Cats Against Fascism (feat. Brittlestar)
1Digest
The podcast begins with a news roundup discussing a shooting at the CDC by an anti-vax extremist, the Trump administration's delays in disaster relief, and Zelensky's rejection of a land-swap proposal. It then features an interview with comedian and writer Stuart Reynolds, promoting his book "Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism," which uses cat analogies to offer advice on navigating fascism, emphasizing unpredictability, strategic action, and community. The podcast concludes with listener-submitted stories of "good news" and "good trouble," showcasing acts of kindness and creative protest. Examples of "good trouble" include creating protest art and contacting officials to oppose Confederate memorials. The episode also touches upon the Trump administration's attempts to suppress information through delaying disaster relief and using private tax data on migrants.
Outlines
News Roundup: CDC Shooting, Disaster Relief Delays, and Trump's Actions
The episode begins with a summary of several news stories, focusing on a shooting at the CDC by an anti-vax extremist, the Trump administration's delay of disaster relief funds, and Zelensky's rejection of Trump's land-swap proposal.
Interview with Stuart Reynolds ("Brittle Star")
An interview with comedian and writer Stuart Reynolds, discussing his new book, "Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism," which uses cat analogies to offer advice on navigating fascism. Key themes include unpredictability, strategic action, and the importance of community.
Listener Good News and Good Trouble
The hosts share listener-submitted stories of "good news" and "good trouble," highlighting acts of kindness, creative protest, and positive community actions.
Keywords
Anti-vax extremism
Violent or harmful actions by individuals rejecting vaccines due to misinformation and extremist ideologies.
Good Trouble
Strategic, non-violent actions challenging injustice and promoting positive change.
Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism
A book by Stuart Reynolds using humorous cat analogies to provide strategies for resisting authoritarianism.
CDC Shooting
A shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by an anti-vax extremist.
Disaster Relief Delays
The Trump administration's delay of disaster relief funds.
Zelensky's Rejection of Land Swap
Zelensky's refusal of Trump's proposed land-swap deal.
Political Protest
Methods of resistance, including creative protest and contacting officials.
Q&A
What are some key takeaways from Stuart Reynolds' book, "Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism"?
The book uses cat behavior to illustrate strategies for resisting fascism, emphasizing unpredictability, strategic rest, community support, and assertive action.
How did the Trump administration attempt to suppress information?
The administration delayed disaster relief funds, tried to keep federal spending data secret, and attempted to use private tax data on migrants for immigration enforcement.
What is "good trouble," and how is it exemplified in the listener submissions?
"Good trouble" refers to strategic, non-violent acts of resistance. Listener examples include creating protest art (crochet blanket), contacting officials to oppose Confederate memorials, and acts of kindness towards strangers.
Show Notes
Monday, August 11th, 2025
Today, Trump and Putin are going to meet in Alaska this week for talks about Ukraine as Zelensky rejects Trump’s proposal to cede territory; a class action lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration for inhumane conditions at 26 Federal Plaza in New York; Trump is delaying millions of dollars in already approved disaster relief funds for North Carolina; Gregg Abbot claims he’s sending the FBI after Texas Democrats; a gunman who hates the Covid vaccine opened fire at the CDC; we now have our sixth IRS Commissioner after the fifth one refused to hand over private tax data on migrants; the Trump administration is going to destroy two really expensive carbon dioxide measuring satellites on purpose; an appeals court rules that Trump’s clamp down on spending data is against the law; another judge blocks limits on domestic violence grants; Governor Maura Healey signs a new shield law for abortion and trans health care; and Allison and Dana read your Good News.
Guest: Brittlestar
Brittlestar (@brittlestar) - Instagram
Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism
LESSONS FROM CATS - BRITTLESTAR
Welcome to the Stupidpocalypse: Survival Tips for the Dumbageddon
Zelensky Rejects Ceding Territory to Russia After Trump Suggests a Land Swap | The New York Times
IRS, White House clashed over immigrants’ data before Billy Long was ousted | The Washington Post
What can the FBI do in Texas redistricting fight? Not much, experts say. | The Washington Post
Why a NASA satellite that scientists and farmers rely on may be destroyed on purpose | NPR
Appeals court rules Trump clamp-down on spending data defies Congress’ authority | POLITICO
ICE Is Holding Migrants in Crowded and Unsanitary Cells, Suit Claims | The New York Times
US judge blocks Trump administration limits on domestic violence grants | Reuters
Good Trouble
“I just heard the Pentagon wants to restore a statue in Arlington National Cemetery of confederate general Albert Pike which was toppled in 2020 during BLM, then not replaced because the government was getting rid of a lot of Confederate names, memorials, etc. So I just went to the Arlington Cemetery website to give them my FEEDBACK to tell them NOT to spend federal money replacing the insulting thing!!!”
Arlington Cemetery Feedback Form
Our Donation Links
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Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you’re going to do, or just vent. I’m always here to listen.
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Table of contents
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