Has democracy in America reached its breaking point? In this episode of Apocalypse…Now?, Jo Ana Van Thuyne explores whether the United States has already crossed into fascist territory — or if there’s still time to pull back from the brink. Joining Jo Anna is Professor Anthony DiMaggio, political science scholar at Lehigh University and author of Rising Fascism in America: It Can Happen Here.

Together, they unpack the signs, dangers, and real-world consequences of America’s political trajectory in 2025.

The State of Democracy: Crisis or Collapse?

Jo Anna poses the question: Has America fallen into a fascist authoritarian regime?

In this candid conversation, Jo Anna and Anthony discuss everything from deporting pro-Palestinian protestors to sending people to prisons in El Salvador — illustrating the fragile state of free expression and protest rights today.

Finding Love, Finding Fear

Intertwined with this heavy subject matter, Jo Anna reflects on the need for connection amid societal upheaval. What else can we do in the face of systemic decline?

This episode gives listeners a “safe space happy place” to have these hard conversations.

Meet Our Guest: Professor Anthony DiMaggio

Anthony DiMaggio is no stranger to studying the warning signs of democracy’s collapse. As a professor, author, and researcher on social movements, media, and extremism, his work shines a harsh light on America’s increasingly authoritarian tilt.

🏛️ Specialization: Fascism, right-wing extremism, social movements, political communication
📚 Jo Anna Discusses His Book: Rising Fascism in America: It Can Happen Here

What We Cover in This Episode

🔥 Is Fascism Already Here?

Professor DiMaggio shares why he believes the January 6th insurrection was a turning point that exposed America’s vulnerability to fascism — but also how the seeds of extremism were sown long before, through decades of political rhetoric, inequality, and right-wing propaganda.

📢 The Media’s Role in America’s Authoritarian Shift

Jo Anna and Anthony dissect the rise of right-wing echo chambers, social media polarization, and how corporate media has failed to warn the public about the looming threats to democracy.

🛡️ How Citizens Can Fight Back

The conversation turns toward hope and resistance:

📢 Protest movements
🧠 Critical thinking and media literacy
🏘️ Building strong, resilient local communities
💵 Using your dollars to support ethical organizations

🎲 Game Time: Is It Fascism?

To make it even more awkward, Jo Anna hosts a darkly humorous “game show” nobody asked for called, Is It Fascism? Hear Anthony weigh in on issues like Project 2025, deporting student protesters, and censorship of public institutions — and tell us whether or not it’s full blown fascism.

Spoiler: Jeff Bezos’ phallic rocket is mentioned at some point.

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About Apocalypse…Now?

Apocalypse…Now? isn’t just a podcast — it’s a chronicle of the strange, tense, often absurd reality we now live in. Hosted by Jo Anna Van Thuyne, each episode tackles existential threats (political, environmental, technological) with a mix of sharp insight, gallows humor, and a fiercely independent spirit.

🎯 Quick Summary (for embedding or sharing)

Topic: Is American fascism already here?
Guest: Professor Anthony DiMaggio
Host: Joanna Van Thuyne
Tags: Fascism, Democracy, Authoritarianism, Apocalypse Now Podcast
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Patreon, ApocalypseNowPodcast.com
CTA: Subscribe, review, and support independent media on Patreon

No Sponsors. No Commercials. Just Real Talk.

The show is independently produced. This episode has no sponsorship messages, no corporate interruptions. If you value raw, unfiltered discussions on topics that matter, you can support the show for free at Patreon.com/JoAnnaVT.

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