Seven million in the streets—or a narrative that outran the facts? We unpack the “No Kings” rallies with a clear-eyed look at turnout claims, media framing, and the surprising historical flubs that turned Boston Tea Party lore into prop work. From there, we trace a bigger thread: how redefining loaded words like fascism isn’t just sloppy, it’s strategic. When a term once reserved for Mussolini and Hitler gets reduced to shorthand for “policies I dislike,” the debate tilts from evidence to emotion, and the public loses its compass.
We walk through what fascism actually meant historically—authoritarian one-party rule, suppression of dissent, cult-of-leader nationalism—and measure today’s accusations against that yardstick. The presence of permitted protests and noisy opposition doesn’t fit the totalist mold. So why does the label stick? Projection. Calling your opponents what you fear in your own camp blunts accountability. We explore how that tactic shapes voter behavior, including why polls in places like Virginia can swing without voters switching sides; fatigue can make people sit out rather than cross the aisle.
The conversation also draws a hard line between protected speech and incitement. Protest is core to a free republic; urging violence is not. If you hate a law, the constitutional fix is representation and reform, not threatening agents who enforce statutes. That civic clarity connects to a deeper foundation: rights rooted in God, not government, and a culture capable of self-control. Without a moral backbone, rhetoric escalates, definitions melt, and the center cannot hold.
If you’re hungry for grounded history, honest terms, and a roadmap for principled civic action, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a friend who’s wrestling with the headlines. Your voice keeps this conversation honest and alive.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.