For years rightwing narratives have dominated all forms of media - radio, newspapers, TV stations, podcasts. All are concerned with pushing a singular vision for the United States - a vision that takes us back more than 100 years. A vision that is founded on outdated and fascistic principles. A vision that is for one specific, and well-defined group of people that says, ‘power for me, but not for thee”. We, at Essential Worker, reject all that bullshit.

We want to create a media infrastructure that is truly for everyone. We want to complete the goals of the Reconstruction - the political project that began 150 years ago but was abandoned for political convenience (we have conversations over this in future episodes).

Ultimately, we want to write and project a new vision for our country - one that finally makes us a FULLY multi-ethnic representative democracy. One that gives representation to all groups of people to live out their lives in dignity and respect.

That is who we are. That is what we want to work towards. Join us?

I grew up in a small town in East Texas; well, technically, I grew up in the middle of the country - in a community called Deadwood - right on the Louisiana state line. When I was 12 I moved to the nearest town for a school and a better job environment. That time in the country continues to hold a firm grasp on my identity. The virtues my parents instilled in me through interactions with family, church, and that strong, albeit small, community are carried with me as I travel throughout the world - in my current profession as a public school teacher, as an organizer for my union, and in my future marriage. These virtues include: creating and caretaking community, sacrifice for the greater good, stewardship of the environment, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and abhorrent greed as the root of all evil.

These weren’t seen or taught as any kind of leftist value set. They were seen as conservative principles. Commonsense and universal. As I grew up and experienced the world for myself I understood these values as intrinsically good and worth fighting for - and that capitalism was creating the conditions for the erosion of these values.

Where are we going with this podcast: it is to build a foundation for future organization and education endeavors. The podcast will be to build up a leftist media environment to counter right-wing networks and provide alternative narratives to the typical centrist ones we engage with on a daily basis. The show will be a mixture of education, organizational tips, and cultural entertainment. We will do this through three unique stages of growth:

The format for Stage 1 of the podcast will be an interview-style show. We will bring in guest speakers that will directly educate on what is happening locally, state-wide, and then nationally and use this education for direct action. A website will directly accompany the podcast - as well as social media to keep listeners informed.

The format for Stage 2 will be a touring show (along with the familiar format in stage 1). The tour will have guest speakers, a long-term co-host (that would hopefully provide levity to the serious discussion topics), and games. We will expand to social media accounts making informational videos about different leftist topics.

The format for Stage 3 will be creating policy think tanks, and political education ‘schools’ to teach a whole host of relevant topics: from economics, public education, pedagogy, environmental policy, criminal law, philosophy, etc. fully organized political action groups, leftist campaign consulting firms, even venture into full documentaries and conferences - all again (to go along with stage 1) to build and expand a leftist media environment that will rival and replace the rightwing and centrist media outlets we deal with today in 2023.

Hi! My name is Christopher Wilkins. I am an educator, writer, organizer proud union member of Alliance/AFT 2260 - and future media host. I live in Dallas, TX and I’d love to meet you.

I have a fiance, 2 dogs (Frieda and Sam), and a cat (Rory).