Dear community,

I'm back in wintry Scotland enjoying time with family and friends. I hope that, wherever you are, and whatever you may be doing, you can also carve out a pocket of peace to turn towards with those you love as the world keeps howling onward.

It's that time of year again for the special episode, where subscribers submit their questions about Planet: Critical, Planet: Coordinate, and anything else on their minds. If you're new, you can get a feel for the special episodes in 2023 and 2024. Submit your questions via this online form. I pick around 10 for the episode. You can also use the form to submit feedback.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for being here. The global economy has taken a significant downturn for the everyman since Trump took power, and I'm aware that those of you who support Planet: Critical with a paid subscription are feeling the pinch more than ever. I've noticed how many people are having to downgrade their subscriptions this year, and have received personal emails from quite a number of subscribers explaining and even apologising. There is no apology necessary; we are all in this together. I am deeply grateful for those who can support my work with a paid subscription, and deeply grateful for those who support by sharing my work across the internet. I'm thankful you're all here, reading, listening and engaging with what began as a passion project and has blossomed into a career. You have given me so much.

If you want to upgrade your subscription, or if you need to downgrade, you can do so by managing your subscription here. You can also leave a one-off tip. I will hold out and continue to do this work for as long as I can.

I'm taking the next two weeks off to celebrate the height of winter, new year and my birthday, so you've got some time to submit your questions for the special episode. I'll be back the first week of January with my answers.

Until then, I wish you warmth, grit and rest.

With kindness,
Rachel