Summary

Trust is the glue that holds democracy together. But today, Americans distrust almost everything — political parties, Congress, government agencies, even each other. In this episode, I look at where trust has frayed, where it still exists, and why it matters. From The West Wing’s fictional handover of power to neighbors helping each other with packages, we explore how trust once worked — and how we might rebuild it.

Resources & References

• In 2023, Congress passed just 27 laws — the lowest number since the Great Depression (PolitiFact).
• Michael Lewis, Who Is Government? (2025) — collection of essays on public servants’ contributions.
• Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (2000) — landmark work on declining civic engagement and trust.
• Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government: 1958–2023.
• Historical context of unequal justice for minorities in U.S. courts (Jim Crow, sentencing disparities).

Call to Action

Do you still see trust working — in your neighborhood, your community, or an institution you believe in? Send me your stories at shana@whynotme2028.com. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.

Email

shana@whynotme2028.com

Credits

Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson

Music by Universfield from Pixabay