Join or Die: What Fandom Can Teach Us About Saving Community

In this special episode of Heart of a Fan, host Matthew Barry sits down with Rebecca Davis—co-director of the Netflix documentary Join or Die—to explore the power of community, the decline of civic life, and why sports fandom might be the last great space for belonging in modern America.

Based on the groundbreaking research of Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam (Bowling Alone), this conversation dives into what we’re really losing when we stop joining clubs, cheering together, or showing up for one another—and how we can rebuild that connection through student sections, supporters’ groups, and small acts of togetherness.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just feeling the weight of isolation, this episode is for anyone who believes in the power of showing up—for your team, your community, and your future.

🎧 Featuring:
– Why social capital matters more than ever
– How fandom functions as modern civic life
– The story behind Join or Die and its mission
– What teams, fans, and institutions can do to rebuild trust

📍Watch the film: joinordiefilm.com
🎥 Now streaming on Netflix
🌐 Learn more: heartofafan.org