Freedom Over Fascism

Discussing fact-based media and strategies to provide fact-based, quality news and information.

ABOUT

Freedom Over Fascism

Freedom Over Fascism is a podcast and column written, produced, and hosted by historian, activist, and communications expert Stephanie Gerber Wilson, PhD. Stephanie talks to authors, experts, activists, historians, and journalists who discuss fact-based media and strategies to break through the miasma of right-wing lies and provide fact-based, quality news and information.

Featured Guests

Where To Start

Tara McGowan, We Need Gloves-Off Leadership with Tara McGowan

In this conversation, Stephanie and Tara discuss the current landscape of independent media, the challenges faced by legacy media, and the importance of grassroots support for journalism. They explore the role of local journalism, the significance of political engagement, and the need for new leadership in times of crisis. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, the impact of voter suppression, and the necessity of a long-term vision for change in the political landscape.

Why more and better local and state candidates are necessary for our continued survival with Amanda Litman

In this episode I talked to Amanda Litman , founder of Run For Something, to discuss the importance of local political engagement and the need for diverse, young candidates in government. Amanda shared insights on the organization’s success in recruiting and supporting candidates, emphasizing that local offices are crucial for addressing community issues like housing, education, and public safety. She highlighted the significance of building a strong pipeline of leaders who can effect change at the grassroots level, especially in the face of national political challenges.

The conversation also delved into the generational dynamics of leadership, particularly the role of Gen X in mentoring younger leaders and the need for a shift away from the gerontocracy in politics. Amanda encouraged listeners to engage with their local representatives and to view political involvement as a long-term commitment. The episode concluded with a call to action for individuals to find their unique ways to contribute to their communities, reinforcing that every effort counts in the fight for democracy and social justice.

15 Million Exvangelicals and How to Reach Them with Heather Cronk

In this conversation, Heather Cronk, founder of Project 2112, discusses her journey from evangelicalism to organizing ex-vangelicals against rising Christian nationalism. She shares insights on the importance of community building, the impact of cognitive dissonance, and the need for curiosity in conversations about faith and politics. The discussion also delves into the authoritarian tendencies within evangelicalism, the significance of Israel in evangelical theology, and the Seven Mountains mandate, which outlines a strategy for Christian dominion over various societal sectors. Heather emphasizes the importance of creating alternative spaces for ex-vangelicals and the need for empathy and understanding in bridging divides.

Meet The Hosts

Stephanie Gerber Wilson

Host, Founder and CEO

Stephanie Gerber Wilson (PhD, Brandeis University) is a historian, columnist, podcast host, and entrepreneur. She's the Founder and CEO of SGW Communications, which produces the Freedom Over Fascism podcast and column. She's also Co-Founder and Managing Director of B. Cognition Labs, in which she provides empathy-based leadership training and coaching to Higher Ed leaders. She's worked in strategic communications for more than 30 years, and has served as a storyteller and web designer for small businesses, a campaign communications consultant for state and local races, and strategic communications coach for entrepreneurs. In Freedom Over Fascism, she explores how to create a fact-based, values-based information system that breaks through the right wing bubble of lies. She also explores what it means to talk about politics without talking about politics. She's hosted Freedom Over Fascism since January 2023.

Where To Listen

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FEATURED BLOG ARTICLES

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January 5, 2026
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5
min read

Best of 2025: Our favorite episodes this year

The Democracy Group's Best Of 2025 series is back for another year!

Jessie Nguyen
Read Post
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December 16, 2025
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5
min read

Join us at the Fellowship Commencement to celebrate our fall 2025 cohort

You're invited: Celebrate our podcast fellows!

Jessie Nguyen
Read Post
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November 4, 2025
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5
min read

Media Literacy Week spotlights digital tools in the age of AI

The annual U.S. Media Literacy Week just wrapped up last week!

Jessie Nguyen
Read Post
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February 1, 2026
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15
min read

Free and Fair Elections: The Cornerstone—and Crisis—of American Democracy

What does it really mean to have free and fair elections—and how close is America to achieving them? Discover how experts, officials, and reformers are strengthening voter access, election security, and public trust in democracy.

Brandon Stover
Read Post
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October 3, 2025
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5
min read

Meet Stephanie Gerber Wilson from Freedom Over Fascism

Host Stephanie Gerber Wilson tells us the inspiration behind her podcast and why listeners should pay attention to information gaps.

Jessie Nguyen
Read Post
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September 29, 2025
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5
min read

The Democracy Group's fall reading list

Fall is (almost) here!

Read Post
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July 22, 2025
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5
min read

Making Peace Visible challenges conflict narratives, reframes how we talk about peace

Making Peace Visible Founder Jamil Simon shares why reframing conversations on peace is essential to reducing global conflict.

Read Post
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June 10, 2025
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5
min read

Recap of our live convening in the nation's capital

Ben Rhodes, Jessica Tarlov join our network convening.

Read Post
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February 1, 2026
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15
min read

Why is it Important to Vote

Discover why your vote matters more than you think. This article breaks down the real impact of voting—from local elections to national policy—and how your voice helps shape the future. Featuring expert insights and practical steps to get involved.

Brandon Stover
Read Post
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May 13, 2025
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5
min read

Voter rights are under attack through ballot initiative manipulation, report finds

American states are undermining voters’ rights across the country through the manipulation of the ballot initiative process, and they’re not hiding it either.

Read Post
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March 31, 2025
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5
min read

Youth Do Vote is trying to restore young people’s faith in our democracy, one vote at a time

An organization that empowers young voters

Read Post
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March 19, 2025
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5
min read

Freedom Over Fascism brings fact-based media ecosystem to The Democracy Group

Freedom Over Fascism joins The Democracy Group!

Read Post

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