In this episode, Angie and Leslie unpack what fascism actually is—according to philosopher Jason Stanley’s book How Fascism Works. We focus on one of its core tactics: the “us vs. them” strategy, and why it’s so effective (and dangerous). Then we walk through the ten traits of fascist politics—stuff like propaganda, anti-intellectualism, law and order rhetoric, and sexual anxiety—and connect them to what we’re seeing in American politics right now. So grab your Diet Coke or your Dr. Pepper, settle in, and let’s chat about how to recognize authoritarianism before it takes root—and how knowledge really is power.
Also: Saying big words are hard to say after night shifts. ~Angie