In this conversation, Massachusetts State Representative Michelle Ciccolo discusses what Massachusetts, a Blue state, is doing to protect its residents, the catastrophic effect of the regime's attack on higher education, and the myriad ways tariffs impact small businesses, like plumbers.

We discuss her experiences in the legislature, focusing on community engagement, environmental issues, and the impact of federal policies on state initiatives. She highlights the challenges posed by recent federal actions, particularly regarding immigration and public health, and emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and collaboration between state and federal representatives to address these issues effectively. We discuss the importance of historical context in shaping American identity, the need for local engagement in governance, the complexities of immigration policy, the intersection of food systems and public health, and the resilience of society in the face of rapid change. They emphasize the significance of collective decision-making, the challenges posed by misinformation, and the necessity of fostering community connections to address pressing issues.

Ben Rhodes on Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Global Trends

In this episode of Freedom Over Fascism, host Stephanie Wilson and guest co-interviewer Kami Kovan engage in a comprehensive discussion with Ben Rhodes, former aide to Barack Obama, on the state of democracy and global politics. Rhodes shares insights from his experience and books, highlighting the authoritarian playbook exemplified by leaders like Viktor Orban. He emphasizes the global rise of transactional and strongman politics, illustrating how these trends are reshaping international relations. Rhodes also discusses recent elections in countries like Canada and Australia, expressing cautious optimism about their implications. He points out the disruptive impact of Trump's policies on global alliances and the necessity for the U.S. to reimagine its role in the world. Additionally, Rhodes touches on the power of podcasts in fostering authentic conversations and the importance of fairness, diversity, and new international frameworks in future policymaking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:54 Event Introduction by Jenna Spinelli 02:20 Panelist Introductions 04:55 Opening Remarks and Audience Engagement 05:57 Discussion on Global Democracy 06:38 Authoritarian Playbooks and Global Trends 12:18 Recent Elections and Their Implications 16:42 Trump's Impact on International Relations 21:05 Reimagining the Future 25:18 Global Backlash and National Security 31:23 Restoring Trust and Moving Forward 33:35 The Power of Diversity in America 34:46 Middle East Politics and US Sanctions on Syria 39:38 Trump's Foreign Policy and Ideological Strains 45:20 The Magic and Influence of Podcasts 51:09 Connecting Beyond Politics 58:31 Concluding Thoughts and Advice for Podcasters

In this episode of 'Freedom Over Fascism,' recorded live on Monday, May 12, 2025, host Stephanie Wilson speaks with Jason Sattler, also known as LOLGOP. They discuss the interplay of hope and anger in activism, the importance of informed action, and the challenges and strategies of fighting fascism in America. The conversation delves into the significance of mobilizing 3.5% of the population in political change, the role of good information and imagination in sustaining activism, and the importance of breaking down silos to unify efforts against authoritarian threats. Jason also emphasizes the urgency of focusing on key issues like saving Medicaid from proposed budget cuts, while Stephanie shares insights on the evolving landscape of media and public engagement.

In this inaugural live episode of 'Freedom Over Fascism,' host Stephanie Wilson engages in a deep conversation with writer, journalist, and longtime activist Anne-christine d'Adesky. They delve into the critical role humor can play in resistance and opposition to authoritarian regimes. Anne-christine shares anecdotes and effective strategies for nonviolent organizing, highlighting examples from past and current movements globally. They discuss the importance of community-centric actions, the power of small acts of disobedience, and how to creatively disrupt autocratic power through symbolic actions. The conversation also examines the role of localized efforts, cross-cultural solidarity, and the broader implications of Project 2025.

Aviv Russ joins Stephanie on Freedom Over Fascism to discuss the intersection of narrative, strategy, and culture. They delve into widening our perspective in a world fraught with instability, finding joy and creativity in the midst of chaos, and the importance of imagining a future where everyone thrives. Touching upon themes like resilience, the significance of joy as an act of resistance, and the role of storytellers and artists, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for the future. #FreedomOverFascism #JoyAsResistance #FutureImagination #PoliticalStrategy #podcasts #imagination #politicalnews

Stephanie speaks with Laura W. Brill, CEO of the Civics Center, which wants every high school to provide voter reg and pre-reg for our newest voters.Four million high schoolers graduate every year, and Laura Brill is on a mission to make sure they’re all registered to vote. Because when young people register, they vote at about 75%. In every generation, we’re told that young people don’t have a voice in politics b/c they don’t vote, but that isn’t necessarily true. Once they’re registered, most of them vote.The Civics Center works in about 10 states and partners with state and local organizations in the others. If you’re a high school teacher, administrator, or even student/parent, you can start a voter registration drive in your own high school and fight voter suppression for our youngest voters.

www.thecivicscenter.org

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Stephanie talks to Kevin M. Levin, public historian and writer of the substack Civil War Memory about the book ban at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the scrubbing of websites and museums in the national parks, and the importance of how we tell the story of the past. The way we talk about the past gives us a picture into what we believe in the present and plan for the future.

https://kevinmlevin.substack.com/
www.freedomoverfascism.us

Stephanie talks to Antonia Scatton, author of the podcast Reframing America and protege of George Lakoff who talks about making sure our messaging is on our terms, in our language. She says, "Fact-checking and debunking myths almost always spreads the disinformation we are trying to defeat. They trick us into delivering their messages beyond their media bubble." We discuss word associations, rebranding the Democratic party, and much more.

www.freedomoverfascism.us
https://reframingamerica.substack.com/

Stephanie speaks with Walter Rhein of I’d Rather be Writing about building community in person and throughout the country to fight against the fascism this regime is implementing day by day (hour by hour).

As we spoke, Cory Booker was in the middle of his 25+ hour speech in the Senate, understanding that he’s catching up to us in the grassroots, and attempting to ignite action among his colleagues, his constituents, and all of us Americans who believe in freedom. He noted that this isn’t a question of “right or left,” but rather “right or wrong.” “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”Also yesterday, the regime gutted HHS, research on Cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, infectious diseases and so much more. Out here in the grassroots we’re coming together to protest the regime’s attack on America. And hopefully more of our leaders will find courage from Cory Booker’s feat. And on the same day, Tuesday April 1, Wisconsin elected Susan Crawford for Supreme Court…an election which promises to echo as Wisconsin draws new district maps and fights for freedom.

Stephanie provides the audio version of her Substack newsletter : "It wasn't a mistake: it was SOP, and ooops, included a reporter by accident."