Hi folks, Welcome to That Tracks, a Podcast where we break down the latest news about the Train barreling down the rails towards us! In this complicated and ever-changing landscape we exist in, we know that there can be a lot to digest about our impending head on collision with a train, and we're here to help you parse that information!
In this week's episode, we'll lay the groundwork for understanding exactly what the Train is and how it got here. We'll deep dive into the history of the American railway system, and discuss the impact that history has on us today as we sit right here on these rails.
But before we get into that, let's take a moment to shout out our Patreon. We wouldn't be able to produce this show without the support of listeners like you. If you become a Patreon, you will unlock all kinds of extras each episode, from our notes to an extended version of that week's episode, and you'll get to interact with us, your resident rail-heads, where you can ask us questions, and you can get them read on the show! Like this one, from Paul Smith:
"Hey guys! Very excited about this new show you're doing. I've been following you all since your days microbloging about how hot the pot seemed to be getting! Anyway, my question is this: So what advice do you have for others who are stuck here on the rails with you? I've been reading a lot recently, and this idea of 'getting off the rails' keeps coming up, but wanted to get your input! Thanks again, look forward to the show!"
Thanks, Paul! Listen, we've felt the same way as you before as well. It's a very tempting idea to simply 'get off the rails', and it's a great idea in theory! We have nothing against this notion, but what about everyone else on the rails? That's where this idea falls apart for us. At best, all you're doing is getting off the rails yourself, and leaving those who can't simply get off the rails behind. So think about your fellow rail sitters before you fall too deeply into this "off the rails" ideology! Hope that answers your question!
Now, on with the show...