
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

Jul 9, 2023 • 45min
The GOP Embrace of Fascist "Moms for Liberty"
Sam talks with David Gilbert, Senior Reporter with Vice.com about his recent coverage of the "Moms for Liberty" movement which just held their National Summit in Philly.
Read his recent piece The GOP Is Lining Up to Pay Homage to America's Newest Extremist Group, Moms for Liberty and follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/daithaigilbert and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidgilbertwriter/.
Mentioned in this episode:
Annika Brockschmidt: At Moms for Liberty Summit 'Mama Bears' Declare Spiritual War on the 'Radical Left'
https://religiondispatches.org/at-moms-for-liberty-summit-mama-bears-declare-spiritual-war-on-the-radical-left/
Anthea Butler: Nothing about Moms for Liberty is new. That’s why it's effective.
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/moms-for-liberty-republican-politics-rcna92395
Nicole Hemmer: What history reveals about the biggest new power player in US politics
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/07/opinions/moms-for-liberty-conservative-women-history-hemmer
Dr. Gillian Frank: Moms Can Do Anything...Even Shape An Election
https://wearethemeteor.com/moms-for-liberty-history-white-supremacy/
ICYMI Related episode: Moms for "Liberty" aka Moms for Fascism
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/refuse-fascism/id1522364165?i=1000618282540
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including Threads and Mastodon.
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Jul 2, 2023 • 55min
SCOTUS Openly Advances Fascism
Sam talks with Paul Street about the recent rulings from the Supreme Court including overturning affirmative action, legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ (and possibly other?) people, Moore v Harper (the "independent state legislature theory" case) and more. Follow Paul on Substack: https://substack.com/@paulstreet
Also listen to episode 160: SCOTUS, The Shadow Docket, & The Fascist Assault on the Environment https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nddQh2o8s3Cpka64Dmm8s
Mentioned in this episode:
Homophobic businesses in the US have a powerful ally: the US supreme court by Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2023/jun/30/homophobic-businesses-ally-us-supreme-court
The GOP Is Lining Up to Pay Homage to America's Newest Extremist Group, Moms for Liberty by David Gilbert
https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3a3w/moms-for-liberty-summit-ron-desantis-trump
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Jun 25, 2023 • 40min
Moms for "Liberty" aka Moms for Fascism
Sam shares reflections on the one year anniversary of the overturn of Roe. Read the statement from Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights: https://riseup4abortionrights.org/june-24-2023-one-year-without-roe-take-your-fury-back-into-the-streets/
“Moms for Liberty” [sic] will be holding their national summit June 29 - July 2 in Philadelphia (cheers to the protestors). Producer Mark Tinkleman shares some commentary on this fascist movement.
Then, Sam interviews Karen Svoboda, CEO of Defense of Democracy about the Moms. Follow Defense of Democracy at https://defenseofdemocracy.org/.
Join Refuse Fascism in protesting in Philly - follow along on our socials (@RefuseFascism).
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Jun 18, 2023 • 49min
SCOTUS, The Shadow Docket, & The Fascist Assault on the Environment
Sam interviews Stephen Vladeck, law professor and author of the NY Times bestseller, The Shadow Docket, How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic. Follow Steve on Twitter at @steve_vladeck and sign up for his Substack here: stevevladeck.substack.com.
Then, we talk to Julian Gonzalez, senior legislative counsel Earth Justice about the recent ruling that undermines the Clean Water Act and related attacks on the environment coming from the Supreme Court. Learn more about the work of Earth Justice at earthjustice.org.
Next weekend, join us in the streets of DC on the one year anniversary of the Dobbs decision which overturned abortion rights demanding legal abortion nationwide: https://riseup4abortionrights.org/june-24-2023-one-year-without-roe-take-your-fury-back-into-the-streets/
Starting June 29 - July 2 the fascist anti-LGBTQ group "Moms for Liberty" will be holding their summit in Philly. Stay tuned for details on how to mobilize to defend people targeted for attack by this group, particularly the trans community.
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Jun 11, 2023 • 52min
Trump Indicted + Media Complicity in the Rise of Fascism
History was made this past week as Trump was finally federally indicted for keeping classified documents, mishandling them and obstructing all attempts to retrieve them from his bathroom and ballroom in Mar-a-Lago (among other places). Sam Goldman comments on this new situation and the calls for violence to retaliate from Trump and other Republifascist leaders.
Then, Sam interviews Mark Jacob, a former editor at the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, about the way the media has handled and in some ways assisted the growth of the fascist movement in the US. Follow Mark on Twitter at @MarkJacob16.
Recommended Reading:The Federal Trump Indictments and the Living Fascist Menace – Curb the Liberal Happy Dancing
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

May 28, 2023 • 44min
Teaching Anti-Fascism
Sam talks to educator Michael Vavrus, professor emeritus at The Evergreen State College, about his new book Teaching Anti-Fascism: A Critical Multicultural Pedagogy for Civic Engagement.
From a review by Noah De Lissovoy (The University of Texas at Austin):
“Teaching Anti-Fascism brilliantly excavates the historical and contemporary sources of fascism in colonialism, anti-Blackness, and monopoly capitalism, and demonstrates that authoritarianism is embedded both in far-right movements and in the institutions of liberal democracy. Crucially challenging the hesitancy in education to confront fascist politics, Vavrus shows that multicultural teaching must take on an anti-fascist commitment in order to be true to its own values and vocation. For all who refuse the illusory consolation of ‘it can’t happen here,’ this book outlines a comprehensive program of critical and engaged civic education that we simply cannot do without.”
Then, Coco Das comments on the official start of the contest between Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump for top dog fascist as well as the fascist persecution of the courageous Indiana abortion doctor Caitlin Bernard. Follow Coco at @Coco_Das.
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

May 22, 2023 • 57min
Tucker Carlson and Stochastic Terrorism
Sam talks to Wajahat Ali about Tucker Carlson’s white supremacist legacy and anticipated next steps in the aftermath of his firing from FOX News. If you’re on Twitter you probably already follow Wajahat @WajahatAli. You can also read his latest book Go Back to Where You Came From And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American or listen to the podcast he co-hosts, Democracy-Ish.
Then, Coco Das talks to open source researcher Aric Toler who uncovered the details of the Allen Texas mass shooter’s fascist ideology. Read Tracing the Odnoklassniki Profile of the Texas Mall Shooter on Bellingcat and follow Aric at @AricToler.
Recommended Reading for this week:
What the Debt Limit Fight Is Actually About: It’s not about debt at all. It’s about turning back the political clock 100 years. by Jon Schwarz
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

May 14, 2023 • 44min
Beyond Fake Opposition And Honeyed Words
Coco Das comments on the recent CNN-hosted Trump Town Hall (aka Klan rally) and Democratic reactions. Read her commentary here: Biden’s Camp Cheers on Trump’s CNN Town Hall: An “Opposition” Party that is Worse than Useless. Follow her on Twitter at @Coco_Das.
Plus: Sam interviews Akin Olla, National Press Secretary for the Dream Defenders, and contributing opinion writer for The Guardian, about the Dream Defenders' recent mobilization against Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Follow @Dreamdefenders on Twitter and learn more about their work at dreamdefenders.org. Follow Akin on Twitter at @thisisrevshow.
From RiseUp4AbortionRights.org:
Do not wait to see what plays out in the courts, act now!
Monday May 15 – Wednesday May 17 act in bold ways big and small to demand: Fascist Judges: Hands OFF the Abortion Pill
In the Philadelphia area? Join host of the pod Sam Goldman at a Teach-In at Drexel University:Hands off the Abortion Pill: the Christian Fascist Plan for a Federal Abortion Ban Wednesday, May 17 6PM
Disque Hall Room 108
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

May 7, 2023 • 55min
The Sweeping and Intensifying Fascist Attack on Trans People
Sam talks to Brynn Tannehill, former naval aviator and author of several books including American Fascism: How the GOP is Subverting Democracy and her latest, My Child Told Me They're Trans ... What Do I Do?: A Q&A Guide by Parents of Thriving Trans Children.
A wave of legislation targeting trans people is sweeping the country. Read a roundup of some of these laws here (from HRC). Follow Brynn on Twitter at @BrynnTannehill and read her recent article for New Republic, "The End of Trans America Comes Into Focus."
Listen to the previous episode with Andy Campbell, author of We Are Proud Boys: How a Right-Wing Street Gang Ushered in a New Era of American Extremism.
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Apr 30, 2023 • 47min
The Fantasy of the Reasonable Republican with Fred Wellman
Sam interviews Fred Wellman, veteran and host of the On Democracy podcast, former executive director of the Lincoln Project about the state of the Republican Party (and its fascist base) and the lessons from recent years of the limitations of “politics as usual.” Follow Fred at @FPWellman and read his writings at fpwellman.substack.com.
Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. We're still on Twitter (@RefuseFascism) and other social platforms including the newest addition: mastodon.world/@refusefascism
Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Record a voice message for the show here. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support:
· paypal.me/refusefascism
· donate.refusefascism.org
· patreon.com/refusefascism
Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown