Why self-care is your first line of defense against authoritarianism

Dan delivers a hard truth: you can't effectively resist fascism if you're not taking care of yourself. With 43% of Americans reporting increased anxiety and 90% losing sleep over current events, this episode tackles the mental health crisis that's undermining our resistance efforts.

Key Topics:

• Why activists burn out and become ineffective
• The authoritarian strategy to overwhelm and exhaust you
• Four essential self-care strategies for sustainable activism
• How mental wellness directly impacts your ability to resist
• Building community even when you don't like people
• Real stories from disabled activists and concerned parents

Dan shares his personal journey of discovering his autism diagnosis after a serious car accident, and how understanding himself transformed his activism. The episode includes an extended live session from Rebel Radio with community Q&A.

Bottom Line: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's strategic. The authoritarians want you overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone. By prioritizing your mental health and building community, you're already fighting fascism.