When Vienna Forest comes to the South River Forest in Atlanta to protest the building of what critics call “Cop City,” she finds a community –– and a cause. But soon, the years-long fight between forest-dwelling activists and the backers of one of the largest police training facilities in the country will take from her everything she holds dear. From Wondery, Campside and Tenderfoot TV, “We Came to the Forest” is a modern story of love, loss, and what it means to put your body on the line for a cause.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vienna Forrest travels from Nebraska to the outskirts of Atlanta to join the growing fight against a massive new police training facility nicknamed “Cop City.” In the woods, she finds comradeship, community –– and an unexpected romance with a wiry, wisecracking activist called “Tortuguita.”

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/we-came-to-the-forest/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew Johnson, a young Black preacher, joins the ranks of the Forest Defenders. He finds himself inspired and occasionally frustrated by the efforts. But when police respond with a series of arrests and a massive raid, Matthew decides to up the ante.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forest Defenders grapple with the aftermath of the ensuing raids. After yet another police operation, news arrives: Police announce that they've killed an unnamed activist. But who?

If you or someone you know are in crisis, there is help: you can call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/we-came-to-the-forest/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the aftermath of the shooting, activists and community members search for answers.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/we-came-to-the-forest/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When a music festival is held to honor the legacy of the fallen activist, a splinter group of protestors and police bring everything to the brink of disaster.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Vienna, Matthew and 60 Forest Defenders await their pending court cases, host Matt Shaer gets closer to uncovering what actually happened during that fatal encounter in the forest.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Follow We Came to the Forest on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/we-came-to-the-forest/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew Shaer and producer Tommy Andres sit down with Atlanta organizer Mary Hooks to talk about the future of protest and the impact of the Stop Cop City movement.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.