In this crucial bonus episode bridging episodes 3 and 4, Dan tackles one of the most challenging aspects of resistance work: the mental toll of constant opposition and the danger of becoming so oppositional that you can't build the broad coalitions necessary to defeat authoritarianism.

Key Topics Covered:

• The paradox of resistance: how fighting fascism can make you ineffective at coalition building
• Distinguishing between bad actors like Stephen Miller and confused/misinformed neighbors
• Practical strategies for building unlikely alliances without compromising core values
• Lessons from 2020: how mutual aid networks during the pandemic created pathways for broader political engagement
• Why "you don't have to like someone to work with them on something"

Main Takeaways:

• Oppressed people often demand ideological purity while those in power work with anyone - giving authoritarians a crucial advantage
• Start with shared material interests, not ideology
• Create "permission structures" that allow people to change their minds safely
• Democracy requires participation from imperfect human beings
• We can build small, pure circles or big, messy, powerful movements - but not both

Quote of the Episode:"We're fighting for a democracy that includes people we don't necessarily like. We might as well practice building it with them."

A timely reminder that effective resistance requires strategic patience, coalition building, and the political maturity to tell the difference between genuine enemies and potential allies.