The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast

The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast is here to help the anyone concerned about creeping authoritarianism and fascism in the US and beyond to confront strategy questions that will strengthen their work to advance multiracial democracy and stop the rise of authoritarianism. Our core message is: we can block authoritarianism, bridge across lines of differences, and build an inclusive multiracial democracy–if we act more strategically. The show features provocative and valuable conversations with hosts Scot Nakagawa, Sue Hyde, Apyphanie Dawn, and their guests.

23 episodes

11d ago latest

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Episodes 23

No ICE in the Cup w/Paola Mendoza, Austin Weatherford & Jordan Seaberry
11d ago · 1:26:35
The World Cup is the most watched event on earth. This summer it was on US soil while ICE conducted raids in immigrant communities and used fear as a tool of authoritarian control. No ICE in the Cup is a campaign that meets that global stage with a global message, built on a pillars analysis, powered by artists and cultural workers, organized across deep ideological differences, and grounded in a clear theory of how noncooperation moves the institutions propping up authoritarian power. In this episode, Apyphanie Dawn, 22CI’s Communication Manager, talks with three of the architects: Paola Mend
Big Tent Culture w/ Julia Roig
25d ago · 45:48
Movements powerful enough to defeat authoritarianism aren't built from a single source. They're built like rivers, from hundreds of springs, each distinct, each alive, all moving in the same direction. In this episode, Scot talks with Julia Roig, founder and Chief Network Weaver of the Horizons Project, about what big tent organizing actually looks like in practice, the role of artists in movements, how to drive counter-narratives that shift culture, and what network weavers do that no other actor in the ecosystem can. The Horizons Project strengthens connections and collective action among US
Looking Beyond Survival, with Ejeris Dixon
1y ago · 41:20
Scot Nakagawa and Sue Hyde sit down with Ejeris Dixon, an organizer, strategist, and co-editor of Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement. Ejeris shares insights on navigating rising authoritarianism, building abolitionist futures, and strengthening community resilience drawn from their 20-plus years of experience in racial justice, LGBTQ, anti-violence, and economic justice movements. This episode dives deep into how movements can incorporate anti-fascist strategies and reimagine justice through transformative frameworks. Guest Bio Ejeris Dixon (they/s
Moving Toward Democracy, with Kunthida Rungruengkiat
1y ago · 47:58
In this episode of Anti-Authoritarian Podcast, Scot Nakagawa and Sue Hyde talk with Kunthida Rungruengkiat, a Thai academic, former Member of Parliament, and director of the Progressive Movement Foundation. Kunthida shares her insights on the resilience of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement, the challenges of opposing authoritarianism, and the power of grassroots organizing. Through her work with Future Forward, Move Forward, and the People's Party, Kunthida demonstrates how a movement rooted in innovation and inclusion can create lasting change—even under repressive conditions. Guest Bio Kunth
A Winning Strategy: Defending Democracy with Civil Resistance, with Maria Stephan
1y ago · 49:46
While political violence is not new in the United States, incidents of violence are on the rise. These events are gaining more attention in public discourse. Maria Stephan, an organizer, author, and expert on non-violent movements joins to discuss the historic success of protest and non-violent civil disobedience in protecting democracy. What makes nonviolence strategic, especially in times of rising authoritarianism? What can we do to make political violence backfire in our communities? Guest Bio Maria is an award-winning author and organizer whose work in academic, public service, and nonpro
Changing the Temperature: Narrative Strategy to Move the Base, with Anat Shenker-Osorio
1y ago · 1:02:06
Powerful narratives play an essential role in building governing power. In this episode, Scot and Sue are joined by Anat Shenker-Osorio, host of the Words to Win By podcast and principal of ASO Communications. Anat helps us understand the power of narrative strategy to win the battle of ideas. What narrative strategies are working in the fight to defeat authoritarianism, and how do we know when they're effective? Guest Bio Host of the Words to Win By podcast and Principal of ASO Communications, Anat Shenker-Osorio examines why certain messages falter where others deliver. She has led research
Choosing Democracy Today and Every Day
1y ago · 45:22
Following last week's elections, Scot and Sue are joined by Daniel Hunter, co-founder of Choose Democracy, to discuss how we respond to authoritarians emboldened by the election results. In the episode, they take a deeper look together at Daniel's recent post-election essay 10 Ways to Be Prepared and Grounded Now That Trump Has Won What (first published by Waging Nonviolence and then shared by Convergence). What should we be doing to defend our democratic institutions? What can we learn from other countries fighting the rise of authoritarianism in their borders? Daniel also touches on the tran
Florida Rising Fights Back, With Dwight Bullard
1y ago · 37:17
Continuing this season’s exploration of how communities are fighting authoritarians, we turn the spotlight to Florida. Scot and Sue sit down with Dwight Bullard, Senior Political Advisor with Florida Rising. Dwight gives insights into what has been going on in Florida for the past 20 years and how authoritarians have captured the state. He shows us how authoritarian policies weaken public education and other institutions, and offers food for thought for the rest of us drawn from Florida's fightback. Guest Bio Dwight M. Bullard is the Senior Political Advisor of Florida Rising. Leading the orga
Mass Movements Make Room: Lessons From the Women’s March, with Rachel Carmona
1y ago · 49:47
Scot and Sue are joined by Rachel Carmona, Executive Director of the Women’s March, to discuss threats to our democracy and what building mass movements has taught her. How is minority rule undermining democracy and what must organizers and believers in democracy do to win? How do we create a big enough tent to allow room for disagreement, while keeping a shared commitment to defeating authoritarianism? And what’s up with the authoritarian bloc's obsession with the LGBTQ community? Guest Bio Rachel O’Leary Carmona is the Executive Director of Women’s March and Women’s March Network. Rachel ser
Activating the Next Generation- Young People in the Pro-Democracy Movement, with Alex Ames
1y ago · 37:29
Throughout history, the participation and leadership of young people has defined the success of movements for justice. The same is true today. Scot and Sue are joined by Alex Ames, a movement leader in the state of Georgia, to give insights into the experiences of young people and democracy. Why are young people cynical toward the democratic process in the US? How do social media and the rising cost of living create the conditions for isolation? What issues matter most to young people, and how do we bring more of them into the pro-democracy movement? Guest Bio Alex is a student and community o
What Could Have Been – Insurrection and Democracy in Crisis, with Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan
1y ago · 33:43
Scot and Sue have a conversation with Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan, co-authors of the graphic novel 1/6, which speculates on what could have happened if the insurrection on January 6, 2021 had been successful. After the insurrection, Alan and Gan were concerned with how quickly the nation was forgetting--and, more troubling still, reinventing history. They retell this history in a compelling way that can reach everyday people. It's not just the story of what happened, but of what could have happened and how close we came to losing our democracy. How can this moment in history be a warning sign a
As Goes North Carolina, So Goes the Nation, with Serena Sebring
1y ago · 26:48
The South remains the epicenter in the fight for freedom and equality in the US, and North Carolina specifically has been a site of fierce battles between authoritarians attempting to capture state government and communities defending the democratic process. Scot and Sue are joined by Serena Sebring, Executive Director of Blueprint NC, an organization helping to lead the charge against these authoritarians. How has North Carolina historically and presently been a battleground for democracy, what are real threats that we must acknowledge and navigate, and what are victories and stories of hope
Democracy Lessons From an Evangelical Church, with Hahrie Han
1y ago · 37:46
Scot and Sue are joined by Hahrie Han, an award-winning author and professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss her new book Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church (Penguin Random House 2024). Undivided tells the story of Hahrie's visits to a megachurch in Ohio as it goes through a six-week program developed by church leaders to cultivate meaningful relationships across race and foster collective anti-racist action. Listening to the congregation and the participants she follows, Hahrie hears a powerful story about politics in the US and what
Media in America & the Pro-Democracy Media Ecosystem, with Laura Flanders
1y ago · 40:02
In this episode Scot and Sue are joined by Laura Flanders, a media expert and host of the Laura Flanders & Friends show, to lay out the history of media in the US and the power the mainstream media has to frame issues. How has the media landscape changed since the civil rights movement, and what investments have authoritarians and their ultra-rich supporters made in media to give them the influence they wield today? What should our strategy and tactics be to grow the pro-democracy media ecosystem? Guest Bio Laura Flanders is the host and executive producer of Laura Flanders & Friends (formerly
Countering Active Clubs: Lessons from the Northwest Pro-Democracy Movement, with Lindsay Schubiner
1y ago · 41:18
Over the past couple of decades, white nationalists and authoritarians have become growing threats to democracy and peace in northwestern states like Oregon and Washington. Lindsay Schubiner of the Portland, Oregon-based Western States Center joins the show to take us on a journey through history not only to learn how the situation became what it is today, but also to point out legacies of resistance and modern-day organizing. Lindsay specifically gives insight on the new threats from “active clubs,” networks of local white nationalist groups that train together and often show up to target and
You Belong Here – Organizing White People for a Multi-Racial Democracy, with Erin Heaney
1y ago · 42:54
Authoritarians and anti-democratic political elites attack democracy because a robust and equitable democracy is the ultimate regulator of wealth and power. But their bottom lines are drawn behind their own heels and in front of the toes of working families. So, how are they attempting to build a mass populist movement against democracy, popular enough to use the democratic process to take power? By organizing down the class ladder to white workers; a move that use to legitimate their claim of being champions of "real" Americans. In this episode Executive Director of Standing Up For Racial Jus
Shifting the Narrative – Protecting our Futures, with Malkia Devich-Cyril
2y ago · 55:20
The stories we tell and how and to whom we tell them can be the difference between winning and losing in political struggle. Scot and Sue chat with Malkia Devich-Cyril from MediaJustice about the difference between communication strategy and narrative strategy. Short term communication strategy is helpful for the policy debates of today, but long term cultural change requires a deep understanding of narrative strategy. Authoritarians and political elites offer a false narrative rooted in fear and violence - how must we in the pro-democracy movement shift the narrative to protect our futures? W
Community and Connection: The Antidotes to Authoritarianism, with Sulma Arias
2y ago · 45:08
Authoritarians rely on scapegoat tactics to distract the public from root problems and isolate groups that have historically faced discrimination. Scot and Sue are joined by Sulma Arias, an immigrant herself, who for decades has fought to block authoritarian policies, restore faith in democracy, and build a multi-racial majority that wins together. She reflects on her time organizing in Kansas against anti-immigrant and authoritarian politician Kris Kobach, and makes the case for how a revival of community and worker organizing is key to stopping authoritarianism. Guest Bio Sulma Arias brings
Government Is the Prize: Working-Class Solidarity Wins Democracy, with Maurice Mitchell
2y ago · 41:44
In this episode, Scot and Sue hear the wisdom of Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. Maurice explains why working-class families feel ignored by politicians on both sides of the aisle as material conditions worsen, and how authoritarians weaponize fear to gain support for their ideas. So how do we overcome the two-party system that ignores root causes, and media feedback loops that spread misinformation and intentionally polarize us? We organize and build working-class solidarity. By finding common ground and achieving shared political commitment, we make governm
Across the Lines: We Win Democracy Together, with Rachel Kleinfeld
2y ago · 45:10
In this episode, Scot and Sue are joined by Rachel Kleinfeld, Senior Fellow for the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Rachel gives us insights into the authoritarian playbook and how over the past 20 years the Right has polarized our politics and our culture. How are they strategically fighting across race, place, and gender lines, and how must we counter this attack to overcome polarization and build the multiracial democracy we deserve? Guest Bio Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld advises governments, philanthropists, and activists on how democr
Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence, with Hardy Merriman and Naomi Washington-Leapheart
2y ago · 37:42
In this episode, Scot and Sue discuss Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence (HOPE PV), a new report and training program from 22CI and the Horizons Project, with report author Hardy Merriman and Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart of Political Research Associates. The vast majority of people in this country do not condone the use of violence to settle political disputes, yet political violence is on the rise and some politicians and elites stoke these flames with their rhetoric. Hardy and Naomi help us define political violence, explain how large the problem has grown, and detail how part
How We Got Here, with Suzanne Pharr
2y ago · 1:06:57
In this episode, Scot and Sue sit down with Suzanne Pharr, a Southern queer feminist and anti-racist organizer, strategist, writer, community organizer, and educator. Over her decades of work, she has contributed to the advancement of many social justice movements and worked on historic campaigns against authoritarian attempts to exploit popular prejudice for political and financial gain. With much wisdom and experience, Suzanne paints a clear picture of how we have arrived at this political moment with authoritarians infiltrating our governments and communities, and the direction the pro-demo
Welcome to the Anti-Authoritarian Podcast by 22nd Century Initiative and Convergence Magazine
2y ago · 4:55
The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast is here to help anyone concerned about creeping authoritarianism and fascism in the US and beyond to confront strategy questions that will strengthen their work to advance multiracial democracy and stop the rise of authoritarianism. Our core message is: We can block authoritarianism, bridge across lines of differences, and build an inclusive multiracial democracy–if we act more strategically. The show features provocative and valuable conversations with hosts Scot Nakagawa and Sue Hyde and their guests.

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The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast

Episodes 23

No ICE in the Cup w/Paola Mendoza, Austin Weatherford & Jordan Seaberry

Big Tent Culture w/ Julia Roig

Looking Beyond Survival, with Ejeris Dixon

Moving Toward Democracy, with Kunthida Rungruengkiat

A Winning Strategy: Defending Democracy with Civil Resistance, with Maria Stephan

Changing the Temperature: Narrative Strategy to Move the Base, with Anat Shenker-Osorio

Choosing Democracy Today and Every Day

Florida Rising Fights Back, With Dwight Bullard

Mass Movements Make Room: Lessons From the Women’s March, with Rachel Carmona

Activating the Next Generation- Young People in the Pro-Democracy Movement, with Alex Ames

What Could Have Been – Insurrection and Democracy in Crisis, with Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan

As Goes North Carolina, So Goes the Nation, with Serena Sebring

Democracy Lessons From an Evangelical Church, with Hahrie Han

Media in America & the Pro-Democracy Media Ecosystem, with Laura Flanders

Countering Active Clubs: Lessons from the Northwest Pro-Democracy Movement, with Lindsay Schubiner

You Belong Here – Organizing White People for a Multi-Racial Democracy, with Erin Heaney

Shifting the Narrative – Protecting our Futures, with Malkia Devich-Cyril

Community and Connection: The Antidotes to Authoritarianism, with Sulma Arias

Government Is the Prize: Working-Class Solidarity Wins Democracy, with Maurice Mitchell

Across the Lines: We Win Democracy Together, with Rachel Kleinfeld

Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence, with Hardy Merriman and Naomi Washington-Leapheart

How We Got Here, with Suzanne Pharr

Welcome to the Anti-Authoritarian Podcast by 22nd Century Initiative and Convergence Magazine

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Episodes 23

No ICE in the Cup w/Paola Mendoza, Austin Weatherford & Jordan Seaberry

Big Tent Culture w/ Julia Roig

Looking Beyond Survival, with Ejeris Dixon

Moving Toward Democracy, with Kunthida Rungruengkiat

A Winning Strategy: Defending Democracy with Civil Resistance, with Maria Stephan

Changing the Temperature: Narrative Strategy to Move the Base, with Anat Shenker-Osorio

Choosing Democracy Today and Every Day

Florida Rising Fights Back, With Dwight Bullard

Mass Movements Make Room: Lessons From the Women’s March, with Rachel Carmona

Activating the Next Generation- Young People in the Pro-Democracy Movement, with Alex Ames

What Could Have Been – Insurrection and Democracy in Crisis, with Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan

As Goes North Carolina, So Goes the Nation, with Serena Sebring

Democracy Lessons From an Evangelical Church, with Hahrie Han

Media in America & the Pro-Democracy Media Ecosystem, with Laura Flanders

Countering Active Clubs: Lessons from the Northwest Pro-Democracy Movement, with Lindsay Schubiner

You Belong Here – Organizing White People for a Multi-Racial Democracy, with Erin Heaney

Shifting the Narrative – Protecting our Futures, with Malkia Devich-Cyril

Community and Connection: The Antidotes to Authoritarianism, with Sulma Arias

Government Is the Prize: Working-Class Solidarity Wins Democracy, with Maurice Mitchell

Across the Lines: We Win Democracy Together, with Rachel Kleinfeld

Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence, with Hardy Merriman and Naomi Washington-Leapheart

How We Got Here, with Suzanne Pharr

Welcome to the Anti-Authoritarian Podcast by 22nd Century Initiative and Convergence Magazine