In the fourth episode of Denmark Calling, we meet John Patrick from San Luis Obispo, California - a city ranked by some as the happiest in America. John is not particularly impressed. \"To be the happiest city in America,\" he says, \"is a pretty low bar at this stage.\"
John works as a debate coach at California Polytechnic State University. It's a profession that barely exists outside the United States, but one with deep roots in the American university system - and one that John believes is essential to a functioning democracy.
The episode explores California's contradictions: Silicon Valley and homeless encampments, progressive legislation and growing inequality. And free speech - which John considers the best thing about America, but which he argues most Americans are remarkably bad at using.
We hear about the Scandinavian relatives John discovered through an email he assumed was a scam. About comedian George Carlin, swearing, and the four historic categories of profanity in the English language. And about what happens to a country when its leaders stop bothering to argue properly.
One state. One voice. One honest conversation.
If you'd like to be part of the podcast, visit denmarkcalling.com and click Join - I'm looking for Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and political views from all 50 states.
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