#271: Why Do We Write? with Desimber Rose, Stuart Delony, Gil Stafford, and D.T. Bryant

·53 min·5 clips

Desimber Rose argues writing is activism to ensure voices are on the record against institutional erasure.

The episode begins with introductions of the hosts and four guest authors, all contributors to The Collective. The central question 'Why do you write?' is posed to the panel. Desimber Rose opens by framing writing as a form of activism, a necessary record against contemporary efforts to ban books and erase information. D.T. Bryant references Thomas Merton, suggesting writing is about being the voice that says 'the emperor has no clothes' and not conceding faith to those who misuse it. Stuart Delony says he writes out of anger at current events, to provoke and push back against what he sees as a 'stupid timeline.' Gil Stafford states he writes because he 'cannot not write,' often about topics like Tarot that feel dismissed by mainstream Christianity, and reveals he was excommunicated from the Episcopal Church for a previous book. The discussion naturally pivots from writing motivations to broader systemic analysis. Desimber Rose provides a detailed example of systemic racism in healthcare, explaining how racial bias in kidney transplant algorithms historically disadvantaged Black patients. This leads to a group analysis of how political and religious systems are perfectly designed to yield their current harmful results. The panel then examines the psychological and cultural phenomenon of identity fusion, particularly among MAGA supporters who treat political affiliation like a religious identity, comparing flags and devotion to Trump with idolatry. They critique figures like Pete Hegseth for weaponizing Christian language to justify warfare, highlighting a deep theological contradiction. Mystical Christian traditions are briefly referenced as an alternative, emphasizing becoming Christ through action rather than dogma. In closing, each panelist shares final thoughts on maintaining hope through community and small actions, and promotes their work and discount codes for The Collective membership.

As heard by us

A searching episode on political systems, historical change, and the hope that failing orders can be replaced.

This single-episode review centers on a hard question: why suffering keeps being produced by the systems people live inside. The discussion moves from Christianity's political entanglements into capitalism, holding onto the idea that systems tend to deliver the results they are…

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want to test why the systems around you keep producing the same damage, and collect a few historical receipts for imagining change.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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