The Fascism Barometer

In this episode of Midnight Musings, Ejeris connects the dots between fascism and war, naming a pattern that has repeated across history and is unfolding again in real time. What begins as internal hierarchy and scapegoating often escalates into global violence. And the consequences are measured in human lives. Because even in the middle of the night, the barometer is still rising. And so is our responsibility to respond. You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub. Connect with Ejeris Dixon Donate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resources And when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.org Podcast production by Phil Surkis

The Fascism Barometer team presents a new series of bonus “mini-sodes” that we’re calling Midnight Musings. Ejeris Dixon invites us into a more unfiltered space at the intersection of newfound parenthood and political reflection. As fascism intensifies around the world and at home, Ejeris shares what it means to stay present to both care work and movement work at the same time. These “movement appetizers” will be a regular thing, and might even continue after the launch of season three of The Fascism Barometer this June! Because even in the middle of the night, the barometer is still rising. And so is our responsibility to respond. You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub. Connect with Ejeris Dixon Donate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resources And when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.org Podcast production by Phil Surkis

In our season finale, host Ejeris Dixon welcomes organizer, author, and strategist Alicia Garza back to finish the conversation on power, and what it takes to beat fascist politics. Alicia lays out a practical “recipe for liberation”: from deepening political education, to building community while rooting the work in love. She argues that while a small amount of people may be unmoved, the vast majority is persuadable. Also, Ejeris reflects on Season 2 of The Fascism Barometer, reminding us about what we've learned, and reviewing concrete action steps we can take to resist fascism and build a powerful resistance.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgFull Transcript is available at fascismbarometer.org. Podcast production by Phil Surkis

In this incredibly timely episode, host Ejeris Dixon sits down with Darakshan Raja, founding Executive Director of Muslims for Just Futures. Raja talks about how post-9/11 policies laid the groundwork for today’s increasing fascism. She also explains how the framework of terrorism expanded government power, targeted organizations and communities, and justified the expansion of prisons, policing, and the military, from the use of Guantánamo to campus protest crackdowns. Importantly, Dixon and Raja focus on what to do now to refuse the legitimacy of “terror” frames, and strengthen support across communities and movements.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgFull Transcript is available at fascismbarometer.org. Podcast production by Phil Surkis

Ejeris Dixon welcomes back author and strategist Alicia Garza for a clear-eyed read of the moment. Garza breaks down how fascism weaponizes white supremacy and emergency politics to manufacture enemies, demand a strongman, and win consent, while reminding us that resistance is a long tradition in Black, immigrant, and trans communities. Stay tuned for part two of this vital conversation, as Dixon and Garza will discuss concrete power-building moves to "keep the barometer at bay".You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonAlicia Garza's book, The Purpose of PowerDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgFull Transcript is available at fascismbarometer.org. Podcast production by Phil Surkis

Ejeris Dixon welcomes abolitionist safety practitioner Che Johnson-Long and technologist-lawyer Ken Montenegro back to The Fascism Barometer for a grounded, practical guide to resisting in a fast-shifting landscape. They unpack how fascism feeds on panic and isolation—and how all of us can respond when we examine risk, create shared tools, and take care of each other. Homework includes: broaden trusted information sources, join an organization, and start an actual risk plan.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgPodcast production by Phil Surkis

In the second half of this vital conversation, host Ejeris Dixon and movement strategist Tarso Ramos go beyond diagnosing the rise of fascism—they map out what we must do to resist it. From learning lessons of South Africa’s Freedom Charter and United Democratic Front to organizing a “bigger we” capable of defeating fascism and authoritarianism, Ramos shares both cautionary tales and hopeful strategies. This episode insists that there is no going back, and that the only path forward is through collective creativity, broad coalitions, and a relentless commitment to building power.

In part one of this wide-ranging two-part episode, Ejeris Dixon welcomes Tarso Ramos back to The Fascism Barometer. Ramos, a seasoned researcher of fascist, authoritarian, and supremacist movements, shares how his family’s escape from Brazil’s military dictatorship shaped his lifelong fight against fascism. He draws chilling parallels between past regimes and today’s U.S. political landscape, breaking down the accelerating pace of authoritarian consolidation and the critical 12–18 month window to resist it. This episode is both a warning and a blueprint for action.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgPodcast production by Phil Surkis

In this profound episode, Ejeris Dixon sits down with healing justice visionary Erica Woodland to explore how fascism is impacting our mental health and our capacity to organize. With a background in psychotherapy and decades of movement work, Erica discusses the emotional toll of surviving and resisting while fascism rises overwhelmingly. Ejeris and Erica grapple with what it really means to fight fascism without abandoning ourselves or each other.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Erica WoodlandConnect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgPodcast production by Phil Surkis

What does the expansion of policing, imprisonment, and surveillance reveal about the rise of fascism? Host Ejeris Dixon sits down with long-time organizer, activist, and author Rachel Herzing to unpack the interlocking systems of state violence known as the prison industrial complex. Herzing, director of the Yarrow Institute and co-author of How to Abolish Prisons, connects the dots between rising fascist power, the racism and violence of the prison and policing system, the erosion of public dissent, and the work of preventing a police state.You can find the tools you need to fight fascism at our Resource Hub.Connect with Ejeris DixonDonate to the Fascism Barometer, and help us create more episodes and resourcesAnd when you feel the pressure, share this pod, and visit fascismbarometer.orgPodcast production by Phil SurkisIntro Music by Meklit HaderoThe Fascism Barometer Podcast is an Ejerie Labs Project. Thank you for joining the movement.