Special #22, “This Episode is Not Political” (with Kat Abughazaleh)

Summary

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The One Piece Podcast

Special #22: “This Episode is Not Political” (with Kat Abughazaleh)

Release Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Zach (Maji Media)
Special Guest: Kat Abughazaleh (IL-9 Congressional Candidate)
Panelists: Dr. Raeleen Bentleyn ("One Piece Doctor"), Kirsten Cowy (podcast composer), Golfer (TikTok/YouTube creator)

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Overview

This special episode features an extended interview with Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive activist, streamer, and candidate for the U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 9th District—and an enthusiastic One Piece fan. The conversation dives into the (supposed) apolitical nature of One Piece, the power of storytelling in activism, the surreal experience of seeing One Piece imagery at protests, and the ongoing debate over media literacy and the legitimacy of political readings in popular culture.

Tongue-in-cheek, the episode’s “This Episode is Not Political” title is repeatedly referenced as the hosts and guests ironically dismantle the myth of apolitical art, especially in the context of One Piece’s themes of justice, anti-fascism, and resistance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing the Panel & Kat Abughazaleh’s Candidacy (07:33 – 08:55)

• Zach welcomes Kat, who gives a quick overview of her district and campaign.
• Panelists share their enthusiasm for having a congressional candidate who is a One Piece fan, with Kirsten noting the unique intersection of fandom and political activism.

The One Piece "Apolitical" Meme & Kat’s Fandom Journey (09:42 – 11:23)

• Kat, tongue firmly in cheek, insists:

  “We all know that One Piece is apolitical. It has never referenced anything about anti-fascism… Why can’t we just enjoy media nowadays? Why do we always have to bring politics into it?” — Kat (09:56)

• The conversation shifts to real talk: Kat shares her One Piece watch order, favorite arcs (especially Skypiea), and how she restarted the series as “campaign comfort food.”
• Emotional moment: Kat recounts how watching One Piece now connects her to a late friend, making finishing the series a tribute to him.

  “Every time I watch it, I think about him, and I hope he’s watching it from wherever he is now.” — Kat (13:10)

Kat’s One Piece Preferences: Hazing Round (13:51 – 19:28)

• Favorite Straw Hat: Zoro (“pre-timeskip Zoro is so smiley and laughy and I miss him”)—but special love for Sanji as “always clutch” and underrated.
• Favorite Antagonist: “Crocodile. He’s so cool. Everyone’s always…complaining and he’s just ‘we ball, let’s go’” (15:41).
• Favorite Non-Straw Hat & Obscure Character: Wiper from Skypiea—“super underrated arc, super underrated character, and I’m a ride or die” (16:52).
• Filler Arc Love: Kat defends the post-Skypiea filler as “such a blast,” lamenting how meaningful anime content is often skipped.

The Power of Storytelling in Protest (19:43 – 24:12)

• Zach asks Kat about seeing Straw Hat flags and One Piece imagery at protests and ICE facilities.
• Kat reflects on how shared stories provide comfort, bravery, and solidarity in activism:

  “Stories are the best things that humans have ever created… when you’re relating to these characters… it makes sense that it’s on the front lines.” — Kat (20:45)

• She credits stories like One Piece and Hunger Games for shaping her moral compass and notes the importance of anti-fascist fiction for all ages.

Representation, Politics & Cultural Resonance (22:13 – 32:53)

• Dr. Bentleyn (One Piece Doctor) asks if One Piece transcends cultural boundaries; Kat responds that its diversity and global themes (“there’s so much story in this story… something for everyone”) explain its appeal (22:57).
• Kat on resonance as a Palestinian-American:

  “It’s this very strong sense of justice… all my heroes and all of my role models as a kid were characters in these stories” (24:58).

• Discusses formative influences (e.g., Clan of the Cave Bear) and the need for kids to access a wide range of books and stories.

The Value of Flawed Heroes, Media Literacy, and Anime in the West (27:39 – 39:44)

• Panel talks about how strong (but not infallible) heroes offer comfort and aspiration, while antiheroes have become overused.
• Kat and Kirsten discuss why American youth may turn to anime—moral complexity deeper than typical Western “good vs. evil,” more narrative risk, and resistance to formula.
• Kat on media literacy: laments that U.S. schools don’t teach critical interpretation, leading to widespread confusion about protagonists vs. “the good guy”.

Politics, Fandom, and Misinterpretation (40:13 – 48:53)

• Kat asserts, bluntly:

  “Fascists are fundamentally incapable of having any creativity or understanding art… They can absolutely warp anything in their mind that is overtly anti-fascist to be like, ‘this isn’t political.’” (40:48)

• Panel calls out denial of queer characters in anime/manga (e.g., Karara in Jujutsu Kaisen, Ymir in Attack on Titan), and fan tendencies to erase or misinterpret progressive themes.
• Kat: The best stories are political, and insisting otherwise is willful ignorance or cowardice:

  “Good stories are political… If you think something is wrong, just do what you can to fix it.” (47:26, 52:16)

How to Act: Moving from Fandom to Real-Life Action (49:27 – 54:29)

• Concrete advice: You don’t have to run for office to help; “find what you like to do, where your courage is, and do it.”
• Kat shares a personal story about standing up to injustice in high school and how even small acts can inspire chain reactions in others.

  “If you think something is wrong, just do what you can to fix it.” (52:16)

• Kat details how supporters can help her campaign, especially if local or able to volunteer, phonebank, or spread the word.

Closing: Fandom, Civic Participation & Final Thoughts (58:03 – End)

• The whole panel underscores the importance of voting and civic engagement—paralleling, in a tongue-in-cheek way, the persistent “apolitical” ethos.
• Hosts joke about which Straw Hat would vote (consensus: Luffy would vote—if Nami told him to).
• Closing wisdom:

  “History belongs to the ones who participate in it. So if you want to be part of the good side of history, as One Piece has taught us, participate, raise your voice, and really lift the people that are fighting for all the good causes.” — Dr. Bentleyn (60:31)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On One Piece’s “Apolitical” Reputation:

  “It has never referenced anything about anti-fascism… Why can’t we just enjoy media nowadays?” — Kat (09:56, sarcastic)

• On Crocodile as Favorite Antagonist:

  “He’s so fucking sick… he’s all about business, he’s so large, he’s got a big-ass hook—like, easy.” — Kat (15:41)

• On One Piece in Activism:

  “It makes sense that it’s on the front lines... it gives a bit of comfort and familiarity, especially when… you’re seeing there’s this idea of ‘well, they can do that in the story—I can do it here.’” — Kat (20:45)

• On Media Literacy:

  “For whatever reason, animation allows people to be a little more creative in their interpretation… we don’t teach media literacy in America.” — Kat (37:13)

• On Denial of Political Themes:

  “It is so crazy how they can absolutely warp anything in their mind that is overtly anti-fascist to be like, ‘this isn’t political, cool.’” — Kat (41:32)

• On Action:

  “If someone is screaming at a waiter at a restaurant, you can tell them to knock it off… probably someone that was around you at that time will see that and do it the next time… If you see trash on the street, you can pick it up. Find what you like to do, where your courage is, and do it. It doesn’t have to be running for office.” — Kat (49:55)

• On One Piece’s Enduring Resonance:

  “There’s so much story in this story that there’s something for everyone. As long as you can just tolerate being a little goofy.” — Kat (23:55)

• On Voting & Civic Duty:

  “As messed up as the United States is, we have the right to vote… the most important thing you can possibly do for your civic duty.” — Golfer (59:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [07:33] – Kat’s campaign introduction
• [09:42] – The “apolitical” One Piece bit; Kat’s One Piece journey
• [13:51] – Favorite characters and hazing round
• [20:14] – One Piece imagery in activism
• [22:13] – Cultural resonance and representation
• [24:58] – Personal influences, formative reading
• [27:39] – The value of flawed/ideal heroes
• [37:13] – Media literacy & Western vs. Eastern storytelling
• [40:48] – Rant against fascist misinterpretation of fiction
• [49:55] – Kat’s advice: how to act, big or small
• [54:29] – Campaign support, Matt Mercer collab
• [58:03] – Voting, civic participation, One Piece in Congress?
• [60:31] – Final reflections on participating in history

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Conclusion

This lively, candid episode combines One Piece fandom with honest, insightful talk about activism, the political (and often misrepresented) nature of stories, and the need for everyone—nerds and normies alike—to participate in shaping society. With humor, passion, and vulnerability, Kat Abughazaleh and the panel remind listeners: nothing is truly apolitical—not even a pirate adventure manga.

For fans and non-fans alike, this episode makes the case for fighting injustice, finding courage in story, and voting for more One Piece fans in Congress.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Cute.

[A]

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[C]

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[B]

Hello, everyone, and welcome to a spirit. Welcome to a special episode of the One Piece podcast. My name is Zach, and I am joined today by special guest. First, the composer for the music that you hear on our lovely One Piece podcast. We have Kirsten Cowy with us. How's it going, Kirsten?

[D]

It's going good. Thanks for having me. Thanks for listening to the music. Before you hear these words, dear listener.

[B]

Yeah. Do not skip ahead. I want to say, since I think this might be our first time since that music came out that I really love. I'm not just saying it because you're here. Really love the new music. It gets stuck in my head. So I think that's a good thing.

[D]

Thank you. Yeah, that's a good sign. Typically, I genuinely, when I write something and if it gets stuck in my head, I'm like, oh, that's a keeper.

[B]

There you go. Also, I have a lot of Elmo music stuck in my head, so I don't know what that says. But seriously, we also have the One Piece Doctor. We have Dr. Raeleen Bentlam with us. How's it going, doc? Good.

[E]

Thank you for having me again. It's always a pleasure. And I'm happy to always join for more One Piece talk.

[B]

Yeah. And this is a fun one. We also have TikTok sensation, soon to be YouTube sensation. Can I say that? Echo for it. Yeah. We have golfer. How's it going?

[F]

It's going fantastic.

[B]

Thanks. Yeah. Thanks to the three of you for coming on. Two of these folks are Chicagoans, and I say that because today we have a special interview with Kat Abu Ghazali, who is running for the U.S. congress in Illinois's 9th district. And if you haven't, please check her out. She is awesome. Not just because she is a One Piece fan, as we'll discuss in detail, but, but also because she's just generally, like, out there on the front lines, really, of, like, everything going on in the United States. Right now, her name, I feel like, is prominently, you know, there. And if. Please. She does, like, stream nights, I think a bunch of nights a week. So check that out and kick in for her campaign if you haven't. But thoughts before we get into the interview.

[D]

Perhaps as a way to endear the listener to her, there was a hit, like an article of criticism about her and her campaign that focused on why is her campaign manager driving around Chicago with free tampons and pads for people.

[B]

I always ask this. That was me. Yeah, I wrote that.

[D]

How dare you?

[B]

Well, you know, people need those. I think. Also her latest flyer are like, comics about, like autobiographical. Well, not auto, I guess. She didn't draw them, but they're biographical comics. I think about her, and I know she's mentioned manga and comics playing a big role in her campaign, so. And no AI crap, you know, like real people doing work. Since a lot of us are artists here, that's. That's also really important. So any other golfer, Doc?

[F]

I watched her on TikTok years ago, and when you guys said that you were interviewing her, I was so excited, but I was worried because I'm 2,000 miles away from Chicago. Every time we talked about this, I was like, please find anybody that's in her constituency. Let them take my spot. But I'm so excited to actually get to speak with her because just one of those, like, weird moments about the One Piece podcast, how One Piece brings the craziest corners together, that someone running for a seat in Congress is a One Piece. The idea of somebody from Congress being a One Piece fan, I don't know. It's kind of our dream, you know.

[B]

As long as they're, you know, the good kind. As both discussed.

[F]

Not Marine fans.

[B]

Not Marine. Not fans of Sakazuki and Ryokugyu and their work. Dr. Bentlen, any thoughts since I.

[E]

Since Kirsten got through, I am very excited, honestly. I think for me, the biggest question that I want to tackle is, do we really believe one piece is apolitical or is it just naturally political? I think this is the best setting with the most amazing guests to kind of really delve into that. So as someone from Illinois.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, that's perfect. I think we should get right into the interview and really solve why One Piece is apolitical. Let's get straight into it.

[C]

How old were you when you realized you were the son of a president?

[B]

I don't think anyone's ever asked me that before.

[A]

FX's love story, John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette.

[C]

I Didn't think I could love someone.

[B]

Like this until you.

[A]

From executive producer Ryan Murphy.

[C]

It's not a question of if I want to spend spend the rest of my life with you. It's if I'm cut out to be.

[A]

Mrs. JFK Jr. FX's love story John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette premieres tonight on FX. Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers.

[B]

Everyone, we have a special edition of the One Piece podcast today. With me for this special occasion, Dr. Bentlen is joining us. How are you? Good.

[E]

Hi. Thank you for having me. Again, so excited to talk to Kat today.

[B]

Do you want to give a short introduction as to. I feel like I tried to introduce you to Kat before and I did a very bad job.

[E]

Absolutely. So I am Raeleen Bentleyn, also known as the One Piece doctor. I am an academic on anime and manga studies. I travel across the country to present research in academia based specifically on One Piece. Last year year I went all the way from LA to New York to Chicago to Texas. This year again, starting with all the trips, I've been focusing on researching one piece academically for the last 10 years of my life. And I'm very excited to be here with you. I am from the University of Illinois. That's where I currently work. So I connect with students and all kinds of researchers on anime studies every day. And I love that about my life. So very excited to be here.

[C]

That's so cool. It's so nice to meet you.

[B]

By the way, we're talking with Kat Abu Ghazali today who is running for the Illinois 9th district for Congress. Kat, I should have probably introduced you first. I'm not realizing.

[C]

Hi, I'm Kat. I'm running for Congress in the 9th district of Illinois, which goes from uptown Chicago up to Evanston, West o Skokie, and then all the way to Algonquin and Crystal Lake. If you know anyone there, tell them to vote. If you don't, then let's talk about One Piece. I'm really excited.

[B]

I got as many of our. As many of your constituents or future constituents as I possibly could today. We also have. She was a reporter. And you still are. Right, Kirsten, Carrie and musician. How's it going, Kirsten?

[D]

Hello. Hello. Yes, Musician. Definitely. Yes. Still reporter. I found a. Let's say I found a nicer gig. That's so cool. I can't talk about it.

[B]

Oh, right, I forgot about that.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

NDAs.

[D]

NDAs. But yes, I proud Chicago constituent. Even though I currently live in Japan.

[B]

But an absentee vote, which we talked.

[D]

About, but can absentee vote, which is very important. Everyone get your votes in. If you cannot vote in person. Very excited to be here today.

[B]

This is our One Piece. Get out the vote.

[D]

Get out the vote.

[B]

And last, but not go to the polls. Don't. That's very 2016.

[C]

I think it's very relevant.

[B]

Yeah. One piece. Go to the. I feel like we could do better than that, though. And finally, we have our TikTok sensation, golfer. How's it going, Golfer? That's what I'm calling.

[F]

Fantastic. I know, and you love that, but the next time you put my face on a podcast, don't block out at the art. I felt so bad.

[B]

I don't. What?

[F]

On the art on Spotify, my face is blocking out. Some of. It's blocking out Pantsless Summers. Oh, yeah.

[B]

On YouTube. You're right. I'm sorry.

[F]

No need to do that anymore.

[B]

Yeah, well, to be fair, that's a fascistic pantsless person. Anyway, Cat, thank you so much for coming on. And I know you started saying that one piece is apolitical, which is a very bold stance.

[C]

We all know that one piece is apolitical. It has never referenced anything about anti fascism. It's never been. Why can't we just enjoy media nowadays? Why do we always have to bring politics into it?

[B]

Thank you. Just. Oh, it's the worst. It's.

[C]

You know, I've watched one season of One Piece, which is why I'm really glad there are no queer characters in it.

[B]

True. None.

[F]

None.

[E]

Zero.

[B]

Where are you currently in the story? For real?

[C]

For real.

[B]

I.

[C]

Like, I was right after Time Skip, so I was in the middle of being underwater. I restarted as a campaign show for me to watch. And I am at the end of skypiea, which is one of my favorite arcs. Sky Palestine.

[B]

You are correct for on all of that. Yes.

[C]

Once again, not political.

[B]

No, I. Well, like, I might as well ask you because skypiea is a lot of our favorites.

[C]

People hate on Skypie way too much. Wiper is like the coolest character and should have come on the boat. I would have loved him to be a part of the crew. He's so cool.

[F]

We disregard anybody that says to skip skypiea. That's instant blasphemy.

[E]

Absolutely. It's so important to everything.

[B]

That's a good pun too, Golfer, because it's all about. Yeah, yeah. So, like, what has. So you're Fishman Island. I get that is a harder slog to get through. But I think, you know Everything after that only gets more apolitical, I think.

[C]

Only more apolitical every single time. Like, very pro prison. Very pro, Very pro fascist. They just want stuff like the good old days, you know, Pro state violence. Pro state violence. Information control, love information control. Like, everything that Ice is doing, Luffy would fuck with heavy 100%.

[E]

Luffy would be at the front of everything, fighting for it.

[C]

Exactly. Luffy would be like, why can't we all just get along? It's like one of these things. So I had a very good friend who we used to stand up together. And if any of y' all have ever done stand up, guys are really weird. And he was, like, the one straight man on the circuit that did try to sleep with me. And we were both from the same hometown, and so we really bonded, and we'd watch anime together. When I started One Piece, he was so excited. And then we got into, like, a little spat and didn't really talk for a bit. And I thought he was mad at me. And so I invited him to my birthday party, and I knew that, like, all he wanted to do was see the end of One Piece. It was, like, his favorite thing in the world. And he said he'd be there. And then he didn't show up. So I thought that Jay just hated me. I kept trying to text him and my number would go to green. I thought he blocked me. And then at a Christmas party last year, I randomly met someone who was part of the DC New York comedy scene when that was in Chicago, and I mentioned Jay, and I was like, how is he doing? And it turns out he died day before my birthday. He had a massive heart attack at, like, 33. I miss him a ton. He would have found it very funny, that. That's how I found out. But I am determined to finish One Piece because he never got to. So every time I watch it, I think about him, and I hope he's watching it from wherever he is now.

[B]

I'm so sorry. That's a really beautiful story, though.

[C]

Yeah. So anytime I'm like, oh, I got to take a break, I'm like, but I have to come back because we're getting to the end.

[E]

Thank you for sharing that.

[B]

Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. Yeah. They say we are.

[C]

This is the final saga, but this is a saga that's 10 years.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, every saga is like, 10. I think we have a while. I don't think. As I say, I feel like I have more. If this were my only job, I'd have a Ton of job security. So we asked new guests a few, you know, like kind of hazing ritual questions that there's only one right answer for these.

[C]

Awesome.

[B]

So you can't get them wrong. The first one. Who is your favorite straw hat?

[F]

Again, only one right answer.

[C]

Only one right answer.

[B]

Um.

[C]

I'm not going to say it. I'm not going to. I'm going to be contrarian. I'm not going to be contrarian for.

[D]

No, I just said this delivered.

[C]

I mean, I love my girl Nami, but I just. I love pre timeskips or. Oh, he's so smiley and laughy and I miss him. But I think Sanji, overall, he just always comes in clutch. Super underrated. Imo.

[B]

Zorro in Skype is delightful. Best. Best Zorro.

[C]

Best boy.

[B]

Love him. Yeah, he's with the Tarzan stuff and I'm sure I'm talking many of our fans with the blue tank top and the whole thing is fantastic.

[C]

Also him in Arlong park just stealing clothes and hanging out the whole time. I also didn't realize while rewatching the only reason he meets Luffy is just because he got lost on the ocean. Like, it's literally a throwaway line. He's just like, yeah, I just was trying to find my way back home and I couldn't. So I started bounty hunting and I guess I'm here now.

[B]

You know, I've met people with that kind of sense of direction. I thought it was a little far fetched, but it does. It is real.

[C]

My field director calls me Zorro whenever we're somewhere because I just always turn the wrong way.

[B]

I love it. You have a perfect campaign staff, which I knew before that, but that just solidifies it for me. Second question. Who is your favorite antagonist in the series?

[C]

Ooh, ooh, ooh. I gotta think about this.

[B]

Could come back to that if you want to.

[C]

Yeah, I'll come back to it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I'm like, I haven't watched it in two months because it has been the last stretch of the campaign. So I'm literally gonna look up a list so I can pick my. My fave. I mean, okay. No, actually, this is way easier than I thought. Crocodile.

[F]

He's so cool.

[C]

He's so cool. He's so cool. Everyone's always fucking complaining and he's just like it. We ball. Let's go. Like everything right before time. Skip is so cool. He's so fucking sick. He's so. He's all about business. He's so large. He's got a big ass. Hook like easy. That's so easy. I don't even know why I think about this.

[F]

He's best dressed by that point in the show. Like, he is the coolest looking character.

[B]

By the time he does down or in. In alabaster. Because both is the answer to that.

[C]

But like both. Yeah. He's way cooler in impel down.

[E]

It's so living in a destroyer and still wearing the suit and everything like that.

[B]

Where did he get that? I don't. Do they ever explain that? I think even cough may have had that. I forgot.

[C]

Just aura.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

Or you're right. It just appears. That's true.

[F]

I did have to explain aura to Zach. Last episode of One Piece podcast.

[B]

So I'm in my 30s. Yeah. That's what it was. Yeah.

[C]

Late 30s. 31.

[B]

I don't like that. So the third question, which is your favorite character that does not fit in one of those categories?

[C]

Viper.

[B]

Oh, yeah. You know what my next question was going to be? Who's the super obscure character? I don't think Wiper's. That.

[C]

He's not really obscure. Just everyone forgot about him. He's so fucking sick. He's so cool. Like, every time he does, like a reject dial, he looks cool as shit. Like, he's best dressed. It's super. A super underrated arc. Super underrated character. And I'm a ride or die.

[B]

I am not a big tabletop player. But the one thing, the one we did on our show way back, I had the. My character was dial based because those things are awesome.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And underrated and forgotten.

[E]

We need to see more dial action.

[C]

We do need more random action. The filler arc right after skypiea, I can't remember, is so much fun. Yeah, it's so much fun.

[D]

Good.

[C]

It's such a blast. And very also underrated. Like, people just skip it because it's filler. But I literally had my best friend. I was like, we're going to watch this. It's rainy. Let's go watch this entire thing. Worth it.

[D]

I remember getting to that arc and being shocked that it wasn't in the manga and that Foxy was in the manga. Like, I thought those were reversed.

[B]

Foxy's underrated too, though. I mean, here on the podcast. Yeah, that's just us, I guess. But yeah.

[D]

Yeah. That filler arc feels substantial. Like it serves a purpose.

[C]

The only thing that put me off to realizing it was filler is that you just ended the exact same way you started and there were no consequences whatsoever. And I was like, oh, okay. Yeah.

[B]

Sense.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Foxy has a little. Well, not very much, actually. What's your favorite story?

[D]

Introduces the word Davy Jones.

[B]

That's true.

[C]

I mean, is it a cop out to say Impel Down?

[B]

No, the cop out.

[C]

Like, it's so much fun. I mean, that's also fun. But yeah, but yeah, Impel down is so much fun. It is. Oh my God. Yeah, I did hate the Foxy episode Longland. I had to stop. I had to fast forward and then it was like, yeah, you get Afro Luffy. But at what cost?

[B]

The anime is rough for that. The manga is very good. The anime does it extremely dirty and adds a bunch of other games like roller derby or something.

[C]

Yeah, I didn't need it.

[B]

Yeah, but it's got the Zoro Sanji playing soccer with each other. What game?

[C]

It's the only exception.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

When they have the manga's very good, it's a completely different story. Really? I'm vouching for it. I have to stick up for it. Otherwise half the people on my show are going to be very angry at me. What's your favorite opening or ending theme?

[C]

I have no idea. I don't have an answer for this. Oftentimes I skip openings and endings.

[B]

Well, that might be the wrong answer.

[C]

I'm busy. I'm busy. Sorry.

[B]

Okay, I'll give you an excuse for you. And that's it.

[C]

You guys run for congress.

[B]

Yeah, sure. So I actually. So golfer and Dr. Bentlen and I did an episode of the show a few months ago where we were talking. I don't know if you saw these. I'm sure you have. You're like, just the epitome of protesting for good things and, you know, being able to like, really stand up for what's right. I try. I don't know if you've seen. Yeah, I don't know if you've seen the straw hat flag around though.

[C]

Oh my God. So many of them at Broadview. Like at the ice facility that I've been protesting. One of our volunteers actually drove up from like all the way in Southern Illinois and was wearing like all straw hat gear.

[B]

Love it. Yeah. And I know. I think you met a friend of a friend of ours at that who was dressed up in all straw hat stuff. I don't know if it's the same person, but what are your thoughts on seeing that imagery on the front lines of protesting?

[C]

Yeah. So I think stories are the best things that humans have ever created. I think it's like they so profoundly impacted me throughout my Life when I felt like I was, you know, my parents are older, I didn't connect with a lot of my peers. So I spent a lot of my time just reading stories. And they really shaped who I am and what my moral compass is. And so it makes sense that like, whether it's One Piece or like the Hunger Games, which also I think gets too much hate because of all the copycats after it, genuinely a really great piece of anti fascist fiction, especially for young adults or whatever the book, movie, show may be. A lot of times, especially in unprecedented times, when you're relating to these characters that are so permanent in your mind and so strong in your mind and someone that you really admire, whether or not they're real. It's like it makes sense that it's on the front lines. And I think it's something that bonds us all together. It also gives a bit of comfort and familiarity, especially when, you know, you're seeing there's this idea of like, well, they can do that in the story. I can do it here. Like, I can stand for my beliefs here. And genuinely one of my favorite parts of talking with people in this moment is seeing how they relate to this really, really scary time we're in and how they, how they find like a way to find bravery then does that make sense? Did I just ramble and say nothing?

[B]

No, you rambled and said something. But really, no, absolutely.

[E]

Can I ask a follow up question?

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

So, Cat, I am a cultural anthropologist. I study humans and society in the most boring ways that somehow relate to anime. But my question is something that we look at in anthropology is understanding something that we name cultural representation that can be in or outside of your culture. Do you feel like One Piece, as someone who's been in the protesting world ground zero, just working every day for the betterment of everyone. Do you feel like One Piece breaks out of those limitations of not being culturally or culturally relevant? It's just applicable to all.

[C]

Yeah, I think that's really a good point because there are so, I mean, like, you just look at the straw hats and they're, you know, representative of so many, like countries. If you're relating it to here on Earth, you know, there's a lot of diversity, especially in a medium and genre where like, diversity is more of a new concept, especially like racially and especially with women characters. And from the start, One Piece has had that. And so it's something that I think the reason it has persisted for so long and has connected with so many people across the world. And that it's like the most sold story in the world in just like 30 years is that people see themselves in there no matter what it is. You know, when we were talking about skypiea and I was like, sky, Palestine, there are also lots of other people who have been displaced, who. Whose families have been displaced, who have seen different forms of colonization and also resonate with that. And I mean, that's just like the human thing to do. We mirror each other and we want to find ways that stories reflect on us. But one piece is so big and has so much in it. There's so much story in this story that there's something for everyone. As long as you can just like, tolerate being a little goofy.

[B]

Yeah, I've described it as like a really goofy show with like a. Once you get into it, it's like just this, like, extremely emotional, resonant political core that it's like a candy, candy coated, you know, political message, I guess. Yeah, yeah. So people are unsuspecting when they find out what's in it because it's an apolitical show. Right, sorry, I forgot. That's true. So when it comes to your upbringing and being a Palestinian American, what specifically, I guess besides just skypiea has, like, resonated with you in the series and given you strength during really dark times.

[C]

I think even more than, like, my ethnicity or like, who I am, what I was born with, it's like this very strong sense of, like, justice. Like, all of my. This is. This can sound so pathetic depending on the audience. But, like, all of my heroes and all of my role models as a kid were characters in these stories that I had read. It's why I feel really, really strongly about making sure that kids can read whatever they want. Like, my parents were like, let's stop going to borders. You can read whatever's in our library. So When I was 11, I read Clan of the Cave Bear for the first time, which is like, has some very mature themes in there, not just sexually, but about, like, race and assaults and gender and hierarchy. And they treated me like an adult when I read it. And that character Ayla is still like one of my heroes. And it like, grounded this very almost like, paladin, like, sense of justice in me because all the people I admired felt that. And so I see the same in one piece in pretty much from all the protagonists of this idea of, like, there is something that matters to you, whether it is your family and friends or whether it is just knowing that something is wrong and actually doing something about It. Or like, shooting down a flag. Because that flag doesn't stand for something good. I mean, a big part of my campaign is like, the status quo isn't working. I didn't ask for permission to run. I didn't wait in line. I just did it. And sometimes when you see. Every time you see something bad, you should do something to make it better and not just be like, well, that's how it is. Look, the flag's already in the air, and it has to stay that way because it doesn't.

[B]

Well said and prescient. In one piece. And in real life, again, except that it's apolitical.

[C]

It's apolitical.

[B]

Yeah. We have to remind people. Golfer.

[F]

I do feel like it's pretty prevalent nowadays to idolize fictional figures, because it feels like everybody in real life can let you down.

[C]

It's in the Epstein files. Yeah.

[F]

Yeah, exactly. And Luffy will never let you down. He might lose a fight. He's never going to lose his sense of justice.

[B]

He won't be in the Epstein files.

[C]

He won't be in the Epstein files. Or if he will be derogatory from people in the Epstein files, which is complimentary.

[F]

They're talking shit about him. But it's. It's. It's that idea that, like, you can actually create a North Star, even if it's coming from fiction and from a less than perfect person like Oda, that will not let you down. In the same way that if you idealize any human being, nobody's perfect. So eventually there is something that will let you down. Even like our greatest political figures in the past, like, there's always something to point to. So I've always found that, like, a very resonant point.

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. And I think it's also, like, this is one thing that I think, like, there are examples of this, but I. I do think that is lacking in one piece is like, these characters are so strong in their own ways. I also find, you know, for people I look up to in real life, that their fall is not just losing a fight, but, like, their own mistakes or their own flaws really make them relatable. And like, frankly, like, look, we all love. We love our sunshine boy, but there isn't as much flaw in there, which also makes it really comforting. I don't think this is a bad thing, but I think it is something to note compared to. I'm trying to think of a good example here. Let me think on this. I'm trying to think of a good anime example of, like, a Fundamentally flawed character.

[B]

There's a lot.

[C]

There's a lot. But, like, I'm trying to think of one that's like this and it's not like in misogyny, you know, which is.

[B]

Also something that's also in anime. Yeah, there's some of that.

[C]

Yeah. I'm trying to think of something that's, like, well balanced, that has good women characters and doesn't just see men as flawed. Red Rising is a great book if y' all haven't read it. One of my favorite books changed my brain chemistry. That is a really good example of, like, fundamentally flawed characters that are, like, trying to do something. And sometimes you really fucked up stuff in the fight against fascism. I don't know if I'm making sense here, but.

[B]

No, no, that. Yes, I think. Yeah. And I think the straw hats, I mean, the series general, you know, the series generally, I think is kind of whether or not you have to get messy in that fight or at least to see kind of an idealized version of the, like an anti fascist.

[C]

It's like giving us something of, like, to strive for versus something that we are. And you need both, I think, in storytelling.

[B]

Yeah. And I don't even think there's not, like a puritanical aspect at all. It's. But it's that they're just driven toward, like, a specific goal. Like Luffy is defined by certain qualities that he will never stray from.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

There's comfort in that. Yeah. Yes, Dr. Ben. You don't have to raise your hand. I know it's not class.

[E]

So, Kat, my next question is. You talked a lot about stories that have played a big role in your formative years and probably also in this adult years. Now, as you're fighting for better conditions for everyone, especially in your own professional career, do you feel like anime, specifically one piece. What other examples can work too, are good tools to provide to younger audiences so that they can develop a good notion of heroism through protection or some kind of understanding of political inequities.

[C]

Oh, my God. Yeah, absolutely. That's perfectly said. You know, there's like, when you watch. When you play a video game that's like, really realistic, or you watch a movie that has, like, violence towards women and your mom walks in and she thinks you're watching porn because every time the women get hurt, they sound like they're moaning. That's how we have, like, fully censored, like, animation and books from kids in this idea of protecting the children while still exposing them to these really traumatic and mature ideas. But Not a safe way. You know, talking about assault and clan at the Cave Bear was like, I sat down with my mom and I was like, I'm 11, I don't know what this is. And we had like a very like heart to heart about it. And that's how these are safe places to explore these without being desensitized to trauma. I think about like Fievel Goes west, which shows like a pogrom in a. Like kids get it. Kids can understand really mature, grim themes. They're not stupid. But it depends on how you portray it. I think Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood does a fantastic job at showing extremism and genocide in a way that I can't really think of a live action format that has done it as well and as age appropriate as that show. And One Piece does the same of like standing up to fascists and being willing to put everything on the line to protect people and seeing an injustice and not just sitting around. Animation specifically is just like such a great medium because you can be really creative with it. You can show things that are impossible in real life. I was actually very pleasantly surprised with the first season of the Netflix One Piece show. I think they did a great job, like much better than I could have expected. But it's really difficult to show these, show these ideas that you have or to communicate things in a way that's appropriate for everyone without traumatizing them through other media unless you're really, really careful. And a lot of creators are not. So. Yeah, I mean, absolutely. I think this about anime, I think that's about books, I think this about manga. We have this like covering the. Right. There's just this idea that kids are supposed to be like sequestered in like a little bubble until they're 18 and then go to the world, have sex and do drugs or whatever you want and like, how are you even supposed to know how to safely exist as an adult if you don't explore these themes first?

[E]

Thank you.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, appreciate that. I mean I have a 4 and a 1 year old right now, so that's like a thing I am thinking about all the time. And growing up Jewish, like I always had to inundated by like holocaust imagery and like. And that has informed me on just like the amount of injustice that was happening in Gaza and the amount of injustice that's happening daily with ice. And I mean other people interpret that differently for some reason, but there's. I think it is important to be, you know, available for everything so that you can grow as A person and to develop, hopefully, morals that help your world, which is. Anyway, that's my.

[C]

No, I'm kind of glad. Like, there was this weird time in the 2010s where everything had to be an antihero. And when I say that, like, I like flawed characters, like, that also includes antiheroes. But I don't necessarily think you have to be antihero to be flawed. But then I saw the new Superman movie, and it was just like this fuck ice free Palestine narrative that was like, this is what Superman is. And I think that one piece has never really strayed from that of we have a vision, and this is what the vision is. And we're pursuing a goal and we aren't going to compromise our values for it. And that's something that we just didn't see a lot until very recently.

[B]

That might be one of the reasons why it wasn't so popular in the 2010s compared to what it is now. Not just because the pandemic helped people read and watch a lot of it, but also it's a lot more resonant these days. Kirsten, were you gonna.

[D]

I'm between two questions.

[B]

Try both at the same time.

[D]

Both at the same time. Two tongues. Yeah. I've thought a lot about this penchant. I mean, and you mentioned the Hunger Games, which is a very good counter example. But I. And Superman. But I feel like there is this sort of part of the reason that I think a lot of people are gravity gravitating to anime over a lot of western animation and western shows is that anime gets into more of that black and white area. This sort of like, moral nitty gritty that a lot of American media tends to want neat endings. Like, once, this is good, this is evil, and there's no in between. And that's not really how the world works. So I was wondering if you could speak to maybe why. Why do you think America has this penchant to present things this way? And, you know, the tell, of course, is that a lot of American youth aren't engaging and are going to anime instead.

[B]

But.

[C]

Yeah, well, I think also there's this aspect of. A lot of our media here is made with the intention of, like, well, we have to do this formula so that way people will watch this thing. Like the fact that people were like sinners in one battle after another. And these really creative screenplays that we've seen in the last year have been because of people going out on a limb. But I feel like a lot of times, especially with like, tv and especially tv that's like, on tv, you just. You can kind of like guess the ending every time, and you can guess what's going to happen. You can see all these things. And one thing that's cool about manga and anime is there's, like, it's not everything is created for the Nielsen ratings. Like, of course there are tropes. Of course there are shitty endings. I'm talking to you, Tokyo Revengers. Of course there are, you know, things that we see again and again, as in any culture, in any storytelling medium. But there's like, this. You have more creativity and the. Oh, there's my cat. Hi, baby. There's a cat.

[B]

Interruptions are encouraged.

[C]

Cat interruptions really encourage.

[F]

Also, I was wondering if we were going to see your cat because of the cat tree in the background.

[C]

She might go on the cat tree, baby. But I think people are, like, also bored of traditional media. I know for me, I'm sick of seeing real people. When I covered Fox, I only watch anime because I was like, I'm watching the worst people in the world every single day, and I can't do this.

[B]

I could imagine. I can't imagine it.

[C]

There's just also, like, I think part of it is we don't teach media literacy in America. And for whatever reason, animation, I think, allows people to be a little more creative in their interpretation, allows you to flex that muscle. And so that's another reason that young people are gravitating towards anime. Like, it's not just nostalgia. It's also the idea that, like, wow, you can have your own interpretation of what's happening. And it's not also, like a thing with Stranger Things where everyone's. I mean, everyone does debate anime. It's a bad example, but I don't know where I'm trying to go with this. I have 39 days till the elections. My brain is full of so many things, and I just want to talk about anime, but I'm thinking about also the election.

[B]

You could talk about that too.

[C]

Nah, I don't wanna.

[E]

Okay, well, I wanted to connect to something you said that I thought was really important. You said that we don't teach media literacy, and I think that that is extremely relevant in the field of anime manga studies in academia. One trend that I have observed in the last five years is that almost all of our papers have to be prefaced with a how to read this properly when we talk about our subject matter. And you see that in all of the publications in the two major journals and everything that I've submitted for publication. A lot of the people who are looking at what gets published in anime studies are asking that you provide that. How to guide for the audience. And that's something that you don't see in fields of study outside of the United States or when you look at international journals. There's a big shift of that, and it's because our audiences don't know. They don't have that knowledge from basic education at how to look at the media entertainment outlet and read it critically instead of just superficially. And I think it applies to everything.

[C]

Yeah, no, absolutely. And, like, it's also part of this of, like, we're basically using our classrooms as test subjects for AI and kids, like, don't know how to read or how to critically think. And I don't mean to sound like a boomer here, but that's important, being able to read and critically think. And also, there's. I'm not sure about y'. All. There's this really frustrating trend where people are completely incapable of understanding that just because someone is the protagonist does not mean they're the good guy.

[B]

Yes. Yeah.

[E]

Yeah. Yep.

[C]

Like, there was so much discourse about Marty Supreme. I saw someone and be like, well, it wasn't a good movie because the main character wasn't good. And I'm like, that's not what makes a movie good. That's. That's not what characters have to be.

[D]

Everyone knows Old no Country for Old Men.

[B]

Yes, continue. Curse.

[D]

Joker.

[B]

Joker.

[D]

All these movies. Actually, Joker is a sort of depressing example because people thinking that he was the good guy is exactly what created that whole issue.

[F]

I just wanted to see how you were gonna twist into knots to say Anton Sugar was the good guy.

[E]

Nope.

[D]

Can't do it.

[B]

Sorry. I mean, this could go for anyone. But, Cat, what do you think when you do see characters you love? One Piece characters or not twisted, since you unfortunately had to, like, delve into the right. Like, how. What does it do to you when you see your beloved characters twisted in a way that it's like, come on, what are you even reading or watching? It's not the same thing as I am.

[C]

Let me grab something real quick because I'm about to go on a rant, and I want to make sure I'm prepared.

[B]

Okay.

[E]

Ram preparation.

[C]

So fascists are fundamentally incapable of having any creativity or understanding art in any way, shape, or form. We just saw the White House copied our fake attack ad. They. With, like, AI slop. They can't even copy things. They have to do it worse. They're just bad. They're bad at art, they're bad at treating people right. Fuck fascists. And also they're losers. I just really, really need to stress that. And it's so crazy how they can absolutely warp anything in their mind that is overtly anti fascist to be like, this isn't political cool. I cannot wait. I cannot wait to see the anti drag queen people. To see the transphobes fucking. See the live action season with Impel.

[B]

Down or even bong Clay and.

[C]

Or even bon Clay. Like, I cannot wait. It's like, it is absolutely. Especially in like anime and sci fi related spaces. Particularly like white men have to do. They will twist themselves into knots to convince themselves that like a woman character is a bitch or that character isn't actually gay or that character. Like, I think that you've read Red Rising someone here, I saw someone raise their hand. But there are so many characters that are people of color. And when you're in the Red Rising subreddit and you mention that, people will be like, no, they're not. And it's like clearly described, like the color of their skin and yet they refuse to acknowledge it. And then when they talk about characters that all of us love so much specifically because they're not like, the idea of watching a story and being like not taking anything from it and just thinking that a story is a series of events that you're watching and has no moral to it. Like, it's just like things that happen in a row and then you're like, wow, that was cool. That's ludicrous to me. I cannot be friends with someone that doesn't want to dissect a story and a character into 50 million little parts. I have. If I watch a movie with you afterwards, I want us to talk about that movie for like an hour. One of my best friends I met on anime Tumblr because we would just spend hours every single day during the pandemic talking about episodes that we'd watch together. Like it is just like it's hard to put myself in the place of fascists that keep trying to talk about how this is anti woke or that, you know, isn't actually the way that liberals are trying to interpret it when they're trying to act like these very political. It's like when they talk about MLK like he wasn't a socialist and it's like, no, you're making a fantasy in your mind and you're an idiot and you're a loser and I'm sorry, I just have to rant about that. You're bad at watching media and that should be easy because you're watching it. You're not even doing something physical. Your brain is too small.

[B]

I would give a standing ovation.

[F]

But golfer think you would understand this because like the amount of time you spent like actually making videos on TikTok, the idea that like stories and content have some somehow become one for those people, that it's just something to consume. It's not actually something to digest.

[C]

Our whole country is consumption. It's gambling and Nazis and consumption.

[F]

And it leads to nothing for them. Like nothing comes out the other end. Like there's no. There's no growth with that.

[B]

A lot of the folks feel like a boomer.

[F]

A lot of the folks that talk about JJK online. There's a. An explicitly trans character. And one character.

[C]

Yes.

[F]

Doesn't realize that Carrara is trans.

[E]

Yes.

[F]

And Panda says one time after not meeting Carrara for three years, oh, that's a boy. And then everybody else uses she her pronouns, but they you to the ends of the earth, that the only person on the planet that understands this character is the literal Panda brought to life.

[C]

It's so fudgeing insane. Or like people that were trying to talk about like Ymir and Attack on Titan not being lesbian. And I was like, she was literally Historia. She was literally in love with Historia. She literally declared her undying love to Historia. And Historia was in love with her too.

[E]

Yeah, she almost sacrificed herself for her at the end.

[C]

Also, that is one where like Attack on Titan there's like all this anti fascist shit in it. And then at the end you can just tell that the author, like was too committed. Like loved Eren too much. And he was like, well, I can't make him the bad guy. So the end is like genocide is good actually.

[B]

Or. Yeah. That series I have very. I don't think the ending is questionable. Well, like you could already tell it. Like, I don't know if he's purposely doing it, but it feels like it's glorifying. Kind of like speaking of the apolitical on the other end of it or quote unquote. Yeah, but that's gonna get the whole Attack on Titan fan base at us then.

[C]

I don't care. I say this.

[B]

This is why I can't do it.

[D]

Someone for whom Attack on Titan. I call it my problematic fave. But like, I've been thinking a lot in the last months about how Attack on Titan has been largely co opted by the Right. And features in a lot of imagery for, like, the right and like right wing memes. Whereas, like one piece has been co opted by the left and features a lot in protests and memes and things related to the left. And it's made me very grateful for one piece. And it's made me question what it is in Attack on Titan that has spawned all those memes.

[C]

I think part of it is, like, it's a gateway anime for a lot of people because, like, especially the first three seasons are so good and then it's like. And honestly, I think the last ones were animated really well and, like, drawn really well, but very confusing ending. Once again, I'm thinking about it and not just watching it, but like Red Rising, which I know I've talked about 50 times, no one asked me to, is literally about a space empire that does eugenics to create a subservient class system of humans after billionaires nuked the entire Earth's surface like a thousand years ago. And all of these classes are genetically manipulated and their cultures are manipulated to keep them breeding or optimized for a certain job in one way or another. And then chuds on the Red Rising subreddit literally every day will be like, stop making this political. Stop making it political. This isn't political. This is actually just a good story. Good stories are political.

[B]

Yes. The best ones.

[F]

I feel like I need to read it because now I love when anybody gets called a chud for completely misinterpreting a story. So now I feel like I need to dive into it.

[C]

I'm gonna tell you, the first book is very fun, but you can tell that it was written right when Hunger Games came out because Pierce Brown wanted to get a book deal to write the most insane space opera of all time. So you'll read the first book and you'll be like, yeah, this is fun. And then you'll get to the second and like, five pages in, you're like, oh, Jesus, I don't even remember the first book. It's basically like a prequel for the rest of the series. Anyways. Change my brain chemistry. Everyone read it. Red Rising. I plug it everywhere. Pierce Brown noticed me.

[B]

Big listener of the One Piece podcast. Yes.

[E]

One of the things that Kat really resonates with me from what you're saying is you're talking about this chosen political obliviousness that people are going with. And I think it's just a coping mechanism to not face the discomfort that everything is political, because as humans, that's part of who we are. As A society, no media content that we create can be apolitical because we do not live in an apolitical society. It's such a basic notion for anthropologists, for sociologists, people in my field, that we know that everything will have some degree of influence from all kinds of political aspects. People who say it's not political, I don't think think they're pushing themselves to really see path is superficial. I just want to be comfortable level. They're not ready to face a discomfort that everything is political.

[C]

Like, I have people that come to the campaign office wanting to get involved and like, I'm not really political, but I don't like what ICE is doing. And I'm like, guess what, baby, you're political. Welcome to the club. We're all here and we're in it together. Everything is political. And that doesn't mean that everything has to be boring or combative or bad, but everything is political. The fact that you can't afford to go to the doctor, that's political. The fact that, you know, your neighbor's afraid of going outside, that's definitely political. And we have purposely created a system that allows people to not be involved in politics because we want to keep them ignorant and not know that things can change.

[B]

So, I mean, that kind of leads nicely into one of the points that I completely forgot I wanted to mention. But, like, how do you suggest. I'm sure, like, we have a lot of listeners who are quote, unquote, apolitical, whether they know it or not, you know, they would be political. But I'm sure there's a lot of people who read or watch one piece and they get the messages, but what can they do in this time? What would you suggest?

[C]

And yeah, I always try to stress to people that you can just do stuff. Like, you can do stuff. I mean, the risk calculus is slightly different now because we have the secret police. But the vast majority of your actions will not result in, like, you being put into jail for life or dying. If someone is screaming at a waiter at a restaurant, you can tell them to knock it off and that they seem like an asshole. And probably someone that was around you at that time will see that and do it the next time that that happens in front of them. If you see trash on the street, you can pick it up. If you see, you know, your old neighbor struggling to get the groceries inside, you can help them if everyone's contribution looks different. But find out what you like to do and where your courage is and do it. And it doesn't have to be some big thing. It doesn't to be running for office. It doesn't have to be, you know, fighting in some revolution. It can literally be just knowing what's happening around you and helping people when you can. And one example I give. I had a stalker in high school. It was a fellow classmate, and it was really traumatic. It was really awful. I went to Catholic school, so, like, I was punished for it, obviously. And I. We had this thing called Kairos, which is like, student retreat type thing. And it's the only thing I've ever seen. Teenagers respect any traumatic stuff you talk about on Kairos. If someone tells others about it, you are excommunicated from school. No one will talk to you. And we have, like, these separate little retreats after. And I decided to talk about my experience being stalked by a classmate. He wasn't there, and I didn't mention his name. But, like, a little bit in. I had a teacher stop me and say that. I couldn't say this because I would be embarrassing another student. And so I just said, all right, thanks, and walked out the door and got in my car and drove away. And the teacher chased me out and wasn't breaking any rules. One of my friends came out with me. We went to go get Indian food after that, and they called my parents to, like, complain, but there were no consequences. And the next year was when me too happened. And a bunch of girls who were in that room were willing to speak out about a consistent predator in their class and DM'd me to let me know that their experience in that gave them the strength to do it later. Because they realize that it's not a crime to speak out. It's not a crime to do something different. Just do that thing that you're thinking about. If you think something is wrong, just do what you can to fix it.

[B]

Yeah, that's very well said.

[D]

Another. Imagine a standing ovation.

[B]

Yes. Does anyone else have any other questions? I don't want to keep Kat too long. You only have 39 days.

[C]

39 days.

[B]

39 days. Where can people find and support you and support your cause and knock fascism down?

[C]

So if you live in the Chicago area or you know someone that lives in the Chicago area, tell everyone you know to learn about our campaign. My district goes from Uptown Chicago up to Evanston, West Tuskokie, all the way to Crystal Lake in Algonquin. We need all the help we can get. AIPAC has jumped into our race. I'm currently wearing our. Fuck it. Let's be A pack merch. I am one of three candidates that has a shot at winning this thing. And I'm the only of those three candidates that has never met with AIPAC or written a position paper for aipac. I am the one who's under federal indictment for protesting ice. I am the one that has been using our campaign resources to help people. Right now, we need your help to win. So if you live in the area, tell everyone you know that's in the district to vote, just in general, and let them know about our campaign. And if you don't, text your Chicago friends, you don't have to know where they live, just text them about the campaign. Say, have you heard about us? Our website is katforillino.com, kat with a K. We also have a Discord. Discord. GG Katforillinois. When is this coming out?

[B]

That's a good question. Probably soon.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I want to get it out as far before the election as I can for you.

[C]

Awesome. Well, I was going to say, because I. Look, I know my audience here. We do live streams as well. We don't do this thing called call time, which is when politicians spend all their day calling rich people and asking for money. We live stream and you can find our links on our website, CatForIllinois.com, but on Sunday, Matt Mercer from Critical Role will be joining us. He also voiced our fake attack ad. So if this comes out before then, please join us for that. It's a lot of fun. Ship in if you can. If you can't, phone bank for us, text bank for us, knock doors for us. And even if you can do those things, too, phone banking and text banking help us reach a lot of people, young and old. We are trying to bring out everyone and we are trying to show that progressive populism actually can in an apolitical way. Just like one piece.

[B]

I was trying to see who Matt Mercer voiced in one piece because I'm sure it was someone, because everyone has done.

[F]

It's.

[C]

Oh, yeah. He voices law. Yeah. Law is coming on our fucking stream. Also voiced our fake attack ad. Or it's like, Kat, Abu Ghazali believes you should be able to afford housing, groceries and health care.

[B]

I saw that was excellent. Yeah. No, I. And that's why it got stolen. Much worse, I guess. I. I also gotta say, I'm so happy we managed to get you on. I'm like, I was shocked that you answered and I'm.

[C]

No, I was so excited. And every single time we were Supposed to record. I, like, got Indicted or like, something fucking crazy happened with the campaign and I couldn't come on. And I was like, we have to make this happen. So we got a new press secretary. And I was like, it has to happen.

[F]

Something crazy. Like talking to Hassan. We got bumped for Hasan.

[C]

Oh, yeah. Sorry, guys.

[B]

I mean, it's a song. I get it. I get it.

[C]

We reached so many young people with that.

[B]

He's a One Piece fan, so it's okay. I think he had like a One Piece poster behind you.

[C]

He did.

[B]

No, that's fine. Yeah. And yeah, indicted is a pretty. I guess it's okay. I mean, like, I know you weren't seeking that out, but I cannot stress enough. If you live in Chicago, in the Chicago Evanston area, please vote for Kat. First political endorsement of the One Piece podcast. But I'm very honored. Thank you. To have you on. Yes.

[C]

Next. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Oh, no, no, I didn't say it. You guys did before we started.

[B]

Don't think.

[C]

I was really. I was really, really disgusted. And I was like, guys, that's horrible. Don't believe her. She doesn't care about Palestinians.

[B]

And yet you stay here the whole time to talk about One Piece with us.

[C]

I did it so I could expose you guys at the end.

[B]

Oh, well, you know what's going to happen.

[C]

Just kidding. They didn't say that. They're not going to. I'm the only one.

[B]

Okay, fine. Thank you, Cat, for coming on the show. Hopefully we could have you on when things calm down a little bit at some point in the future.

[C]

And hopefully I'll be past timeskip on my rewatch.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Also. Yeah, just thank you so much. And if you guys want a real anime fan, real gamer in Congress, vote for me. Tell your friends.

[B]

Yeah. More One Piece fans in Congress. Yeah. Who understand it. That's apolitical.

[A]

Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster Zero Ultra. That's the og it kicked off this whole Zero Sugar energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole lineup now. You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the Monster Energy punch. So if you've been living in the White can branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe, and every single one is Zero Sugar Tap. The banner to learn more.

[F]

Kraft Mac and Cheese is better than 90s hip hop. We'll remind you of your childhood without making you feel incredibly old. Kraft Mac and Cheese. Best thing ever.

[B]

This has been the One Piece podcast. Huge thanks to Kat Abuguazale for Coming on the show today, immediate final thoughts on the interview and where things go in the one piece political sphere Now, Kirsten, vote.

[D]

Everyone, please vote. I also say this for myself because I need to get some absentee ballot stuff worked out. But if I can get my absentee ballot stuff worked out, you sure can too. If you're not in the US or if you are, get out. I think this is gonna be quite important. And also maybe on a slightly, you know, more personal note, like I'm in Japan right now. Japan's laws are that even if you become a permanent resident, you cannot vote, which sucks. And it's really made me reflect a lot about how what that right means and that it's not something that you should take for granted.

[B]

So do it 100%. Sorry, one sec. Almost. Golfer. Final thoughts?

[F]

Yeah, just kind of piggyback on what Kirsten saying is messed up. As the United States is, we have the right to vote. If you've got the able body and the time and the mind to do so. Like the most important thing you can possibly do for your civic duty other than helping your neighbor out. So I don't know. It'd be hard to convince Luffy to vote, but shouldn't be that hard to convince you to vote.

[B]

It depends if Mead is involved. If you broadcast, I feel like you could do it. But would he research anything about them? He'd probably go by like name or something.

[F]

Who did Nami vote for? That's who he'd vote for.

[D]

Yeah, probably.

[B]

Yeah.

[F]

No way he's piggybacking off of Zorro or Sanji or Usopp. It's gonna be Nami.

[B]

Maybe Usopp.

[D]

I could see Usopp being a responsible voter.

[B]

He would be. He definitely would be. He'd be out there, but he'd be also too scared to do anything to. He wouldn't get indicted. I don't think. No.

[D]

Luffy would actually. Despite not voting, Luffy would get indicted already.

[B]

I wouldn't be surprised. Dr. Bentlyn, what about you? Final thoughts?

[E]

Yeah, I think the conversation was very interesting. It was very enriching. I think right now in our country, there's a lot of times of unrest and political chaos. So it's good to have a fresh voice that is fighting for the good causes. I always go back to this quote that history belongs to the ones who participate in it. So if you want to be part of the good side of history, as one piece has taught us, participate, raise your voice and really lift the people that are fighting for all the good causes. So I'm thankful for this platform to talk about those things.

[B]

Sure. And where could people find you? Dr. Bentley?

[E]

Yes, I am on Blue Sky. I am the One Piece Doctor at BlueSky Social and I post all about research, updates, papers, upcoming trips. I'm going to be presenting at C2E2, the pop culture convention in Chicago in a couple of weeks, actually in March. And I'm going to be on a panel about anime manga study. So if you want to see where I'm going and where I'm traveling to talk about more of one piece papers, follow me there. Thank you.

[B]

Thank you. Golfer. Where could people find you?

[F]

Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, all the same name. Golfer. Gare, I'm not on Blue sky yet. I'm still a little young for that.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Wow.

[E]

You're older than me. Golfer.

[F]

I'm young and hard.

[B]

I don't know. Yeah, well, Twitter, you know, I won't get started there. Yeah, I don't think that's an age thing at this point. No, but you'll get there. You'll get some gray. At some point it has to happen. Kirsten, what about you? Where could people find you?

[D]

You can find me on Instagram at K I R C A R E Y G T R and you can find me on Blue sky without the GTR bit.

[B]

You'll find that guitar one day.

[D]

I'll find I'll find my guitar one day. On Blue Sky.

[B]

On Blue Sky. You can follow me. Zacklogan.com on Blue Sky. If you haven't, check out the One Piece podcast. We release episodes every week talking about the latest chapter of the manga, but even if you're not caught up, it's still a lot of fun. You could also join us on [e-mail] OnePiecePodcast. You could check out our Patreon exclusive series forced to watch 4Kids, in which our host Steve and Alex watch the entire 4 kids dub of One Piece and talk about it. That one's great. You could also join our Sticker of the Month club where you could get a sticker every month from one of the amazing pieces of art that gets drawn for every episode of our show. And we also have alternate art, alternate titles, and exclusive early releases for episodes like this and a lot more. So. Patreon.com One Piece podcast I hope you're subscribed by the end of the sentence. And yeah, go out there and vote. It's been said more important during these times than any. Not that they're not always. Fortunately, they're always the most important elections of our lifetime. But this continues to be true. And let's just get more the correctly political people who are also One Piece fans into Congress. I think that's great. Once we get, you know, a plurality of Congress as One Piece fans, I think we'll be in good shape as a country finally. Maybe we'll see. But until next time, hope you join us for a future episode of the podcast. My name is Zach. We'll see you next time, everyone. Goodbye.

[C]

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