Bigger Than Me is a rapid-response audio blog from the Bigger Than Me Democracy Project. Hosted by Bonnie Ross, this blog helps listeners make sense of the moments that don’t just make news — they challenge democratic norms. Each episode breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how it fits into the authoritarian playbook described in On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. Here are the 20 lessons we return to again and again: 1. Do not obey in advance. Authoritarianism thrives when people preemp ...
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A Senator Memes Assassination. How Does Someone Lose All Compassion?
15:33
15:33
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From Silence to Violence: The GOP's Authoritarian Escalation
14:43
14:43
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They Don't Know Who They're Dealing With: America Under Psychological Attack
11:40
11:40
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Democracy Ninja: Street-Smart Protest Safety Guide
8:32
8:32
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From Workplace Raids to Military Deployment: How Civil Violations Became 'Insurrection'
14:49
14:49
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Democracy Ninja: How to Spot Fake Urgency
11:15
11:15
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The Supreme Court Just Gave Trump Access to Your Social Security Records
14:10
14:10
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Bigger Than Me on Substack Sources and Episode Materials BC News. "Judge rules DOGE takeover of US Institute of Peace was unlawful and 'gross usurpation of power'." May 19, 2025. https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-rules-doge-takeover-us-institute-peace-unlawful/story?id=121956605 Democracy Docket. "Trump Lower Court Streak Legal Losses." https://www.d…
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Privacy Under Attack: What's Happening to Your Data and What You Can Do
14:16
14:16
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Starve the Spectacle: How to Resist Authoritarianism with Your Remote
11:30
11:30
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Democracy Defense Ninja: How to Spot Political Manipulation
16:25
16:25
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Not Just Another Crisis. This Bill Is THE Crisis.
8:28
8:28
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The One Big Beautiful Bill: Another Test of American Democracy
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Action Resources State-by-State Program Impact Data Head Start Programs Full data for all states available here Medicaid Cuts Impact by State Complete 50-state data available from KFF Call Scripts for Immediate Action For Your House Representative (PRIORITY THIS WEEK): "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My…
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The Reconciliation Bill: Democracy by the Numbers
12:24
12:24
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12:24Action Resources State-by-State Program Impact Data Head Start Programs Full data for all states available here Medicaid Cuts Impact by State Complete 50-state data available from KFF Call Scripts for Immediate Action For Your House Representative (PRIORITY THIS WEEK): "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My…
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Take Action: 1. Support the Legal Defense Organizations Fighting This Battle Donate to: The ACLU, Asian Law Caucus, Make the Road New York, and the National Immigration Law Center—the groups that immediately challenged this order in court. These organizations have the legal expertise and established infrastructure to fight constitutional violations…
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We Are Standing at Democracy's Crossroads
17:17
17:17
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17:17Take Action: 1. Become Information Guardians Archive crucial data: Use WayBack Machine to save government pages—enter agency URLs (EPA.gov, CDC.gov, etc.) and click "Save Page Now" Secure your personal records: Download your Social Security Statement today and every 6 months; use encrypted storage like ProtonDrive, Tresorit, or Cryptomator Support …
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Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Stop Forced Transfers to Libya - Take Action Now Dear [Representative/Senator/Official's Name], I am writing as your …
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When a President Questions His Duty to Uphold the Constitution
11:08
11:08
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11:08Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: URGENT: Constitutional Crisis - President Questioning Duty to Uphold Constitution Dear [Representative/Senator/Offici…
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Justified as Security. Designed to Undermine Civilian Rule.
10:28
10:28
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10:28Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Oppose the Militarization of U.S. Land—This Is a Red Line Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name], I’m writing to d…
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Understanding Our Power: How to Take Meaningful Action
7:36
7:36
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Breaking Trust: The Oklahoma Raid as a Warning to All Americans
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8:15Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Stop Dangerous Federal Abuses of Power Now Dear [Elected Official’s Name], As your constituent, I am writing to expre…
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The White House Lawn: A Billboard for Fear
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12:00
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12:00Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Defending Due Process and Human Dignity Must Remain Non-Negotiable Dear [Representative/Senator Name], I am writing t…
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Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Defend Judicial Independence — Investigate the Arrest of Judge Dugan Dear [Representative/Senator Name], I am writing…
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Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: A Citizen Deported Without Due Process — Demand Immediate Action Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name], I am writ…
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The Top 5 Misleading Statements Shaping the Immigration Debate
9:52
9:52
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9:52Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Uphold Truth and Justice in Immigration Policy Email Body: Dear [Representative/Senator], I am writing to urge you to…
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When the Courts Are Ignored: Deportations Without Due Process
10:56
10:56
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10:56Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Defend the Constitution—Hold the Executive Branch Accountable Dear [Senator/Congressperson], I’m writing to express d…
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When Universities Become Targets: How the Big Ten Is Pushing Back
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13:28
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13:28Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Defend Academic Freedom—Stop Political Retaliation Against Universities Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name], I’m …
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When the Law Bends: Appeasement in the Legal World
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8:14
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8:14Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: Our Legal Institutions Are Being Tested—Stand Up for the Rule of Law Dear [Representative/Senator Name], I’m writing …
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Deporting Citizens: The New Line This Administration Is Willing to Cross
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11:18
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11:18Take Action If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 📧 Email Template Subject: This Is a Constitutional Crisis—You Must Act Now I am writing to express my deep alarm at the administration’s propos…
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