Around the Table with the AOTR

S1 E24: Boundaries on the Battlefield: The Dysfunctional Mechanics of Advocacy

When unexpected scheduling conflicts shift the plan, the conversation doesn't stop—it deepens. In this special solo episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, host Sai Marie Johnson steps up to the mic for an honest, unfiltered look at the high-stakes reality of modern advocacy. We map out the intersectionality of extreme public pressure and internal movement dynamics, examining the macro-level legal battles surrounding figures like Jake Lang and the intense daily realities on the ground for Dave the Viking. Sai correlates these high-pressure environments with the recent wave of burnout hitting dedicated advocates like Jolly and Echo, breaking down exactly why so many are choosing to step back. This episode is a critical look at the dysfunctional mechanics that can tear grassroots spaces apart from the inside out, and a necessary reminder of why drawing hard, uncompromising boundaries around your time, labor, and peace isn't a betrayal of the cause—it’s the only way to survive it. Tune in for a raw, grounded discussion on self-preservation in the trenches. URGENT MUTUAL AID CALL  Our community needs help. Sai is still fighting the legal battle from injuries sustained at the MDC. If you feel inclined to donate toward her aid - You can donate directly to Sai: Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] CashApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BuyMeACoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BEV’S HEALING JOURNEY Bev is recovering from surgery and needs our high-vibe support. * Follow Bev's Teal Journey Updates: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Day 1: Beginning a Journey I Never Wanted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://example.com] * Support Bev's Recovery: Help ease the burden of medical costs via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bev's Cancer Journey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbf8uv-help-with-my-cancer-journey?attribution_id=sl:0d208dc3-348f-4a94-b917-dcfcec073a96&lang=en_GB&ts=1771985492&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link].

S1 E23: ANTIFA IS AMERICAN - Dave the Viking & Jake Lang Fight?

As the social media buzz reaches a fever pitch, one question looms large: What’s really happening with the Antifa vs. Jake Lang fight challenge? Listen to Jolly Good Ginger's Reel of the Challenge Convos here! [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1285389957084615] Listen to the extended conversation on Profitt SC's reel here! [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1340198184628184] In this episode, Bev & Sai dive deep into the monumental details surrounding this matchup, including the community's reaction and the implications of turning social media drama into a real sporting event. The challenge initiated by Dave the Viking to Jake Lang isn’t just a simple spat; it's a reflection of deeper societal issues and community dynamics. The interest from both supporters and critics illustrates the thirst for genuine competition and accountability in today’s polarized environment. URGENT MUTUAL AID CALL  Our community needs help. Sai is still fighting the legal battle from injuries sustained at the MDC. If you feel inclined to donate toward her aid - You can donate directly to Sai: Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE⁠⁠⁠ [https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] CashApp: ⁠⁠⁠https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON⁠⁠⁠ [https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BuyMeACoffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie⁠⁠⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BEV’S HEALING JOURNEY Bev is recovering from surgery and needs our high-vibe support. * Follow Bev's Teal Journey Updates: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Day 1: Beginning a Journey I Never Wanted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://example.com] * Support Bev's Recovery: Help ease the burden of medical costs via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bev's Cancer Journey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbf8uv-help-with-my-cancer-journey?attribution_id=sl:0d208dc3-348f-4a94-b917-dcfcec073a96&lang=en_GB&ts=1771985492&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link].

S1 E22: The Danger of Influence and Predatory Behavior: Simona Bearcub & Christy Perez Situation

NOTE: Sai misspoke and identified Simona as Lakota. Simona's identity is as follows: Simona was born to Oceti Sakowin. Simona belongs to the Nakoda, Dakota, and Mono nations. Simona is red bottom clan, canoe paddler band, and Bear clan. (otherwise known as Sioux) Also, Nathan Chasing Horse, not Chasing Bull* On this episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, Bev and I break down the specific details of the situation involving Dr. Christy Perez and Simona Bearcub. We focus on the importance of maintaining an ironclad public record and why documented evidence is the cornerstone of investigative journalism and community advocacy. We discuss the refusal to withdraw formal complaints and the necessity of keeping these histories visible. This episode is a deep dive into accountability, the weight of legal documentation, and the pursuit of transparency in complex social justice cases. Transparency is non-negotiable. You can verify the documents and case history discussed in this episode by using the official court portal and the specific case identifier. * Case Number: 11CR00400-B * Search the Portal: Douglas County Court Records Search [https://courts.dcga.us/WebSearch/mainpage.aspx] * Supporting Documentation: View the Case Evidence & Records [https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17994020825780503/] URGENT MUTUAL AID CALL  Our community needs help. Sai is still fighting the legal battle from injuries sustained at the MDC. If you feel inclined to donate toward her aid - You can donate directly to Sai: Venmo: ⁠⁠https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE⁠⁠ [https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] CashApp: ⁠⁠https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON⁠⁠ [https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BuyMeACoffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie⁠⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BEV’S HEALING JOURNEY Bev is recovering from surgery and needs our high-vibe support. * Follow Bev's Teal Journey Updates: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Day 1: Beginning a Journey I Never Wanted⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://example.com] * Support Bev's Recovery: Help ease the burden of medical costs via ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bev's Cancer Journey⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbf8uv-help-with-my-cancer-journey?attribution_id=sl:0d208dc3-348f-4a94-b917-dcfcec073a96&lang=en_GB&ts=1771985492&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link].

S1 E21: Unearthing Buried Truths with Beth Castrodale

Around the Table with the AOTR is honored to welcome Beth Castrodale! A multi-award-winning and highly acclaimed author known for her intricate literary mysteries and rich character-driven narratives, Beth joins Bev &Sai for a compelling conversation about the secrets we carry and the art of unearthing buried truths. In this episode, we explore the deeply human threads that shape her work—from the alchemy of suspense to the emotional complexities that live beneath the surface of family histories and forgotten pasts. You can find more of Beth Castrodale’s work and literary insights at Beth Castrodale's Official Site [https://www.bethcastrodale.com] URGENT MUTUAL AID CALL  Our community needs help. Both Sai Marie and Dave the Viking are facing legal and personal challenges following a recent protest, and they urgently need funds for travel, legal costs, and support. Sai Marie sustained serious injuries after being unlawfully detained by the LAPD, despite being there as a member of the press. Sai needs mutual aid for court, and traveling cost. You can donate directly to Sai: Venmo: ⁠https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE⁠ [https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] CashApp: ⁠https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON⁠ [https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BuyMeACoffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] Dave the Viking was cited on 3/28/2026 at "NO KINGS 3" and requires immediate support for court costs moving forward. Help Dave out through his GoFundMe: Dave's GoFundMe: ⁠https://gofund.me/7b4312970⁠ [https://gofund.me/7b4312970?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] Please donate what you can, and if you are unable to donate, please share this widely. This is needed AS ASAP. Mutual aid is our strength! BEV’S HEALING JOURNEY Bev is recovering from surgery and needs our high-vibe support. * Follow Bev's Teal Journey Updates: 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Day 1: Beginning a Journey I Never Wanted⁠⁠⁠ [https://example.com] * Support Bev's Recovery: Help ease the burden of medical costs via ⁠⁠⁠Bev's Cancer Journey⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbf8uv-help-with-my-cancer-journey?attribution_id=sl:0d208dc3-348f-4a94-b917-dcfcec073a96&lang=en_GB&ts=1771985492&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link].

S1 E20: Frontlines & Firsthand: Survival at March of No Kings 3.0

How do you stay focused when a celebratory march turns into a tactical flashpoint? In this episode, we sit down with activist and documentarian Sai Marie to dissect her experience at the March of No Kings 3.0 in Los Angeles. From the vibrant cultural displays of the Ciudad de Catrinas to the sudden shift into police engagement, Sai shares a raw look at the realities of on-the-ground activism. Sai & Bev explore the psychological shift into "high-vigilance" mode, the physical toll of chemical weapons, and the essential strategies for maintaining composure under pressure.  URGENT MUTUAL AID CALL  Our community needs help. Both Sai Marie and Dave the Viking are facing legal and personal challenges following a recent protest, and they urgently need funds for travel, legal costs, and support. Sai Marie sustained serious injuries after being unlawfully detained by the LAPD, despite being there as press. Sai needs mutual aid for court costs and travel, plus support during recovery. You can donate directly to Sai: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE [https://venmo.com/u/SAI_MARIE?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] CashApp: https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON [https://cash.app/$SAIMARIEJOHNSON?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie [https://buymeacoffee.com/saimarie?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] Dave the Viking was cited on 3/28/2026 at "NO KINGS 3" and requires immediate support for court and travel costs to attend court on the 20th. Help Dave out through his GoFundMe: Dave's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7b4312970 [https://gofund.me/7b4312970?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZE1QNHZyZlRDb1BuT0VPZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7vO6at4AotowoXyfvA6rEcFIl2DFILNOthOlXr-GSSYRzhmps9GgqN3yGn1w_aem_EEg2qF97l22VVU5N4yjNYw] Please donate what you can, and if you are unable to donate, please share this widely. This is needed AS ASAP. Mutual aid is our strength! BEV’S HEALING JOURNEY Bev is recovering from surgery and needs our high-vibe support. * Follow Bev's Teal Journey Updates: 👉 ⁠⁠Day 1: Beginning a Journey I Never Wanted⁠⁠ [https://example.com] * Support Bev's Recovery: Help ease the burden of medical costs via ⁠⁠Bev's Cancer Journey⁠⁠ [https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbf8uv-help-with-my-cancer-journey?attribution_id=sl:0d208dc3-348f-4a94-b917-dcfcec073a96&lang=en_GB&ts=1771985492&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link].