What do we do next?
What do we do next?
Podcast Description
Are you completely overwhelmed by the news cycle and find yourself just looking for direction, guidance, a plan and a semblance of hope? Finding yourself unsure of how to communicate with friends, family and professional relationships but feel compelled to do more? You are in the right place. The goal of this podcast is to give you actionable advice to empower you and enable you to empower others. It's not breaking news, you get enough of that. Together we will find a path forward by having conversations that move the needle and give us all the direction we are looking for. whatdowedonext.substack.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of empowerment, community action, and political engagement, with episodes delving into topics such as local elections, the intricacies of immigration law, and navigating personal and parental conversations around sensitive issues. Specific episodes include deep discussions on running for office, engaging with local governance, and understanding the stakes of immigration terminology.
Feeling paralyzed by the news cycle? This podcast cuts through the noise to give you practical steps for engaging in democracy, communicating across divides, and making real impact—no breaking news, just direction.
Welcome back to “What Do We Do Next?” on today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Brodsky—better known as the Fence Fairy—joining us all the way from Key West. Anne is an unwavering advocate, artist, and community builder whose activism and rainbow fences have sparked hope and resilience throughout her community and far beyond. With decades of experience—from child welfare to fighting for equality—Anne shares her personal journey, the powerful women who inspired her, and her mission to spread joy, unity, and resistance through art, one rainbow fence at a time.
In our conversation, Anne and I dig into her stories of perseverance, the importance of community action, standing strong in the face of adversity, and how even a simple rainbow fence can become a beacon of hope. We also discuss practical ways each of us can get involved. If you’re searching for inspiration and a reminder that change truly begins with every one of us, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:47 – Family influence and early activism04:17 – Making and sharing mini fences08:53 – Spreading love with repurposed paint14:18 – Standing against division and hate17:49 – One person can make impact21:11 – The importance of women and community22:58 – Neighborhood disputes over painted fences26:43 – Opposition to rainbow fences30:06 – Discussing women challenging power35:22 – Giving back to your community37:06 – Running for DNC position41:06 – Processing grief and accountability43:49 – Brainstorming community-driven collaboration49:15 – Offering campaign support services49:51 – Outro
Key TakeawaysThe Power of OneService and SolidarityAdversity to ActionLegacy of MatriarchsCommunity is Our CompassAllyship in ActionKeep Passing the BatonFocus ForwardThere is Always Hope
Quotes“Your voice matters, your vote matters, your spirit is important, and I value you. We are not alone—there is hope out there, and action is what replenishes us.” – Anne Brodsky
“One person really can make such a huge difference in the world—all it takes is that little bit of drive to want to do that.” – Molly Ruland
Anne Brodsky:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anne.brodsky.58
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