landscape. The conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the courage to reassess one's beliefs in the face of new experiences.

Notable Quotes

• Kevin Allison [02:06]: "What the hell are you drinking? What was that?"

• Ron Hart [04:46]: "I never questioned it. Just thought that was how it was supposed to be."

• Kevin Allison [14:46]: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

• Ron Hart [24:31]: "This was not a women's issue... it was a human rights issue."

• Kevin Allison [35:09]: "The people that I know personally who have had abortions all have had serious, like, moments where they had to wrestle with, is this the right thing?"

• Ron Hart [36:17]: "People can change... figure things out and hopefully that still exists in the world."

For those who haven't listened to the episode, "Before the Terribleness of Now" offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of how individual experiences can reshape one's political and personal beliefs.