Welcome to the first of my fireside chats, special episodes where I talk about what's going on right now in the world, how we can stay hopeful in times of turmoil, and ways we can work to make things better.  I've unlocked this one because I'd like to share it with everyone and shine a light in dark times.

I am teaching a class on the Younger Futhark, the runes of the Viking Age, this March! If you are interested, sign up at this link.

I am hitting the conference circuit this spring! Please contribute by donating whatever you can afford at my Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfi

Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patreon!

You can also help out by scheduling a rune reading with me!

Sources:

https://resolutesquare.com/articles/59WL4t7WTu2rjxNmANFyE2/the-authoritarian-regime-survival-guide
https://medium.com/@djordjepadejski/a-recipe-for-surviving-authoritarian-regimes-d5ad1cc8f303
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388915809_You_need_to_put_on_your_own_oxygen_mask_first_considering_extinction_rebellion's_regenerative_culture_as_a_mode_of_constructive_resistance
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/house-republicans-hit-the-brakes-on-town-halls-after-blowback-over-trump-s-cuts/ar-AA1zNqAa
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/02/28/southern-california-gop-lawmaker-booed-at-town-hall-for-supporting-elon-musk/?preview_id=10753385
https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-takedown-protests-photos-2025-2
https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-01-16/climate-protesters-storm-phillips-66-facility-amid-recent-wildfires