Public Figment

A Brief Felt Interlude

I have an essay in the works all about our trip to Korea, and where we are with the government shutdown (Jake is currently furloughed and I’m on…

Nov 5 • 

Dot Dannenberg

2

October 2025

The Frictions

Dear Friends, One of the perks of living overseas is what we call a “Unicorn Day.” As the name implies, it is full of rainbow sparkles and magic: a day…

Oct 13 • 

Dot Dannenberg

8

2

The Fig | The Frictions

Paid Subscribers can listen to this week’s episode of The Fig. The government is shut down, but life continues on--with community trips, veterinary…

Oct 13 • 

Dot Dannenberg

2

17:23

September 2025

Loosely

Paid subscribers to Public Figment have access to today’s letter. Sometimes I need to write things that are more personal or controversial—things for a…

Sep 28 • 

Dot Dannenberg

10

The Fig | Loosely

Paid Subscribers can listen to this week’s episode of The Fig, where I’m talking about navigating frustration, what’s new in Foreign Service bidding…

Sep 28 • 

Dot Dannenberg

1

11:56

An Overabundance

Dear Friends, We’re in downtown Bishkek for an appointment for Nora, and we’ve got some time to kill. Traffic is unpredictable these days, so I’ve given…

Sep 10 • 

Dot Dannenberg

11

6

The Fig | An Overabundance

Listen now | Thoughts on a summer overabundant with good things—new friends and reunions with old; taking Nora to Oxford for the first time; and hating…

Sep 10 • 

Dot Dannenberg

1

16:50

July 2025

Welcome to New Yurt

A short check-in this week. I managed to survive throwing a community 4th of July party AND leading a yurt camping trip in the same weekend. And now…

Jul 9 • 

Dot Dannenberg

5

3

The Fig | Welcome to New Yurt

Listen now | A short check-in this week.

Jul 9 • 

Dot Dannenberg

3

8:13

June 2025

Mundane & Infrequent

This week on Public Figment, summer is the season of goodbyes, and we're all doing our best. Even Nora, who is furious not to receive a medal for the…

Jun 10 • 

Dot Dannenberg

8

2

The Fig | Mundane & Infrequent

Listen now | This week on Public Figment, summer is the season of goodbyes, and we're all doing our best. Even Nora, who is furious not to receive a…

Jun 10 • 

Dot Dannenberg

1

11:02

May 2025

Man vs. Robot

Things have felt overwhelmingly busy lately. I organized a 300-person spring picnic event for work. Jake’s parents came to visit for two weeks. Nora…

May 14 • 

Dot Dannenberg

8