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Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
“What Kilmar Abrego Garcia's family is going through is just unimaginable,” says Baltimore-based journalist Baynard Woods, “but it is also what we've all allowed to happen over generations of letting the drug war and our deference to police departments erode the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which should protect us all from illegal search and seizure, such as these seizures that ICE is committing all around the country right now.” In this episode of Rattling the Bars, Mansa Musa and Woods discuss the US government's case against Abrego Garcia—whom the Trump administration finally returned to US soil from El Salvador in June—and what the government can do to citizens and non-citizens alike when our right to due process is taken away.Guest:Baynard Woods is a writer and journalist based in Baltimore. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Oxford American Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Inheritance: An Autobiography of Whiteness and coauthor, with Brandon Soderberg, of I Got a Monster: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Corrupt Police Squad.Additional resources:Baynard Woods, Baltimore Beat, “Government's case against Abrego Garcia is based on PG County Cop who was on the SA's do not call list”Baynard Woods, Baltimore Beat, “A Maryland man's life is at stake. Trump and Salvadoran president Bukele could not care less”Credits:Producer / Videographer / Post-Production: Cameron GranadinoHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast
Did you know that powerful language and imagery are distractions from the reality of industrialized agriculture? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable. Potter discusses the connections between factory farms and authoritarianism, and explains how “bearing witness” is an act of both love and defiance. (Part 2 of 2). Related Websites: https://www.willpotter.com/littleredbarns
We continue our conversations this week on the health of American democracy. Also, more on how ongoing Tijuana River pollution is affecting residents. Then, hear from a local legal analyst on President Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship. And, SANDAG commissioners get an earful on their transportation plans. Finally, Escondido has a multi-million dollar budget surplus — so why are people concerned for the city's long-term fiscal health?
Experts are warning that democracy across Africa is under serious threat. The new Democracy Capture (DEMCAP) Index shows that powerful interests are increasingly taking control of democratic institutions, undermining governance. Eddy Micah Jr speaks to researchers Dr. John Osae-Kwapong and Lois Matthew. They focus on democratization and authoritarianism in West Africa and the Sahel.
We criticize Texas Governor Gregg Abbott for using the flood devastation as an opportunity to preach his personal religious views. We point out that in spite of the IRS decision not to punish two churches for politicking from the pulpit, the Johnson Amendment prohibiting such action is still the law of the land. After honoring the life of our friend, the Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Steve Benson, who died this week at age 71, we talk with attorney Kat Grant about their Freethought Now “Pride Month” blog: ”Don't make sacrifices on the altar of authoritarianism.”
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
We are joined by Branko Marcetic @BMarchetich writer at Jacobin to talk about Zohran's win and Trump's threats against Democracy. David talks about the flooding in Texas and the human consequence of GOP failure. Immediately after catch Ben Burgis in the POSTGAME for PATRONS ONLY patreon.com/leftreckoning➡️ Support independent left media: patreon.com/leftreckoning
In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 4th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 6th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 9th.Description: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís RamosGuests:Alex Han: Executive Director, In These TimesTarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT - Virtual Member Event via Zoom: Join Laura Flanders in conversation with FAIR Program Director and CounterSpin Host Janine Jackson about the future of public media, Bill Moyers' legacy and more. Plus, you'll get the chance to ask questions and learn more about upcoming episodes of Laura Flanders & Friends! Check your email inbox for your invite, or make a contribution at lauraflanders.org/donate or make it monthly at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends to receive a registration link. RESOURCES:Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report] Watch / Listen: Episode• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation Related Articles and Resources:In These Times magazinePolitical Research AssociatesFuture Currents Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O'Conner. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
Is a Politics of Higher Consciousness, Wholeness, and Love Possible? At the moment, very few are anticipating the advent of a higher political consciousness. How can they be? The US has just joined Russia, North Korea, and Belarus in refusing to condemn aggression on Ukraine, or even to admit it occurred at all. Many Americans and former allies are increasingly fearful that the United States is itself becoming an authoritarian state, joining a wave of authoritarianism sweeping the globe. Such as fear is compellingly real. At the same time, America's sacred intent of unity in diversity, originally inspired by Native America and embodied in the motto E Pluribus Unum, is still attainable. Which way will the United States go? Will it completely devolve into a totalitarian regime, putting the entire world at risk, or will it return to its original sacred purpose of inclusivity and wholeness, even love? To better understand the future, we must examine our past assumptions. It is these unexamined, tacit assumptions that have created our present day reality, often preventing us from realizing our highest aspirations. In this podcast, we will unearth the limits of the mainstream scientific paradigm that sees humanity as separate from nature, and instead reimagine a world that is interconnected, whole, and complete. Life does not have to be seen as a win/lose competition where only the fittest survive, vying for control of limited resources. There is a better and more accurate way to practice politics: as consciousness, collaboration, unity in diversity, even love. Join us on the next episode of the Circle for Original Thinking podcast. Chantal Garneau lives within the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Credit River watershed, in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. As a dedicated Municipal Councillor, environmental advocate, and meditation artist, she weaves together community, ecology, and mindfulness. Chantal's belief in the integrity of complex systems and the power of diversity is the heartbeat of her work. Her mission to restore connections to self, community, and the web of life inspires trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for a world where every relationship is nurtured with care and intention.Alexander Laszlo resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and works as President of the Board of Directors of the Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems Science, Director of Research at the Laszlo Institute of New Paradigm Research, and Professor of Human and Organizational Development at Fielding Graduate University. Alexander's current research interests include the embodied aspects of science and spirituality as a living field of consciousness; empathy-based education; the relationship between sustainability and thrivability; systemic innovation for planetary flourishing; and syntony as an organizing force in societal evolution. Alexander holds an interdisciplinary PhD in Science and Technology Policy and an MA in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. He holds a BA in Political Science from Haverford College.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
From center-left Ezra Klein to right-wing Matt Walsh, the fertility panic is an elite fixation that is rooted in a human supremacist worldview and a deep fear of slowing growth. Samuel Miller McDonald, geographer and author of the book Progress: A History of Humanity's Worst Idea, exposes how our parasitic relationship with Earth lies at the core of ecological overshoot, and why resisting authoritarianism in an age of contraction means embracing a pluralistic and just degrowth vision. Highlights include: Why our modern relationship to Earth is fundamentally parasitic - regardless of whether societies are capitalist or socialist; How media commentators resist degrowth in various stages and how their rejection reveals their lack of maturity in accepting responsibility for the ecological destruction we are causing; Why degrowth policies and practices should emphasize pluralistic, context-specific approaches rooted in democratic participation, not top-down master plans; Why many degrowth proponents have been dismissive of population concerns; Why the political right is more poised to benefit from ongoing economic contraction and why the liberal 'abundance agenda' needs to be resisted; Why conviviality and class solidarity are key to a successful degrowth transition and how modern societies undermine them; Why core values like fairness, autonomy, and ecological integrity will be essential in resisting authoritarians' claims to power in the coming challenging decades. See episode website for show notes, links, and transcript: https://www.populationbalance.org/podcast/samuel-miller-mcdonald OVERSHOOT | Shrink Toward Abundance OVERSHOOT tackles today's interlocked social and ecological crises driven by humanity's excessive population and consumption. The podcast explores needed narrative, behavioral, and system shifts for recreating human life in balance with all life on Earth. With expert guests from wide-ranging disciplines, we examine the forces underlying overshoot: from patriarchal pronatalism that is fueling overpopulation, to growth-biased economic systems that lead to consumerism and social injustice, to the dominant worldview of human supremacy that subjugates animals and nature. Our vision of shrinking toward abundance inspires us to seek pathways of transformation that go beyond technological fixes toward a new humanity that honors our interconnectedness with all beings. Hosted by Nandita Bajaj and Alan Ware. Brought to you by Population Balance. Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.populationbalance.org/subscribe Support our work with a one-time or monthly donation: https://www.populationbalance.org/donate Learn more at https://www.populationbalance.org Copyright 2025 Population Balance
On June 13th, Israel launched attacks on several military and nuclear facilities in Iran, marking the beginning of a 12-day war between the two countries. The United States followed with targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and posing a threat to regional and global stability. China's involvement in the conflict was limited to condemning the Israeli and US use of military force and calling for de-escalation. Beijing offered only rhetorical support for Tehran. To discuss what the Israel-Iran war reveals about China's relationship with Iran, its evolving strategy in the Middle East, and the broader implications for US-China competition, we are joined by Yun Sun on the podcast today. Yun is a Senior Fellow, co-Director of the East Asia Program and Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center. Her recent piece in The Wire China entitled “How China Sees Iran's Future” offers provides a nuanced take on Beijing's calculus during and after the war. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:34] China's Diplomatic Strategy Toward the Middle East[05:00] A Limited Chinese Response and China's Regional Role[08:19] Chinese Perceptions of Iran's External Strategic Blunders[15:00] Trickling Chinese Investment into Iran[20:10] Chinese Concerns About a Nuclearized Iran[25:09] Implications of the Israel-Iran War for China's Energy Security[32:04] Trump's Response Shaping Chinese Views of the United States
Investigative journalist, blogger, and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG (BradBlog.com), today's current events (if they matter) and the rest of the stuff we have to live with.
In her new book Apocalyptic Authoritarianism: Climate Crisis, Media, and Power, University of Toronto media scholar Hanna E. Morris argues that whether they realize it or not, some climate journalists, obsessed with preserving a self-determined “moderate center,” are deploying some of the same tropes and reinforcing some of the same narratives as the extreme right. Even as they see themselves defending democracy and confronting the climate crisis, these media elites might be contributing to a prize sought by both the MAGA right and the fossil fuel industry: Preventing the emergence of a hopeful, democratic, and class-defying movement against climate change. Earlier this month, Morris spoke with Drilled about the who gets to choose which climate solutions are “right” and which ones are “wrong,” what the media's divergent treatment of the Green New Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act reveals about its entrenched biases, and why a sense of fatalism and inevitability seems to pervade so much mainstream climate coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a candid discussion with Laura, veteran union organizer Alex Han and U.S. Right Wing expert Tarso Ramos explore how workers are uniting against rising authoritarianism.Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.DESCRIPTION: The United States is moving towards authoritarianism, but there is still a window of opportunity to reverse course. What could improve the chances of re-balancing power in the nation, and advancing towards that multiracial democracy that many still dream of? The answer is worker organizing, say Alex Han and Tarso Luís Ramos. "When we look at the history of U-turns from democratic backsliding to democratic revival, the success rate is about 50 percent," says Ramos. "Where there's active, vibrant union participation, the odds go up to about 80 percent." So what's holding Labor back? In early May of 2025, Laura sat down with Ramos and Han at a conference on “Labor in the Age of Authoritarian Politics”, held at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in New York. Ramos is a leading expert on the U.S. Right Wing and former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. He now serves as Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic planning group of social and economic justice leaders. Han has spent most of his adult life in the labor movement, as an organizer and elected president of a large Chicago local. In 2023, he became Executive Director of In These Times, the long-running Chicago-based progressive magazine. In the wake of mass layoffs and the abduction of Kilmar Abrego García, a union member wrongly exported to El Salvador and now held in Tennessee, can enough workers and their allies band together to make a difference?“I think of all of these times where I've shown up at a protest and I know every single person there. When that happens, I know we're not winning today.” - Alex Han“I think the coup that we did not prepare for was the force accelerator that most people experience as DOGE. It's the Musk and Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen set of actors . . . They're interested in ringing the profits out of the public sector, and they're interested in accelerating the demise of civilian governance altogether.” - Tarso Luís RamosGuests:Alex Han: Executive Director, In These TimesTarso Luís Ramos: Senior Adviser, Political Research Associates; Senior Fellow, Future Currents SAVE THE DATE July 16th 7pm EDT - Virtual Member Event via Zoom: Join Laura Flanders in conversation with FAIR Program Director and CounterSpin Host Janine Jackson about the future of public media, Bill Moyers' legacy and more. Plus, you'll get the chance to ask questions and learn more about upcoming episodes of Laura Flanders & Friends! Check your email inbox for your invite, or make a contribution at lauraflanders.org/donate or make it monthly at Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends to receive a registration link. RESOURCES:- Watch the episode released on YouTube July 4th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 6th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode) and airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast July 9th.Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Labor Movement v. Fascism: Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack [Special Report] Watch / Listen: Episode• Masha Gessen and Jason Stanley: Is It Doomsday for U.S. Democracy? - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation• Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Are Ee Entering "End Times Fascism?" - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation• Bernie Sanders & AOC: "Fighting Oligarchy" with People Power [Special Report] - Watch / LISTEN: episode• Bernie Sanders "Fighting Oligarchy" LISTEN: Full Uncut Conversation• 'God & Country': Rob Reiner & Dan Partland on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in U.S. Politics - Watch / LISTEN: episode &/or full conversation Related Articles and Resources:In These Times magazinePolitical Research AssociatesFuture Currents Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O'Conner. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel
In this episode, the brothers discuss Diddy's recent legal troubles, the implications of RICO charges, and the shifting moral landscape in society. They explore the complexities of public perception regarding legal issues, the political climate under Trump, and the potential for authoritarianism. The conversation also touches on personal relationships and the hypothetical scenario of rekindling love after loss, reflecting on the emotional and societal implications of such situations. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore a variety of themes ranging from the complexities of relationships after loss, the impact of cultural representation in media, and significant historical events that shaped their perspectives. They reflect on memorable TV moments from their childhood, discuss community efforts in crime reduction, and emphasize the importance of political engagement. The conversation also touches on achievements in sports, highlighting the successes of athletes and the challenges they face in the public eye.Chapters00:00 Diddy's Legal Troubles and Public Perception04:05 Prosecution's Strategy and Public Morality06:47 RICO Charges and Their Implications09:38 Prostitution, Trafficking, and Legal Boundaries12:05 Political Landscape and Federal Funding Issues14:44 NFL Collusion and Player Contracts17:24 Riri Williams and Character Development20:06 Birthright Citizenship and Legal Implications22:51 Authoritarianism and Long-term Political Trends29:02 The Legacy of Leadership30:30 Navigating Relationships in a Changed World43:36 Impactful TV Moments51:12 Cultural Reflections in Television58:08 Political and Social Commentary01:03:03 Community and Crime Reduction01:09:56 Sports and Representation
Helen Nissenbaum, a philosopher, is a professor at Cornell Tech and in the Information Science Department at Cornell University. She is director of the Digital Life Initiative at Cornell Tech, which was launched in 2017 to explore societal perspectives surrounding the development and application of digital technology. Her work on contextual privacy, trust, accountability, security, and values in technology design led her to work with collaborators on projects such as TrackMeNot, a tool to mask a user's real search history by sending search engines a cloud of ‘ghost' queries, and AdNauseam, a browser extension that obfuscates a user's browsing data to protect from tracking by advertising networks. Building on such projects, in 2015, she coauthored a book with Finn Brunton called Obfuscation: A User's Guide for Privacy and Protest. The book detailed ideas on mitigating and defeating digital surveillance. With concerns about surveillance surging in a time of rising authoritarianism and the advent of powerful artificial intelligence technologies, Justin Hendrix reached out to Professor Nissenbaum to find out what she's thinking in this moment, and how her ideas can be applied to present day phenomena.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
- Trump Administration's Censorship Regime (0:10) - Threats of Deportation and Authoritarianism (1:14) - Principles vs. Tribalism (6:52) - Interview with Stefan Molyneux (10:55) - Political News and Government Expansion (13:58) - Historical Context and Government Actions (16:45) - Concerns About ICE and Government Power (17:27) - The Role of Principles in Society (30:42) - The Future of America and Government Accountability (50:31) - Personal Reflections and Contributions (1:14:02) - Peaceful Parenting and Philosophical Values (1:25:01) - Applying Non-Aggression Principle in Parenting (1:32:03) - Behavioral Modeling and Empirical Learning (1:35:35) - Deplatforming and Philosophical Challenges (1:37:51) - Mainstream Awareness and Philosophical Underpinnings (1:41:19) - Biblical Criticism and Philosophical Disillusionment (1:44:10) - Tribalism and Philosophical Tribes (1:52:12) - Free Speech and Censorship (1:57:31) - AI and the Future of Work (2:13:24) - Medical AI and Holistic Healing (2:17:28) - Final Thoughts and Future Outlook (2:19:43) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Welcome back to The NERVE! Conversations With Movement Elders a podcast from the National Council of Elders featuring intergenerational conversations between elder and younger organizers about important topics in our movements today. This episode features a conversation about the history of the rise of the authoritarian right wing in the United States, attacks on our archives and schools, and how we organize for a world beyond fascism. This episode is hosted by Frances Reid (she/her) a member of NCOE and a longtime social justice documentary filmmaker based in Oakland, CA. Joining Frances in this conversation are: Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons (she/her) is Professor Emerita from the University of Florida. She is a Veteran of the Black Freedom, Peace, and Social Justice Movements from the 1960s until today. She was a student activist in the 1960s Sit-In Movement. Simmons was a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and its Project Director In Laurel, Mississippi for two years beginning with the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. Suzanne Pharr (she/her) is a southern queer feminist and anti-racist organizer and political strategist who has spent her adult life working to build a broad-based, multiracial, multi-issued movement for social and economic justice in the United States. Since 1980, Pharr has been tracking the growth of a US authoritarian movement and providing political education about its goals, strategies, and leadership. Ashby Combahee (s/he/they) is a Black queer memory worker from the South. Ashby is a full-time librarian and archivist at the Highlander Research and Education Center and cofounder of Georgia Dusk: A Southern Liberation Oral History Uyiosa Elegon (he/him) is an Edo organizer rooted in Houston, Texas. He is a co-founder of Shift Press, a media organization that provides training and news that encourage local youth civic engagement. To download a free e-copy of Suzanne Pharr's recently re-released book In the Time of the Right: Reflections on Liberation visit suzannepharr.com CREDITS: Created and produced by the National Council of Elders podcast and oral history team: Aljosie Aldrich Harding, Frances Reid, Eddie Gonzalez, Sarayah Wright, alyzza may, and Rae Garringer.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
This is the 100th episode of Behind the Lines podcast. Thank you all for listening and for supporting this show. It's nothing without the listeners.In this episode I discussed the creeping authoritarianism in the United States with Jonathan Terra, a US political scientist based in Central Europe. Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The rule of law is the foundation of our society, and yet the Trump regime is shamelessly trying to undermine that rule at every turn. We've seen a united states senator thrown to the ground and handcuffed for asking a question, a New York Mayoral candidate arrested for confronting ICE over an arrest, targeting of citizens and visitors in Democratic-led areas, and a plethora of authoritarian maneuvers which threaten our democracy. To help us understand both that threat and our rights as we seek to mitigate it, we've invited attorneys Eliza Orlins and Hassan Ahmad back on the show.
As the fourth anniversary of the Biden administration's National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism passes, one thing is clear: President Trump must immediately rescind this unconstitutional framework. In this episode of The P.A.S. Report, Professor Nick Giordano how the National Strategy was never about protecting Americans. It created a dangerous system used to silence dissent, target political opponents, and empower unelected bureaucrats. Parents, Catholics, and critics of government overreach were all caught in its crosshairs. With newly declassified documents and Trump back in office, now is the time to dismantle the surveillance state and restore constitutional accountability. This episode breaks it all down and explains why every American, regardless of party, should be alarmed. Episode Highlights How Biden's domestic terror strategy criminalized dissent and violated civil liberties Why President Trump must revoke the Strategy and how he can dismantle the surveillance state The legal gray zone federal agencies exploited to target Americans without oversight
Why does seriousness feel radical today? a16z General Partner Katherine Boyle joins The LaBossiere Podcast to explore what it means to build for the national interest—and why that starts with purpose.Katherine, part of the American Dynamism team at a16z, shares how we got to a place where public service became uncool, how tech can help rebuild trust in government, and why suffering, friction, and responsibility are essential ingredients for growth. From the collapse of civic duty to the rise of meme-driven politics, they dig into the cultural forces shaping America—and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of mission.They also discuss why Silicon Valley is more idea than place, what journalists and investors have in common, and why being laughed at might be the clearest sign you're on the right path.Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro4:48 The Decline in Public Service7:47 Making Government Cool Again10:07 Silicon Valley's Aversion to National Security13:15 Positive Sum vs Zero Sum Cultures16:27 China, Authoritarianism, and Doing Hard Things19:27 What Makes America Special?23:03 Silicon Valley and the “Real Economy”26:28 Investing in Mature Markets29:08 Vanna White and The Wheel of Fortune30:27 Journalism and Loneliness32:52 - Time and Suffering38:10 - Seriousness and Purpose41:11 - Is Culture Downstream of Technology?42:48 - Propaganda and Coolness as a Strategic Asset44:40 - Florida, Texas, and Regulatory Arbitrage47:51 - DC, Silicon Valley, and Florida50:20 - What Should More People Be Thinking AboutResources: Find Katherine on X: https://x.com/KTmBoyleFind Alex on X: https://x.com/adlabossiereListen to more from The LaBossiere Podcast:YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QDLQFtApple: https://apple.co/478Be6MSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3sfiFiEStay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Scot Nakagawa joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about his career as an activist and organization builder and his role at The 22 Century Initiative, where they're working to defeat authoritarianism and improve democracy.
... but not anymore. Ali Velshi breaks down the monumental ruling to undermine "nationwide injunctions" and explains why we now need to look elsewhere for checks and balances on presidents.
This week, we're sharing an interview with Talia Lavin, author of Culture Warlords: My Journey into the Dark Web of White Supremacy. In this chat, we speak about her more recent book, Wild Faith: How the Christian Right is Taking Over America. There's a lot in the book, most of it pretty disturbing (especially, I'm sure, for anyone who is ex-vangelical) and there is discussion of hateful ideology and child abuse and corporal punishment, though not in lurid detail, so listener discretion is advised. We hope to cover related topics in the future. Links: Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/theswordandthesandwich Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliainteralia/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/swordsjew.bsky.social . ... . .. Featured Track: Voice Of God Is Government by Bad Religion from How Could Hell Be Any Worse
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with Professor Michael Albertus, exploring his work and the themes of his book, Land Power: Who Has It, Who Doesn't, And How That Determines The Fate Of Societies._____LINKShttps://www.michaelalbertus.com/https://substack.com/@michaelalbertus_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of Fall In Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy. Learn more at https://www.lovechildrenplanet.comFollow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTube In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast
Investigative journalist, blogger, and broadcaster Brad Friedman's investigative interviews, analysis and commentary, as ripped from the pages of The BRAD BLOG (BradBlog.com), today's current events (if they matter) and the rest of the stuff we have to live with.
This episode was recorded on June 12, 2025.It has been 236 years, 3 months, and one week since the United States Constitution came into effect on March 4th, 1789. The President of the United States has federalized the state militia of California and deployed it, along with the United States Marines, against the citizens of our country in Los Angeles. The Governor of Texas has deployed the Texas national guard against the citizens in that state. The governor and attorney general of georgia have threatened violence against its citizens. The speaker of the house of representatives this week stated that the governor of California needs to be tarred and feathered. And on Saturday, the wannabe dictator of our country is holding a North Korea style military parade on his birthday, against the wishes of the government of the city where it happens. Citizens across the nation are rising up against the violent, vengeful tactics of the trump regime against citizens and noncitzens alike, and it feels like we are approaching a breaking point. We've aksed Barbara F. Walter, one of the words leading experts on civil wars, violent extremism, and authoritarianism, and the author of “How Civil Wars Start” back on the show to help us understand where we are and where we may be going.
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com
Headlines for June 13, 2025; Israel Attacks Iran, Killing Top Military Leaders, Scientists; Hits Nuke Sites in Expanding Conflict; “We Are in the Midst of the Creation of a Police State”: Rep. Ilhan Omar on Trump’s Authoritarianism; “Millions of Lives at Risk”: USAID Cuts Lead to Global Rise in Death, Hunger, Poverty and Disease
Donald Trump is sending the troops to California, while also getting ready for a big birthday parade—for himself and the US Army—in DC. Does grasping for symbols of military strength smack a bit of desperation? Guests: Jamelle Bouie, columnist at the New York Times Jeremy Lindenfeld, reporter and Capital and Main local news fellow. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donald Trump is sending the troops to California, while also getting ready for a big birthday parade—for himself and the US Army—in DC. Does grasping for symbols of military strength smack a bit of desperation? Guests: Jamelle Bouie, columnist at the New York Times Jeremy Lindenfeld, reporter and Capital and Main local news fellow. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Donald Trump's countless executive orders and mounting deportations are testing America's democratic institutions. On this week's On the Media, what we can learn from Hungary's recent backslide into autocracy. Plus, why resistance movements throughout history have succeeded with 3.5 percent of the population, or less, behind them.[01:36] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker, about his recent piece, “Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy?” and what we can learn from Hungary's recent backsliding into authoritarianism.[16:17] Micah speaks with Márton Gulyás, founder of Partizán, Hungary's leading independent news show, about what lessons journalists in the US might take away from his experience.[37:53] Micah sits down with Maria J. Stephan, political scientist and co-author of Why Civil Resistance Works, to dissect the 3.5% rule, a statistic that's been making its rounds on social media, which is a measurement of the power of collective action. Stephan and her co-researcher Erica Chenoweth first coined the term in 2010. Further reading:“Is the U.S. Becoming an Autocracy?” by Andrew Marantz“Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism,” by Maria J. StephanWhy Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.