Key Takeaways

  • The podcast preview discusses a complex and troubled relationship between two individuals, Chris Halali and Zippora Lagarde, who met on OKCupid.
  • Despite a brief, strictly sexual relationship, the couple decided to have a child together within a two-week period.
  • Chris Halali, who has some military background and Kurdish heritage, informed Zippora Lagarde that he was going to Syria to fight for the Kurdish YPG while she was pregnant.
  • The narrative highlights themes of modern dating, political activism, and the complexities of relationships, particularly when children are involved.

Segments

Meeting on OKCupid and Initial Connection (~00:03:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Chris Halali and Zippora Lagarde met on OKCupid in March 2016, bonding over shared leftist ideals and experiences as people of color in white-dominated spaces.
  • Summary: The narrative begins with Chris Halali, son of an Iranian and a Greek and a communist organizer, meeting Zippora Lagarde, a Black woman from New Orleans, on OKCupid. Despite an initial ghosting, they reconnected through a Facebook group.
Queer Exchange and Relationship Dynamics (~00:05:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The couple’s reconnection occurred via a ‘Queer Exchange’ Facebook group, highlighting the platform’s diverse uses from community support to casual transactions.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the nature of ‘Queer Exchange’ Facebook groups, describing them as spaces for community help, selling items, and personal announcements. Chris responded to Zippora’s plea for help on such a group, leading to their eventual meeting at a party.
Brief Relationship and Unexpected Pregnancy (~00:08:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Chris and Zippora engaged in a ‘strictly sexual’ relationship for two weeks, during which they intentionally decided to have a child together.
  • Summary: After reconnecting, Chris and Zippora entered a two-week sexual relationship. Zippora later revealed she was pregnant, a development they had apparently planned for within that short timeframe, though Chris was in the process of divorcing someone else at the time.
Chris’s Plans and Zippora’s Reaction (~00:12:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Chris informed Zippora that he was heading to Syria to fight for the Kurdish YPG, a decision that complicated their situation given her pregnancy and their limited relationship.
  • Summary: Chris responded to Zippora’s pregnancy news with a mix of happiness and worry, revealing his plan to go to Syria to fight for the Kurdish YPG, potentially for a year or more. He offered support for any decision she made regarding the pregnancy, including abortion, and expressed concern about her raising a child alone.
Background on Kurdish YPG and Political Activism (~00:14:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The discussion touches on the Kurdish YPG as a U.S.-backed group fighting in Syria and the trend of Western leftists joining the cause, with Chris Halali having some military background and Kurdish heritage.
  • Summary: The hosts provide context on the Kurdish YPG, describing it as a libertarian socialist group involved in the Syrian conflict. They mention the phenomenon of Western leftists, including individuals with prior military experience or political motivations, joining this fight, referencing figures like Brace Belden.
Conclusion and Call to Action (~00:17:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The preview concludes by reiterating the complexity of the story and urging listeners to subscribe to Block Reported for the full episode.
  • Summary: The hosts wrap up the preview, emphasizing the intricate nature of Chris Halali and Zippora Lagarde’s story and encouraging listeners to become premium subscribers to hear the complete narrative.