About this episode

Published May 5th, 2025, 11:13 pm

Peter Putnam is a Detroit activist and former communist revolutionary whose new book aims to offer guidance for anyone struggling to find their purpose in today's tense political climate.

The book, "Talkin’ Bout a Revolution: Growing Our Souls in the Time of Trump," explores various ways for individuals to find happiness by living their values and become their best selves through revolutionary acts. The title plays on a phrase coined by late Detroit social activist Grace Lee Boggs, who Putnam knew personally and was largely inspired by in his life.

Putnam recently held a book talk at Detroit's James and Grace Lee Boggs Center. He joined The Metro to talk about the book and why he believes kindness and compassion are radical acts.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

—WDET's Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

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The Metro

Detroit activist on what it means to be a 'self-revolutionary'

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36m