
Refuse Fascism
The Refuse Fascism podcast is an independent and all-volunteer show that produces weekly episodes that expose, analyze, and oppose the very real danger and threat of fascism coming to power in the United States.
Hosted by Sam Goldman, produced by volunteers with Refuse Fascism.
Latest episodes

Apr 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
Artists Refusing Fascism
This week Sam discusses: deporting students for their ideas, Trump locking away hundreds in a torture prison in El Salvador, SCOTUS rubber-stamping use of Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans, installing concentration camps along the U.S/Mexico border; you know, fascism. Then she interviews artists who are using their talents in the fight against fascism. First you'll hear from political cartoonist Dwayne Booth, aka Mr. Fish, and then print and billboard artist Karen Fiorito. To connect and see work from Mr. Fish, visit clowncrack.com or @mrfishcartoons on Instagram. To connect and see Karen Fiorito's work, follow her at karenfiorito.me or @karenfiorito on Instagram. Find links to specific works discussed on refusefascism.org.Save the Date: Refuse Fascism Emergency Assemblies Sunday April 27 in NYC, Chicago and LAAdd your name to the Call to Conscience / Call to Act: RefuseFascism.org/actResources & Merch:refusefascism.org/resourcesrefusefascism.bigcartel.com/productsMore resources mentioned on We are on TikTok officially now! Follow @refusefashism (that spelling is intentional to get around TikTok censors).Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or find Refuse Fascism on all the socials, usually spelled correctly. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support: patreon.com/refusefascismMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 33min
All Out For April 5: Silence = Collaboration
Listen to reports and excerpts from the protests demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil and against the the broader fascist repression of the student movement to free Palestine. Sam and Mark discuss the moment we're in and the critical need to mobilize intensely for the upcoming protest on April 5 in DC (with additional gatherings in cities around the country). Then, Sam talks with David Smith, the Guardian's Washington DC bureau chief. Read The Trump administration is descending into authoritarianism: From media to culture and the arts to the refusal to abide by court orders, we’re nearing ‘Defcon 1 for our democracy’, experts say and his latest: ‘It reminds you of a fascist state’: Smithsonian Institution braces for Trump rewrite of US history and follow his work at theguardian.com.Act:Join the Refuse Fascism Contingent in D.C. on Saturday April 5 at the HANDS OFF ProtestRead, Sign, Spread A Call to Conscience...A Call to ActVisit RefuseFascism.org for all links mentioned in this episode.We are on TikTok officially now! Follow @refusefashism (that spelling is intentional to get around TikTok censors). Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or find Refuse Fascism on all the socials, usually spelled correctly. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support: patreon.com/refusefascismMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Mar 23, 2025 • 55min
How Young Men are Recruited into Fascism - And How to Stop It With Craig Johnson
Sam discusses how the Trump regime is taking the attacks on the rule of a law to a whole new level and the alarming leaps towards fascist consolidation from this past week, emphasizing the urgent need for mass resistance to defeat Trump/MAGA fascism. Then she interviews Craig Johnson, author of How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism and host of the 15 Minutes of Fascism Podcast. Follow Craig @cajohnson-craig.bsky.social.Mentioned in this episode:Statement from Elias Law Group Chair Marc EliasLegal community shaken by a powerful law firm's decision to give in to Trump's demandsWith Orders, Investigations and Innuendo, Trump and G.O.P. Aim to Cripple the Left‘Speak up, speak out, be bold’: Fmr. Gov. Inslee urges action from civil society leaders“We Live in a Fascist Dictatorship”: Elie Mystal on Trump’s Lawlessness, Attacks on the JudiciaryTake Action:Thursday March 27 Protests Demanding FREE Mahmoud Khalil NOW! (LA, NYC, DC and more) Read, sign, spread: A Call to Conscience...A Call to ActionJoin Comedian Cliff Cash at the Mass Media March Sunday March 30 (multiple cities)Volunteer with Refuse FascismSave the date: join Refuse Fascism contingent at HANDS OFF! Protest Saturday April 5th in Washington D.C. Merch: https://refusefascism.bigcartel.com/productsSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support: patreon.com/refusefascismMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Mar 16, 2025 • 47min
Mahmoud Khalil Must Be Freed - Trump Must Go
Sam and Coco talk about the ominous significance of the kidnapping, ICE detention and plans for deportation of Columbia graduate and activist Mahmoud Khalil (not to mention, green card holder married to a US citizen) and the need to quickly and dramatically step up resistance to the whole Trump MAGA fascist program."NOW IS THE TIME WHEN WE MUST RISE UP AND ACT TO STOP THE CONSOLIDATION OF TRUMP MAGA FASCISM. For the lives of people here and around the world we must refuse unlawful and inhumane orders… we must fill the streets and town squares in rising numbers — not stopping until we become millions — not relenting until this regime is no longer able to implement its program."- from A Call to Conscience... A Call to Act from Refuse FascismMentioned in this episode:Mahmoud Khalil Must Be FREED NOW!"This statement needs to be spread to every corner of society"'Baby jails’ and first steps behind bars: Trump’s immigration agenda embraces family detention againWe Are Asking the Wrong Questions About Mahmoud Khalil’s ArrestJewish Voice for Peace takes over Trump Tower protesting for Mahmoud KhalilJe suis Khalil (FT)Read, sign, share: https://refusefascism.org/act/Merch: https://refusefascism.bigcartel.com/productsSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support: patreon.com/refusefascismMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Mar 9, 2025 • 53min
Decorum Vs. Determined Resistance with A.R. Moxon
Sam recaps this past week including Trump's fascist address to Congress, the regime's progress towards their goals and the protests demanding Trump, Musk and the fascist regime's removal around the country. Then, she talks to author and essayist A.R. Moxon (author of Very Fine People and The Revisionaries). Follow his work at www.armoxon.com and subscribe to his newsletter at the-reframe.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Trump Administration’s Environmental Pile-OnDHS Detains Palestinian Student from Columbia Encampment, Advocates SayNew Call to Conscience... Call to Act: NO! In The Name of Humanity, We Refuse to Accept a Fascist America; We Demand: The Trump Fascist Regime Must Go!The RNL Show (including clips from Trump's address to Congress)Merch:Sticker PackRainbow Sticker PackBeanieRefuse Fascism T-shirtIn the Name of Humanity T-ShirtSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:·patreon.com/refusefascism·paypal.me/refusefascism·donate.refusefascism.orgMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Mar 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
Stop the War on Women and LGBTQ People
Mark recaps the latest from the fascist shitstorm... then we share highlights from the live forum this week featuring Sunsara Taylor, Debra Sweet and your questions leading into this week of protests. Watch Sunsara Taylor on The RNL - Revolution Nothing Less - Show every week on Youtube.Mentioned in the episode: Protest Trump Tuesday March 4 outside Congress in DC Resources for March 4 (fliers, posters, chants, etc.) Saturday March 8 International Women’s Day 2025 - nationwide Resources for March 8 (fliers, posters, chants, etc.)Merch:Sticker packsBeaniesPinsSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:·patreon.com/refusefascism·paypal.me/refusefascism·donate.refusefascism.orgMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 11min
Purges in the Military and Growing Resistance in the Streets
In this episode Sam shares clips from voices of conscience who've spoken up this past week before joining Mark to dissect and analyze the state of the fascist ascent one month in. Topics include CPAC, growing protests, and major moves of the regime this week: their military purge, the terror they're unleashing against immigrants, their expanding cuts of federal workers and extreme threats against judges, politicians, professors, and even whole cities. Sam urges listeners to come to DC on Tuesday March 4 to protest when Trump speaks to Congress & to volunteer to help make the protest as powerful as possible. Mentioned in the episode: Refusing Trump’s Orders: Military Resistance to Mass Deportation How Trump’s Leveraging “Unitary Executive” Theory to Harness Supreme Power Protest Trump Tuesday March 4 outside Congress Trump’s Executive Orders Build Toward Dictatorial “Unitary Executive” Power Migrants, Deported to Panama Under Trump Plan, Detained in Remote Jungle Camp Trump and Musk Delight in the Sounds of Human Suffering With Sick “ASMR” Immigrant VideoMerch:Sticker packsBeaniesPinsSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:·patreon.com/refusefascism·paypal.me/refusefascism·donate.refusefascism.orgMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

4 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 22min
Unprecedented: Sasha Abramsky & Thomas Zimmer on the Crisis We Face
Sasha Abramsky, a journalist and author focusing on the far-right's influence in small-town America, warns about the dehumanization of vulnerable groups and the dire effects of social program cuts. Historian Thomas Zimmer discusses the recent constitutional crises under the Trump regime, exploring how authoritarianism and extremist factions have reshaped American democracy. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for collective action to counter these alarming trends and protect civil rights.

Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
Watering The Seeds of Resistance
Sam shares the call from Refuse Fascism to take the streets on Presidents Day (Monday, February 17) and shares some of the developments that marked week 3 of Trump 2.0.She interviews Daniel Hunter, author ofWhat If Trump Wins? and founder of Choose Democracy. They discuss resistance to stop Trump and how we overcome fear and uncertainty. Find out more about minuteof.us here. Then she shares highlights from conversations with Kay, Kim, and Misty, organizers withNo Voice Unheard who played a pivotal role in the nationwide 50501 protests that mobilized thousands in protest of Trump and Project 20205.Find/host a protest on Monday Feb 17 ("President's Day") here:https://refusefascism.org/2025/02/08/monday-february-17-presidents-day-take-to-the-streets/Only the People Can Defeat Trump/MAGA FascismFind Out How; Register for ZoomTuesday, Feb 11 at 8PM ET Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_95M5RZOMTq-rjhWxSobJLAMerch:Sticker packsBeaniesPinsSend your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok:@samgoldmanrf. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:·patreon.com/refusefascism·paypal.me/refusefascism·donate.refusefascism.orgMusic for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Feb 2, 2025 • 44min
The First Two Weeks: Fascism is a Package Deal
Sam recaps and analyzes the onslaught of fascist orders and actions as of this morning, February 2, 2025. Then we share snippets from the Patron-only call earlier this week discussing the fascists' agenda and progress towards implementing it including their primary targets (trans people and immigrants) plus their plans for radically changing the US constitution (which isn't already repressive enough for them); plus ways that people can act in concert and individually to resist fascism meaningfully right now.
Find protests in every state happening February 5 here.
Learn more about the "50501" protest movement here.
Resources:
Episode 218: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers
Refuse Fascism merch including stickers and beanies
Refuse Fascism T-Shirts and Hoodies
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirts and Hoodies (white ink on colored options)
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirts and Hoodies (black ink on colored options)
Signs & Banners
Refuse Fascism Mission Statement
Defend & Recruit Playbook
Immigration Know Your Rights Resources
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman and find her on TikTok: @samgoldmanrf. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· patreon.com/refusefascism
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown
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