It is no secret that we live in a world where we are so divided in many ways. Mention topics such as abortion, immigration, or guns, for instance, and you will almost immediately see people draw hardline boundaries with regard to where they stand. In some cases (and perhaps for good reason) there are folks who refuse to even have a conversation, preferring to stay in their lane rather than engage with the other side.
But for others, having good faith arguments are a way forward to potentially finding common ground and seeing the humanity in others where it gets lost in heated political debates. For award-winning Colombian actress Patricia Rae, best known for her work in popular 80’s TV series ‘Miami Vice’ and the Oscar-nominated film ‘Maria Full of Grace’, where she portrayed a Colombian immigrant living in NYC, coming to the table to have conversations about tough topics is how we make progress in the world.
As an outspoken activist for racial and gender equality, she has struggled to make Latinas visible in a positive light in film and on television, so Patricia understands the value of giving voice where there has been none previously.
She launched her podcast series ‘Believe This’ with co-host Chris Crim, (former podcaster from “Come Get Sum”) to create a safe space to hash out, good faith arguments, on hot topics, and social issues from their different perspectives, while still remaining friends.
Their goal is to have civilized conversations on controversial topics, in an effort to expand each other’s perspective. The nature of the conversations featured on the podcast are relatable and will be easily enjoyed by a multitude of listeners. The overall focus of the podcast revolves around critical thinking and the philosophy of “Let’s agree to disagree.”
In a world so divided, Patricia and Chris have hope that unity is possible, so we went one-on-one with Patricia to learn more about her mission with the podcast, a few of the big topics she and Chris have disagreed on, and what she hopes listeners will take away after hearing an episode.
Can you first tell us how you got into the world of entertainment, and why you chose this career path?
I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t want to be the center of attention! When I realized that I could make people laugh with my quick with and my antics, it affirmed my passion to create. I was always in the drama classes at whatever school I was attending. We moved a lot when I was young. Which created a need to fit in and belong. My acting skills helped me assimilate. But my first professional job came at 19, when I was asked to be an extra on the TV series “Miami Vice”, and I ended up booking a speaking part. Which gave me access to SAG.
You recently launched a new podcast series dedicated to good faith discussions about difficult and sometimes controversial topics. What made you create this series?
I’m a passionate person, and I believe in advocating for the under-represented. We are in a social climate where speaking your mind has become weaponized, and volatile if your position varies from the status quo. I believe people have a right to their own opinions, without the repercussions of being judged, or criticized, or afraid to even voice them.
How did you meet your cohost Chris Crim, and what kind of topics have you discussed with him where you both disagree?
Chris and I met on Twitter. He was a big fan of a show that I was a recurring cast member of, and I began to interact with, because he always had insightful and witty things to add to the conversation. He wanted to start a podcast, and I encouraged him, because he felt he had something to say. I had an idea for a holistic healing podcast, so I asked him how he got started. Honestly, I was intimidated by all the competition, so I gave up.
Chris tweeted he was interested in starting a new podcast, so I answered the call. From the start we knew we wanted to use our platform to voice our different perspectives on things. We had a spirited debate about the ‘Barbie’ movie, which I felt was heavy-handed with the male bashing, and the 15 minute cities had us pretty animated. Also, the DeSantis bill which is called the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act”, had Chris red hot under the collar.
Why do you feel this podcast series is important right now?
Our goal is to have civilized conversations on controversial topics, in a effort to expand people’s perspective. It’s okay to disagree with people. Everyone has a right to their own opinion— whether it’s biased or not. But if we don’t have the hard and uncomfortable conversations, we are perpetuating living in a myopic view of the world.
What are some topics you are currently very passionate about that have been featured on the series?
We’ve discussed the Vaccine controversy, The DeSantis “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Mckamey Manor which is a haunted torture attraction, 15 minute cities, rape culture, the ‘Barbie’ movie, The actors strike, woke culture, and the tipping craze.
Can you share your thoughts on why so many people are reluctant to listen to others they disagree with or why it might be scary?
People are afraid that if someone disagrees with their beliefs, it somehow invalidates them. Nobody likes to feel judged or threatened. But the point is to expand your perspective, and learn to respect other cultures and belief systems. Imagine a world where we were forced to believe and abide by the same philosophy. That to me is far scarier than disagreeing with someone over the abortion pill, or parental rights.
Do you have boundaries or hard lines on certain topics that you won’t give a platform to?
Chris and I have agreed that everything is fair game, even if some topics are more controversial than others. We recently had a guest author on who informed us on surviving sexual trauma and how “rape culture” is perpetuated.
What have been some of the most surprising conversations, either in your life or on the podcast, where you have been able to find common ground with someone vastly different than you?
Chris and I were on opposing views on the vaccine mandate. I’m against any form of vaccine mandates and he is pro. But we agreed in certain cases it is appropriate to have a mandate, when you are trying to stabilize an onslaught. But I still believe the government should also encourage other holistic options for adults with healthy immune systems.
In your opinion, how do different perspectives and lived experiences impact society and the world? Are we better off, or worse off in some cases?
Anytime you have the opportunity to understand an issue from someone else’s perspective, it just broadens yours. Whether you agree with their thoughts, beliefs or opinions. We can’t isolate ourselves from other points of view, and think we are living in a well rounded society.
What do you hope new listeners will love most about ‘Believe This’ and come back for after hearing an episode?
Our authenticity. We wanted to create a safe space where we could have discussions about social issues, and trending topics, and still remain friends at the end of the day. And I think we accomplished that with Believe This. Remember debate team, where you were encouraged to defend your point of view using critical thinking? That’s what we want for our listeners; to question, to broaden their perspectives, and to be able voice their opinions without the fear of being canceled. Period.
You can subscribe and listen to ‘Believe This’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, and Google play.
