Outside Issues

Patrick Newman and Audrey Comber
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A Seattle-based social worker and an LA-based creative navigate their personal recoveries from drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and mental disorders amidst encroaching political turmoil and social decay. Hosts Audrey Comber and Patrick Newman attempt to bridge the divide between recovery and world events, recognizing that we live in a society and these dynamics feed each other. Guests from the world of politics and organizing, psychology and 12-step recovery, disability activism and more will supplement an ongoing conversation between two friends seeking to heal the world as they heal themselves. In a time when the environment, democracy and vulnerable populations are under siege, Outside Issues offers education and solidarity across class and identity lines, advocating for the dignity and value of every person. Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A Logo art by Graffiti F***s (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

  1. God, Give Them What They Need

    17 DEC

    God, Give Them What They Need

    Dr. Jamie Marich - clinical trauma specialist, LGBTQIA+ advocate and author of Trauma and the 12 Steps - joins us as we return again to the intersection between recovery and social justice. Audrey and Jamie talk about spirituality, trauma, and the Steps. Is there such a thing as unconditional love? Is there any daylight between helplessness and powerlessness? We submit that there may be spiritual value in praying for those we resent, even Donald Trump. More about Jamie Marich: https://jamiemarich.com/meet-jamie/ Jamie’s recent Substack: “A Good Clinician is a Good Clinician: A Response to the Department of Education: https://open.substack.com/pub/jamiemarich/p/a-good-clinician-is-a-good-clinician?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Opening quote by Greta Thunberg Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Jamie Merrick on Trauma in the 12 Steps(00:09:47) - How to Heal an Addict: Healing the Brain(00:13:35) - The 12 Steps: Healing From Religious Trauma(00:20:50) - Patrick, What's Your Take On Unconditional Love(00:23:33) - Forgive and Regret: The Resentment Prayer(00:32:33) - Has anything changed about your personal recovery practice or your work?(00:36:58) - Have You Redone the 12 Steps?

    43 min
  2. A Vision for You

    9 DEC

    A Vision for You

    Before getting into news (Israel Eurovision controversy, continued Trump ICE-fronted bigotry, war crimes) Audrey talks about her 20 year high school reunion and Patrick processes the pain of an ex who struggles with homelessness. Opening quote by Greta Thunberg Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Opening quote by Greta Thunberg Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - The urgency of climate issues(00:01:02) - Bipolar Patient on Being Happy(00:04:07) - My High School Reunion Was A Whack(00:08:34) - I Can't Help My Ex-Girlfriend Who's Trying To(00:15:57) - A movie theater employee's touching story(00:16:23) - I Blocked Her Parents From Contact(00:22:19) - I Had A Lot Of Guilt Over My Relationship With Maddie(00:27:08) - Russell Brand on Israel(00:33:21) - Trump's Racist Comments on Immigration(00:38:00) - Trump's Military Strikes in the Caribbean

    41 min
  3. The Greatest ChatGPT Romance Ever Told

    6 NOV

    The Greatest ChatGPT Romance Ever Told

    Deep thoughts on favorite serial killers from Wisconsin, ghost roommates, and the blue stuff RFK ingests in an attempt to extend his horrible life. Congratulations to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city of New York, and citizens everywhere who refuse to sink into despair. Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Outside Issues With Audrey and Patrick(00:01:20) - I Saw An ICE Raid Outside My Workplace(00:05:10) - What's Your Little Joyful Pocket of Life?(00:11:57) - On Writing With A Horse(00:16:58) - What's The Best Halloween Candy?(00:17:54) - Which Classic Monster Would Make The Best roommate?(00:21:41) - Do You Scare The Kids With Horror Movies?(00:26:10) - Follow The Eyes Of The Clown

    29 min
  4. 36 Cents and a Pair of Sunglasses

    27 OCT

    36 Cents and a Pair of Sunglasses

    For domestic violence awareness month, Audrey shares her experience strength and hope, both from a clinical perspective and from once living in the 90th percentile of homicide risk from her abuser. To show up for survivors, the most important thing we can do is listen to them, believe them, validate their experience. The role of anger can be valid and constructive, not just self-immolating.   We also touch on ongoing ICE kidnappings, the radicalization of the liberal Democratic base, controversy surrounding progressive Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, continued rizz of the Mamdani campaign, and the tsunami of the national No Kings protest.   U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233   Domestic Violence online resources (Instagram) for those who may need help: @ndvhofficial @rainn @childhelp @nrcdv @deafhotline @niwrc @strongheartsDV @futureswithoutviolence @womenforwomen @blackandmissingfdn   Opening quote by Evan Rachel Wood   Title references Tina Turner’s escape from her abuser with little more than the clothes on her back.   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - White Privilege in Domestic Violence(00:07:17) - Graham Platner on Sen. Susan Collins(00:13:43) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month(00:22:01) - Domestic Violence Awareness Month(00:25:02) - Domestic Violence Survivor Talking About Healing(00:29:29) - In the Elevator With JD Vance(00:32:00) - One of many places where men can contribute positively to this problem(00:34:23) - No Kings Protest: How Was the Protest?

    37 min
  5. Bedford Forrest Medals of Honor

    6 OCT

    Bedford Forrest Medals of Honor

    Audrey and Patrick discuss Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s address to top military brass. The continued deployment of U.S. troops to cities (bolstering ICE brutalities) plays a key role in the continued degradation of American institutions and the rapid drop into authoritarianism we’re all experiencing. Met during treatment in early recovery, Audrey’s friend and former service member Richard Orosco joins us. Richard is a third-generation Mexican American from Redondo Beach, California, and a proud U.S. Army veteran. A graduate of Mira Costa High School’s class of 1996, Richard enlisted shortly after graduation and served nearly six years as a truck driver, with assignments in Korea and across the United States. After a service-related injury led to a medical discharge, he has spent the years since focusing on recovery and personal growth, overcoming PTSD and anxiety through dedicated therapy and support from the VA in Long Beach. Today, Richard is happily married, a proud father to his daughter attending Cal State Long Beach, and continues to embrace life’s next chapters with optimism, gratitude, and a passion for travel and self-improvement.   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject Every bit helps.   Opening conversation between Elissa Slotkin and Pete Hegseth was taken from his confirmation hearing. Title references the fictional (for now) “Bedford Forrest Medal of Honor” bestowed upon Col. Steven J. Lockjaw in One Battle After Another, in theaters now.   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Secretary of Defense: No President Has the Right to Use the Uniform(00:01:29) - Richard's Mother Meets His Sister(00:08:19) - One HIV patient's journey to recovery(00:13:35) - One father's journey back to sobriety(00:17:48) - Richard Orozco on His Journey To Sobriety(00:19:58) - Bipolar 2 and Borderline Personality Disorder(00:27:40) - Richard on the President's Military Speech(00:35:22) - Veterans Talk About Their Fear(00:41:30) - Let Trump Be Trump: Martin Sheen

    45 min
  6. Living in Eddington

    13 SEPT

    Living in Eddington

    In light of Charlie Kirk’s murder, this week we talk about political violence and review “Eddington,” Ari Aster’s recent film that explores America's culture war, alienation, and predilection for carnage.   “You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won't have a single gun death. That is nonsense. It's drivel. But I think it's worth it. I think it's worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe.” • Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA Faith event in 2023.   For excellent journalism focusing on trans rights: https://www.erininthemorning.com/   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda   Support humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Opening clip from Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine”   Music from Jefferson Ross’ Southern Currency and Herman Kluge’s Society of Little Friends   Episode Art by Perry Kneisel   Main logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Outside Issues With Audrey and Patrick(00:00:58) - Charlie Kirk's Death Is Unthinkable(00:08:53) - Charlie Kirk's Death on the Left(00:14:15) - Matthew Dowd on the Shooting of Charlie Kirk(00:19:19) - Post-Watching The Dark Knight(00:19:53) - The Ballot in(00:24:11) - Emma Stone on 'The Wife'(00:31:25) - Ted Garcia's Campaign Commercial(00:33:23) - On The Left vs The Right(00:39:58) - How to Recharge Yourself During the Holidays(00:40:43) - How Can You Win or Lose?

    45 min
  7. Paradox of Tolerance

    8 SEPT

    Paradox of Tolerance

    Our friend Jake shares his experience of being trans, queer and disabled, working overtime to survive a political climate that terrorizes marginalized groups. Central to his survival has been an aggressive pursuit of all the tools available -  mental health support, political action, even home gardening - which can be mobilized to help him live. We need to talk about suicide and how that’s connected to political choices and the material conditions they foster. Trans rights are human rights. The harm visited on any marginalized group is a threat to us all. As the saying goes: if they can do it to “them” - be it immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, Palestinians in Gaza, the unhoused - they can do it to “us.”   For excellent journalism focusing on trans rights: https://www.erininthemorning.com   Donate to the ACLU to support trans rights and fight the Trump agenda: https://action.aclu.org/give/pm-donate-fight-trump-agenda   Support humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Introductory quote by Hunter Schafer   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Trans People Talk About The Trump Era(00:05:59) - The Need to Leave the United States(00:13:43) - The Suicide Crisis Line for Trans People(00:18:57) - Trans People on the Suicide Hotline(00:22:24) - How To Help Yourself When You're Suicidally(00:26:36) - How Have You Been Stopping Suicidality?(00:35:23) - The Fight for a Just World

    41 min
  8. Progress Inevitable

    29 AUG

    Progress Inevitable

    In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Audrey remembers loved one Adam Popp, who passed away far too young from a drug overdose. We talk about harm reduction, soul mates, and Prince. As much as is possible, we encourage those with loved ones in the throes of addiction to try and hold on, in ways big or small. Human connection and socialization remains one of the most effective ways to combat addiction’s isolating effects. Where there’s life, there’s hope.   International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st. https://www.overdoseday.com/   Prevention toolkit: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/toolkits/ioad.html   Adam’s DJ moniker “Progress Inevitable” lends our closing song, “Fire.” More of his music is available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/proginev   Please consider donating to humanitarian aid for Ukraine: https://novaukraine.org   The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): https://www.pcrf.net   Further relief options to the victims of genocide and famine through The Sameer Project:  https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject   Every bit helps.   Introductory quote by Chris Cornell   Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A   Logo art by Patrick Mitchell and Angelina Harvey (@graffitifucks on Instagram) Chapters (00:00:00) - Scott Weiland on the Need for More Musicians(00:00:43) - Bipolar patient talks about his medication(00:02:58) - Phil Collins on Overdose Awareness(00:09:52) - When You Do Drugs With A Republican For A Week(00:14:09) - My Soulmate Was Abusive(00:19:40) - One More Voice for Recovering From A Drug Overdose(00:27:58) - Bipolar 12 Step Participants on Harm Reduction(00:31:08) - Adam overdosed on Prince's music

    35 min
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About

A Seattle-based social worker and an LA-based creative navigate their personal recoveries from drugs and alcohol, domestic violence and mental disorders amidst encroaching political turmoil and social decay. Hosts Audrey Comber and Patrick Newman attempt to bridge the divide between recovery and world events, recognizing that we live in a society and these dynamics feed each other. Guests from the world of politics and organizing, psychology and 12-step recovery, disability activism and more will supplement an ongoing conversation between two friends seeking to heal the world as they heal themselves. In a time when the environment, democracy and vulnerable populations are under siege, Outside Issues offers education and solidarity across class and identity lines, advocating for the dignity and value of every person. Main show theme is “Strangers” by Midnight Prisms Music and lyrics by Alicia Beck Music and production by Max Foreman Mastering by Little Castle Sound Please follow and listen to Midnight Prisms on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/artist/3o5jiLSZMoSXNWL98UBxYI?si=sK-K7IoUSp-QfFKgUwVY7A Logo art by Graffiti F***s (@graffitifucks on Instagram)

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Newman and Audrey Comber
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Outside Issues