
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

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

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 13min
Week One of Trump Regime 2.0 with Chrissy Stroop
One week in, Sam talks with Chrissy Stroop, Senior Correspondent for Religion Dispatches, and co-founder of The Fly Trap. Subscribe to Chrissy's Substack: https://www.bugbeardispatch.com/.
Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 8PM ET / 5PM PT, join us for a Patron-only Zoom discussion with historian Paul Street & host of the pod Sam Goldman, to discuss Trump's first 10 days and ways we can refuse fascism together. See link to register at our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/refusefascism.
The Inauguration song by Jesse Welles on YouTube. Follow Jesse at wellesmusic.com.
Resources:
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

Jan 19, 2025 • 60min
Sheriffs As Trump’s Shock Troops w/ Jessica Pishko
Sam comments on the eve of Trump's inauguration and shares highlights from our virtual forum "Offense and Defense: How to Defeat Trump/MAGA Fascism & Defend Those Under Attack." Catch the full program here.
Then, Sam interviews Jessica Pishko, journalist, lawyer, and author of The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy. You can follow Jessica on X/Bluesky @JessPish and subscribe to her Substack.
Refuse Fascism Gear:
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)
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

Jan 12, 2025 • 10min
The Most Dangerous Anti-Immigrant Bill Yet + An Announcement
Sam recaps the far-reaching and ominous effects of the "Laken Riley" (anti-immigrant) Act on the eve of Trump's return to power.
Sign up for the virtual forum on January 15 5pm PT/7pm CT/8pm ET: https://bit.ly/4014smc
Offense and Defense: How To Defeat Trump/MAGA Fascism & Defend Those Under Attack
On January 20, Trump will re-take the reins of power. We have to confront Trump/MAGA fascism 2.0—now backed by all three branches of government, a united and far-reaching fascist movement, with the Republican Party purged of any dissent, and a cabinet ready to go full of woman-haters, immigrant-bashers, war criminals, white supremacists, science deniers, climate destroyers, racists and shameless liars with no respect for the rule of law.
With Trump’s inauguration posing an existential threat to humanity and the planet itself, this forum aims to bring people together to inspire and bolster collective action. Join us to hear prescient insights from people who have been leading serious efforts to expose and oppose Trump/MAGA fascism, illuminating the threats we face and the paths forward to resist them effectively.
Featuring:
Coco Das, Member of the Refuse Fascism Editorial Board
Faisal Al-Jubari, Chief External Affairs Officer for RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
Sunsara Taylor, co-host of The RNL-Revolution Nothing Less-Show
Hosted by: Sam Goldman, Host of the Refuse Fascism Podcast
Could the MAGA nightmare really all come to pass?
Is the best thing we can do be begging Democratic Party leaders or waiting for elections?
What would serious opposition look like and where and how do we get it started now?
Will finding common ground with fascists rein them in or keep us safe?
Can we actually wrench out a different future?
IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY, WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT A FASCIST AMERICA!
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

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
Resistance on Hold: The Crisis of Inaction in Perilous Times
Sam comments on the fourth anniversary of the January 6th coup attempt. Then, she chats with co-producer of the pod, Mark Tinkleman, exploring questions we've received. In this conversation, Sam and Mark discuss the current political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the lack of visible resistance against the rising fascism represented by Trump/Republi-fascist return to power. They draw parallels with South Korea's history of mass mobilization against oppressive regimes, emphasizing the need for sustained and organized resistance. They highlight the urgency of action in the face of a rapidly deteriorating political situation and the necessity of mass action to disrupt the status quo. The discussion also addresses the phenomenon of people tuning out from political issues, the urgency of challenging the non-fascist majority, and the dangers of basing movements solely on popular opinion.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stupid Stuff to Stop Saying in 2025
The Freedom to Dominate with Jefferson Cowie
No Election Can Legitimize Fascism! We REFUSE to Accept a MAGA Fascist USA
2024: Year in Review
Refuse Fascism Gear:
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)
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

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 43min
2024: Year in Review
We find our power together, not by finding a way to get by or accommodate to the new horrific normal, but together paving a path for mass nonviolent noncooperation, mass nonviolent disobedience. Prepare for the fight ahead in 2025 with some guests from this past year including:
Zoltán Grossman
Lee McIntyre
Sasha Abramsky
Jefferson Cowie
Ece Temelkuran
Aziz Rana
Tom Schaller
Alberto Toscano
Graie Hagans
Amanda Tyler
Annika Brockschmidt
Robert P. Jones
Clarence Lusane
Matt Shuham
Paul Street
Rick Perlstein
Connect with us on social media @RefuseFascism on just about all platforms.
Refuse Fascism Gear:
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)
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

Dec 22, 2024 • 40min
How Trump’s Leveraging “Unitary Executive” Theory to Harness Supreme Power
Sam discusses "The Great Capitulation" and the need for us to come together now to defeat Trump/MAGA fascism through collective action.
Then she interviews veteran legal scholar, activist and political analyst, Marjorie Cohn, to discuss the implications of the "unitary executive" theory with Trump returning to power next month. They explore how this theory has evolved over time, its impact on the system of checks and balances, and the alarming agenda outlined in Project 2025, which aims to consolidate executive power. Cohn warns of the threats to civil liberties and democratic norms, emphasizing the need for organized resistance against fascism.
Read Marjorie's regular Truthout column Human Rights and Wrongs and learn more and connect at marjoriecohn.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Great Capitulation by Michelle Goldberg
Trump Is Using “Unitary Executive” Theory in His Bid to Amass Supreme Power by Marjorie Cohn
Refuse Fascism Gear:
Refuse Fascism T-Shirt
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (white ink on colored options)
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (black ink on colored options)
Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: @RefuseFascism. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out @samgoldmanrf. Support the show at patreon.com/RefuseFascism or Venmo: @Refuse-Fascism or Paypal.me/RefuseFascism.
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 28min
Gender Liberation, Radical Defiance & The Power of Street Art
Sam recaps some of the fascist developments from this past week and interviews author and activist, Raquel Willis, co-founder of The Gender Liberation Movement (@genderlib). Raquel discusses the current anti-trans landscape, focusing on the implications of the U.S. v. Skrmetti case and the broader cultural backlash against trans rights. Willis highlights the need for radical defiance and collective action to combat the ongoing threats to trans rights and healthcare access. You can follow Raquel on IG @raquel_willis.
Then Sam speaks with Philadelphia-based street artist YOMI to discuss art, fascism, and resistance. Follow Yomi's work @yomitgmb.
Mentioned in this episode:
Resist Trump? On Immigration, Top Democrats See Room for Compromise. (NY Times)
Texas is Coming for New York Abortion Providers by Jessica Valenti
They're Killing Us by Jessica Valenti
Trump Picks Chloe Cole's Anti-Trans Lawyer Harmeet Dhillon To Lead DOJ Civil Rights Post by Erin Reed
Dec 18 in Philadelphia: March to Defend Immigrant Lives, Dec 18 in Philadelphia
Other actions on Dec 18 International Migrants Day
Refuse Fascism Gear:
Refuse Fascism T-Shirt
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (white ink on colored options)
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (black ink on colored options)
Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: @RefuseFascism. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out @samgoldmanrf. Support the show at patreon.com/RefuseFascism or Venmo: @RefuseFascism or Cashapp: $RefuseFascism or Paypal.me/RefuseFascism.
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Dec 8, 2024 • 59min
Refusing Trump’s Orders: Military Resistance to Mass Deportation
Central to Trump's fascist agenda is his pledge to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in the nation's history. Trump has affirmed that efforts will involve a national emergency declaration and the military. To discuss this topic Sam interviews Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an army veteran and Organizer Director of About Face: Veterans Against the War (on Instagram @vetsaboutface).
Recommended reading: Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan Can’t Happen If US Military Members Resist It by Rory Fanning
Resources/mentioned in this episode:
The Supreme Court’s Hearing on Trans Rights Was Bigotry Masquerading as Law by Elie Mystal
Trans Rights Activists Hold Sit-In at Capitol to Protest Johnson’s Bathroom Ban by Chris Walker
Idaho Will Enforce Abortion Travel Ban by Jessica Valenti
Meet Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s New Roy Cohn (Amicus podcast)
Refuse Fascism Gear:
Refuse Fascism T-Shirt
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (white ink on colored options)
In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (black ink on colored options)
Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: @RefuseFascism. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out @samgoldmanrf. Support the show at patreon.com/RefuseFascism or Venmo: @RefuseFascism or Cashapp: $RefuseFascism or Paypal.me/RefuseFascism.
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 14min
"Day One" Dictator & Trump's Monstrous Mass Deportation Plans
Sam gives an update on Trump's new appointments to his Revengers cabinet and their implications, shouts out Evan Greer's disruption of anti-trans bigot Rep. Nancy Mace, and underscores the qualitative changes in governance that fascism represents and calls for collective action against MAGA fascism NOW not waiting until atrocities are underway. Sam also discusses Trump's plans for mass deportations of at least 11 million people, drawing parallels to historical atrocities and emphasizing the urgent need for mass defense, disruption and disobedience to support our immigrant siblings and stop the fascists from implementing their nightmare program.
This week we re-run two interviews featuring contributors to the June issue of The New Republic titled "What American Fascism Would Look Like." Emmanuel Guerisoli discusses his essay The "Day One" Dictatorship (co-authored by Federico Finchelstein). Emmanuel is a postdoctoral fellow at the Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility at the New School. He can be followed at @emmaGuerisoli. Then, Francisco Goldman discusses his essay From Texas to Massachusetts: On the border in a fascist America. Francisco is a novelist and journalist. His most recent novel is Monkey Boy, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. He can be followed on ex-Twitter at @PacoGoldman or on Instagram @franciscogoldman.
Mentioned in this episode:
“Put Them in Trauma”: Inside a Key MAGA Leader’s Plans for a New Trump Agenda by Molly Redden and Andy Kroll, ProPublica, and Nick Surgey, Documented
Ep 213: Fascist Riots in the UK, Fascist Plots in the US
Border Militias Prepare to Assist With Donald Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans by Tess Owen
American Families United Act by Andrew Moriarity
Trump 2.0 Poses an Even Bigger Threat to Migrants. Here’s How We Fight Back. by Silky Shah
Trump’s border czar pick supports using Texas ranch for mass deportations by Alejandro Serrano
How millions of US children would be hurt by Trump’s mass deportation plan: ‘Deep harm is intentional’ by Robin Buller
Trump’s Cabinet: Forging a Fascist Machine (revcom.us)
Resources to spread the message, "In The Name of Humanity, We Refuse To Accept a Fascist America":
Sticker Pack
Printable Poster in color
Printable Poster in black and white
Refuse Fascism Shop
Refuse Fascism T-Shirts:
Original
New (with slogan above)
Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: @RefuseFascism. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out @samgoldmanrf. Support the show at patreon.com/RefuseFascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown
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