The podcast dives into the unsettling parallels between contemporary politics and historical fascism. It explores how media has historically grappled with authoritarianism and the evolution of journalistic integrity. The discussion today highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion and the surge of emotionally charged conservative media. Attention is also given to the ethical dilemmas posed by billionaire ownership in journalism, questioning the future of objective reporting in an increasingly polarized landscape.

Subscribe for full episode The MAGA attack on government jobs, takeover of government agencies, and purge of supposed “DEI” and “woke” professionals has a long history in the US. Julian uses old-timey newsreels, biographies, and events in the public record to trace the lines from 1919 to today, making stops at the so-called Red Summer’s “race riots,” Red Scare communist panics, Hollywood Blacklist, and Lavender Scare that fired thousands for being presumed gay.Unrelated to any of this completely useless and repressive paranoid bigotry, actual Soviet spies were being apprehended and prosecuted—even then everything was not on the level. The prosecutors had their own hidden skeletons and shady bedfellows, even as they claimed the patriotic moral high ground.At the heart of this history is a lineage of men who never let truth get in the way of gaining, and wielding, power and cruelty. Julian uncovers a surprisingly direct lineage of dirty-tricks demagogue succession, from Woodrow Wilson to A. Mitchell Palmer, to J. Edgar Hoover, to Joe McCarthy, to Roy Cohn, to Roger Stone, to our current president. Editorial Note: The Paul Robeson clip that starts the episode is a re-enactment by James Earl Jones for the Zinn Education Project. It uses the transcript of Robeson’s 1956 appearance before the House UnAmerican Activities Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent measles outbreak has sparked a fierce debate over the MMR vaccine and public health narratives. The backlash against RFK Jr.'s surprising support illustrates the tensions within the anti-vaccine community. The conversation also critiques the dangers of alternative health beliefs overshadowing scientific evidence. Additionally, funding cuts to public health research raise concerns about health equity, highlighting the risks of privatizing science. At the crux lies the battle between misinformation and the necessity of vaccination for community safety.

Explore how followers of QAnon have morphed into a threatening force, now embodying a 'Deeper State' that promotes repression. The discussion connects this modern conspiracy to historical figures like Henry Ford and Elon Musk, revealing unsettling parallels in the manipulation of public sentiment. Health crises like the Texas measles outbreak highlight the dangers of vaccine skepticism fueled by misinformation. The podcast also delves into the cyclical nature of conspiracism in America, tracing its roots back to events like McCarthyism and the Red Scare.

Explore the complex world of sarcasm and cultural communication, where playful jabs can lead to misunderstandings, especially online. Delve into the unsettling resurgence of Nazi salutes in American politics, dissecting the normalization of these symbols and their troubling implications. A provocative article ignites a fierce debate, highlighting stark divides in opinion and sparking critical conversations about history and context. Join the discussion as differing perspectives clash on the meaning and impact of such gestures.

In this discussion, Louise Perry, author of "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution," reflects on whether women's lives are worse now than in the 1950s. She argues that the sexual revolution has led to significant losses for women, advocating for recognition of gender differences. Their conversation touches on the complexities of abortion, the evolution of dating norms, and the subtle resurgence of conservative values under the guise of modern discourse. Perry's views spark a debate about the implications of these shifts on women’s autonomy and cultural expectations.

Dive into the fantastical world where politics and conspiracy culture collide. From Trump's bizarre declarations to absurd proposals about Canada's statehood, the discussions reveal the strange logic at play. Explore the colonial legacy shaping today's political landscape and engage with indigenous activism, like Burnham Burnham's cheeky claim over England. Delve into the Doctrine of Discovery and its lingering impact on modern governance. Unravel how language molds societal beliefs and reflects the struggle for identity among colonized communities.

The discussion dives into the dual nature of contemporary fascism, highlighting its ideological aesthetics and technocratic elements. It contrasts trolls' far-right beliefs with their coding skills. A century-old fascist thesis is unpacked, emphasizing the importance of controlling the 'machine' in a coup d'état. There's a critical look at how liberal discourse on manners distracts from the realities of power and capital. The conversation sheds light on the challenges of navigating social media dynamics and their impact on societal values.

Dive into a critical review of six essential books that define fascism and document the resistance against it. Explore diverse perspectives on political activism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among liberals and leftists. Discover the tactical insights from history on how coups succeed—focusing on strategy over ideology. Finally, arm yourself with grassroots methods and legal strategies to effectively combat fascism, sparking a conversation on the ethics of resistance.

Mallory DeMille, a wellness expert and critic, dives into the controversial raw wellness trend. She dissects the health myths surrounding raw milk and meat, highlighting the pseudoscience fueling these beliefs. The discussion also examines the romanticized roots of the raw food movement and its ties to contemporary wellness culture. Mallory critiques the appeal of raw water and the commercial exploitation of health ideals, emphasizing the dangers of neglecting scientific understanding in favor of trendy diets.