On Offense with Kris Goldsmith https://www.weareonoffense.com/ en © 2025 Sparverius, LLC / VALOR Media Network On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a podcast about fighting for democracy and organizing against fascism. Hosted by a U.S. Army combat veteran, antifascist investigator, and founder of Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism, this show brings a strategic, hard-hitting perspective to the most urgent threats facing America today. We call it On Offense because defending democracy isn’t enough—we need to take the fight to the fascists. Each episode breaks down how everyday Americans can push back against authoritarianism—drawing on lessons from the battlefield, the streets, and the halls of power. No fluff. No navel-gazing. Just real talk from people who’ve been in the fight and aren’t backing down. Learn more and take action at weareonoffense.com https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bf96ff14-bde0-11f0-81c9-474a627189fd/image/20f1165672706b9e988ac13d688ce785.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress On Offense with Kris Goldsmith https://www.weareonoffense.com/ yes episodic From the founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism’s Antifascist Book Club Kris Goldsmith On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a podcast about fighting for democracy and organizing against fascism. Hosted by a U.S. Army combat veteran, antifascist investigator, and founder of Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism, this show brings a strategic, hard-hitting perspective to the most urgent threats facing America today. We call it On Offense because defending democracy isn’t enough—we need to take the fight to the fascists. Each episode breaks down how everyday Americans can push back against authoritarianism—drawing on lessons from the battlefield, the streets, and the halls of power. No fluff. No navel-gazing. Just real talk from people who’ve been in the fight and aren’t backing down. Learn more and take action at weareonoffense.com On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a podcast about fighting for democracy and organizing against fascism. Hosted by a U.S. Army combat veteran, antifascist investigator, and founder of Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism, this show brings a strategic, hard-hitting perspective to the most urgent threats facing America today.

We call it On Offense because defending democracy isn’t enough—we need to take the fight to the fascists.

Each episode breaks down how everyday Americans can push back against authoritarianism—drawing on lessons from the battlefield, the streets, and the halls of power. No fluff. No navel-gazing. Just real talk from people who’ve been in the fight and aren’t backing down.

Learn more and take action at weareonoffense.com

]]> Valor Media Network info@valormedianetwork.com How to Show John Roberts He’s Not Above the Law Most people think accountability is someone else’s job. But what happens when the institutions that are supposed to hold power accountable stop doing it? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with the founder of The Existentialist Republic, Chris Armitage to examine growing concerns around Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court, and the broader accountability crisis at the highest levels of power. This conversation focuses on: Conflicts of interest and ethics concerns surrounding John Roberts What it means when the Supreme Court won’t police itself How power operates when there are no real consequences What everyday Americans can actually do to push back If the people at the top aren’t going to hold themselves accountable, the pressure has to come from somewhere else. It has to come from you. TAKE ACTION: Read Chris Armitage’s work and follow his guidance on holding Chief Justice John Roberts accountable: 👉 TheExistentialistRepublic.com Look for his piece on Roberts’ financial conflicts and guidance on contacting the DC Bar Office of Disciplinary Counsel. FOLLOW & SUPPORT: Subscribe to On Offense on Substack: 👉 https://onoffense.substack.com/ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ValorMediaNetwork CREDITS: Producer: Gina Kim Edited by: The Lombardos for VALOR Media Network If you value this work, make sure you’re subscribed and have downloads enabled. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 How to Show John Roberts He’s Not Above the Law full 1 17 Kris Goldsmith Holding the Supreme Court accountable when it won’t police itself Most people think accountability is someone else’s job. But what happens when the institutions that are supposed to hold power accountable stop doing it? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with the founder of The Existentialist Republic, Chris Armitage to examine growing concerns around Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court, and the broader accountability crisis at the highest levels of power. This conversation focuses on: Conflicts of interest and ethics concerns surrounding John Roberts What it means when the Supreme Court won’t police itself How power operates when there are no real consequences What everyday Americans can actually do to push back If the people at the top aren’t going to hold themselves accountable, the pressure has to come from somewhere else. It has to come from you. TAKE ACTION: Read Chris Armitage’s work and follow his guidance on holding Chief Justice John Roberts accountable: 👉 TheExistentialistRepublic.com Look for his piece on Roberts’ financial conflicts and guidance on contacting the DC Bar Office of Disciplinary Counsel. FOLLOW & SUPPORT: Subscribe to On Offense on Substack: 👉 https://onoffense.substack.com/ Watch and subscribe on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ValorMediaNetwork CREDITS: Producer: Gina Kim Edited by: The Lombardos for VALOR Media Network If you value this work, make sure you’re subscribed and have downloads enabled. Most people think accountability is someone else’s job.

But what happens when the institutions that are supposed to hold power accountable stop doing it?

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with the founder of The Existentialist Republic, Chris Armitage to examine growing concerns around Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court, and the broader accountability crisis at the highest levels of power.

This conversation focuses on:

  • Conflicts of interest and ethics concerns surrounding John Roberts
  • What it means when the Supreme Court won’t police itself
  • How power operates when there are no real consequences
  • What everyday Americans can actually do to push back

If the people at the top aren’t going to hold themselves accountable, the pressure has to come from somewhere else.

It has to come from you.

TAKE ACTION:

Read Chris Armitage’s work and follow his guidance on holding Chief Justice John Roberts accountable:

👉 TheExistentialistRepublic.com

Look for his piece on Roberts’ financial conflicts and guidance on contacting the DC Bar Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

Subscribe to On Offense on Substack:

👉 https://onoffense.substack.com/

Watch and subscribe on YouTube:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ValorMediaNetwork

CREDITS:

Producer: Gina Kim
Edited by: The Lombardos for VALOR Media Network

If you value this work, make sure you’re subscribed and have downloads enabled.

]]> 2591 yes Interview with a Nazi Hunter: The Cost of Fighting Fascism Under Trump | Michael Edison Hayden https://onoffense.substack.com/p/nazi-hunter-fighting-fascism BREAKING: The Department of Justice has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) over its use of paid informants inside extremist groups. This episode was recorded before that news broke—but it explores the exact kind of work now at the center of that controversy: infiltrating extremist networks, documenting their activity, and the real cost of doing it. Our guest in this episode was one of SPLC's top investigative reporters. --- The fight against extremism isn’t just about ideas—it’s about resources. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with investigative journalist Michael Edison Hayden to discuss his new book, Strange People on the Hill, and the real-world consequences of extremist movements embedding themselves in local communities. When a white nationalist organization purchased a castle overlooking Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, it wasn’t just a bizarre headline—it was part of a broader strategy. Hayden’s reporting reveals how extremist ideologies move from the fringe into positions of power, and what happens when ordinary people are forced to confront them in their own backyard. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine the human cost of this work—the burnout, the mental health toll, and the reality faced by the small number of researchers, journalists, and community members who take on these movements directly. This is a story about one town—and a warning for the rest of the country. Get the book:Strange People on the Hill by Michael Edison Hayden Follow Michael Edison Hayden: Bluesky: michaelehayden.bsky.social Substack: michaeledisonhayden.substack.com Podcast: Posting Through It Subscribe to On Offense: Substack: onoffense.substack.com Take action locally:Veterans Fighting Fascism On Offense is produced by Gina Kim and edited by the Lombardos for VALOR Media Network. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Interview with a Nazi Hunter: The Cost of Fighting Fascism Under Trump full 1 16 Kris Goldsmith Michael Edison Hayden on Strange People on the Hill, a town under siege, and the psychological toll of documenting extremism BREAKING: The Department of Justice has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) over its use of paid informants inside extremist groups. This episode was recorded before that news broke—but it explores the exact kind of work now at the center of that controversy: infiltrating extremist networks, documenting their activity, and the real cost of doing it. Our guest in this episode was one of SPLC's top investigative reporters. --- The fight against extremism isn’t just about ideas—it’s about resources. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with investigative journalist Michael Edison Hayden to discuss his new book, Strange People on the Hill, and the real-world consequences of extremist movements embedding themselves in local communities. When a white nationalist organization purchased a castle overlooking Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, it wasn’t just a bizarre headline—it was part of a broader strategy. Hayden’s reporting reveals how extremist ideologies move from the fringe into positions of power, and what happens when ordinary people are forced to confront them in their own backyard. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine the human cost of this work—the burnout, the mental health toll, and the reality faced by the small number of researchers, journalists, and community members who take on these movements directly. This is a story about one town—and a warning for the rest of the country. Get the book:Strange People on the Hill by Michael Edison Hayden Follow Michael Edison Hayden: Bluesky: michaelehayden.bsky.social Substack: michaeledisonhayden.substack.com Podcast: Posting Through It Subscribe to On Offense: Substack: onoffense.substack.com Take action locally:Veterans Fighting Fascism On Offense is produced by Gina Kim and edited by the Lombardos for VALOR Media Network. BREAKING: The Department of Justice has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) over its use of paid informants inside extremist groups.

This episode was recorded before that news broke—but it explores the exact kind of work now at the center of that controversy: infiltrating extremist networks, documenting their activity, and the real cost of doing it. Our guest in this episode was one of SPLC's top investigative reporters.

---

The fight against extremism isn’t just about ideas—it’s about resources.

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with investigative journalist Michael Edison Hayden to discuss his new book, Strange People on the Hill, and the real-world consequences of extremist movements embedding themselves in local communities.

When a white nationalist organization purchased a castle overlooking Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, it wasn’t just a bizarre headline—it was part of a broader strategy. Hayden’s reporting reveals how extremist ideologies move from the fringe into positions of power, and what happens when ordinary people are forced to confront them in their own backyard.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines to examine the human cost of this work—the burnout, the mental health toll, and the reality faced by the small number of researchers, journalists, and community members who take on these movements directly.

This is a story about one town—and a warning for the rest of the country.

Get the book:
Strange People on the Hill by Michael Edison Hayden

Follow Michael Edison Hayden:
Bluesky: michaelehayden.bsky.social
Substack: michaeledisonhayden.substack.com
Podcast: Posting Through It

Subscribe to On Offense:
Substack: onoffense.substack.com

Take action locally:
Veterans Fighting Fascism

On Offense is produced by Gina Kim and edited by the Lombardos for VALOR Media Network.

]]> 5073 yes Dropkick Murphys at the Anti-ICE Concert in Minneapolis In this special episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith takes you inside the anti-ICE concert and fundraiser that brought Minneapolis together after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Featuring live performances by the Dropkick Murphys, this episode captures the sound, energy, and urgency of a community refusing to back down in the face of fear, violence, and political intimidation. You’ll hear exclusive interviews with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey and Gina Christ, owner of the Black Forest Inn, whose restaurant sits across the street from where Alex Pretti was killed and became a gathering place for grief, solidarity, and resistance. Together, they talk about how this concert came together in just a few weeks, what it meant to bear witness in Minneapolis, and what the rest of the country needs to understand about what’s happening there now. If you want to see the full concert and livestream, or donate to support the community directly, visit AbolishICE.live. In this episode: Live performances from the Dropkick Murphys An exclusive interview with Ken Casey An exclusive interview with Gina Christ of the Black Forest Inn On-the-ground audio from Minneapolis The story behind the AbolishICE.live concert and fundraiser If you value this kind of reporting, make sure you’re subscribed to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith wherever you get your podcasts. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Dropkick Murphys Anti-ICE Concert Minneapolis full 1 15 Kris Goldsmith A live concert, protest, and fundraiser after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. In this special episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith takes you inside the anti-ICE concert and fundraiser that brought Minneapolis together after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Featuring live performances by the Dropkick Murphys, this episode captures the sound, energy, and urgency of a community refusing to back down in the face of fear, violence, and political intimidation. You’ll hear exclusive interviews with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey and Gina Christ, owner of the Black Forest Inn, whose restaurant sits across the street from where Alex Pretti was killed and became a gathering place for grief, solidarity, and resistance. Together, they talk about how this concert came together in just a few weeks, what it meant to bear witness in Minneapolis, and what the rest of the country needs to understand about what’s happening there now. If you want to see the full concert and livestream, or donate to support the community directly, visit AbolishICE.live. In this episode: Live performances from the Dropkick Murphys An exclusive interview with Ken Casey An exclusive interview with Gina Christ of the Black Forest Inn On-the-ground audio from Minneapolis The story behind the AbolishICE.live concert and fundraiser If you value this kind of reporting, make sure you’re subscribed to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith wherever you get your podcasts. In this special episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith takes you inside the anti-ICE concert and fundraiser that brought Minneapolis together after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Featuring live performances by the Dropkick Murphys, this episode captures the sound, energy, and urgency of a community refusing to back down in the face of fear, violence, and political intimidation.

You’ll hear exclusive interviews with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey and Gina Christ, owner of the Black Forest Inn, whose restaurant sits across the street from where Alex Pretti was killed and became a gathering place for grief, solidarity, and resistance.

Together, they talk about how this concert came together in just a few weeks, what it meant to bear witness in Minneapolis, and what the rest of the country needs to understand about what’s happening there now.

If you want to see the full concert and livestream, or donate to support the community directly, visit AbolishICE.live.

In this episode:

  • Live performances from the Dropkick Murphys
  • An exclusive interview with Ken Casey
  • An exclusive interview with Gina Christ of the Black Forest Inn
  • On-the-ground audio from Minneapolis
  • The story behind the AbolishICE.live concert and fundraiser

If you value this kind of reporting, make sure you’re subscribed to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> 4471 yes Army Ranger Charged in Federal Case After ICE Protest | Ian Austin https://onoffense.substack.com/p/army-ranger-charged-ice-protest-ian-austin Who gets to decide who is a terrorist? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with Ian Austin, a former Army Ranger who deployed six times and is now facing federal charges tied to an anti-ICE action in Minnesota. Ian says he went to Minneapolis because he saw something he recognized: fear, force, and a government using power against civilians in ways that felt disturbingly familiar. In this conversation, he talks about war, PTSD, moral injury, activism, and what it feels like to be prosecuted by the same government he once fought for. This is a raw interview about trauma, conscience, protest, and the cost of taking action when democracy is under attack. Support Ian Austin’s legal defense: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ian-austin-support-fund Watch the Abolish ICE concert and fundraiser featuring Dropkick Murphys: https://abolishice.live Subscribe to On Offense: Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com Follow Kris Goldsmith: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KrisGoldsmith If this episode matters to you, share it widely. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Army Ranger Charged After ICE Protest full 1 14 Kris Goldsmith A combat veteran explains why he took action—and what happened next Who gets to decide who is a terrorist? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with Ian Austin, a former Army Ranger who deployed six times and is now facing federal charges tied to an anti-ICE action in Minnesota. Ian says he went to Minneapolis because he saw something he recognized: fear, force, and a government using power against civilians in ways that felt disturbingly familiar. In this conversation, he talks about war, PTSD, moral injury, activism, and what it feels like to be prosecuted by the same government he once fought for. This is a raw interview about trauma, conscience, protest, and the cost of taking action when democracy is under attack. Support Ian Austin’s legal defense: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ian-austin-support-fund Watch the Abolish ICE concert and fundraiser featuring Dropkick Murphys: https://abolishice.live Subscribe to On Offense: Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com Follow Kris Goldsmith: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KrisGoldsmith If this episode matters to you, share it widely. Who gets to decide who is a terrorist?

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith sits down with Ian Austin, a former Army Ranger who deployed six times and is now facing federal charges tied to an anti-ICE action in Minnesota.

Ian says he went to Minneapolis because he saw something he recognized: fear, force, and a government using power against civilians in ways that felt disturbingly familiar. In this conversation, he talks about war, PTSD, moral injury, activism, and what it feels like to be prosecuted by the same government he once fought for.

This is a raw interview about trauma, conscience, protest, and the cost of taking action when democracy is under attack.

Support Ian Austin’s legal defense:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ian-austin-support-fund

Watch the Abolish ICE concert and fundraiser featuring Dropkick Murphys:
https://abolishice.live

Subscribe to On Offense:
Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com

Follow Kris Goldsmith:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/KrisGoldsmith

If this episode matters to you, share it widely.

]]> 3423 yes How Veterans Are Fighting ICE in Minneapolis After the Killing of Alex Pretti https://onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-fighting-ice-minneapolis-alex-pretti In this deeply emotional episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith brings listeners to Minneapolis for two conversations recorded in the wake of the killing of Alex Pretti and the federal immigration crackdown that has shaken the city. First, Kris sits down with Matt Gordon, better known online as @USMCAngryVeteran, to talk about why he has been traveling the country since Donald Trump’s return to office, what he has seen on the ground, and why veterans have a responsibility to speak out when Americans are being terrorized by their own government. Then the episode takes an unexpected turn. After the interview, Kris realizes that the veteran Matt had been talking about throughout their conversation was sitting right there in the room. That veteran is Riveter — a Minnesotan, a street medic, and a former patient of Alex Pretti, the VA nurse whose death has become a symbol of what Minneapolis has endured. Together, Matt and Riveter speak with Kris about grief, joy, service, community, and what it means to fight for democracy here at home. If this episode moves you, please watch the full concert and fundraiser at AbolishICE.live and donate to support the local community. Veterans Fighting Fascism is collecting the donations, but not keeping a penny. Every dollar is going directly to people in Minneapolis who need help right now. This is the first of several Minneapolis interviews coming to On Offense in the weeks ahead, including conversations with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey, Black Forest Inn owner Gina Christ, and former Army Ranger Ian Austin. Subscribe to On Offense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Substack, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Veterans Fighting ICE in Minneapolis full 1 13 Kris Goldsmith Matt Gordon (@USMCAngryVeteran) and Riveter on grief, joy, and fighting for democracy In this deeply emotional episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith brings listeners to Minneapolis for two conversations recorded in the wake of the killing of Alex Pretti and the federal immigration crackdown that has shaken the city. First, Kris sits down with Matt Gordon, better known online as @USMCAngryVeteran, to talk about why he has been traveling the country since Donald Trump’s return to office, what he has seen on the ground, and why veterans have a responsibility to speak out when Americans are being terrorized by their own government. Then the episode takes an unexpected turn. After the interview, Kris realizes that the veteran Matt had been talking about throughout their conversation was sitting right there in the room. That veteran is Riveter — a Minnesotan, a street medic, and a former patient of Alex Pretti, the VA nurse whose death has become a symbol of what Minneapolis has endured. Together, Matt and Riveter speak with Kris about grief, joy, service, community, and what it means to fight for democracy here at home. If this episode moves you, please watch the full concert and fundraiser at AbolishICE.live and donate to support the local community. Veterans Fighting Fascism is collecting the donations, but not keeping a penny. Every dollar is going directly to people in Minneapolis who need help right now. This is the first of several Minneapolis interviews coming to On Offense in the weeks ahead, including conversations with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey, Black Forest Inn owner Gina Christ, and former Army Ranger Ian Austin. Subscribe to On Offense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Substack, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. In this deeply emotional episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith brings listeners to Minneapolis for two conversations recorded in the wake of the killing of Alex Pretti and the federal immigration crackdown that has shaken the city.

First, Kris sits down with Matt Gordon, better known online as @USMCAngryVeteran, to talk about why he has been traveling the country since Donald Trump’s return to office, what he has seen on the ground, and why veterans have a responsibility to speak out when Americans are being terrorized by their own government.

Then the episode takes an unexpected turn.

After the interview, Kris realizes that the veteran Matt had been talking about throughout their conversation was sitting right there in the room. That veteran is Riveter — a Minnesotan, a street medic, and a former patient of Alex Pretti, the VA nurse whose death has become a symbol of what Minneapolis has endured.

Together, Matt and Riveter speak with Kris about grief, joy, service, community, and what it means to fight for democracy here at home.

If this episode moves you, please watch the full concert and fundraiser at AbolishICE.live and donate to support the local community. Veterans Fighting Fascism is collecting the donations, but not keeping a penny. Every dollar is going directly to people in Minneapolis who need help right now.

This is the first of several Minneapolis interviews coming to On Offense in the weeks ahead, including conversations with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey, Black Forest Inn owner Gina Christ, and former Army Ranger Ian Austin.

Subscribe to On Offense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Substack, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

]]> 4645 yes The Courts vs. DHS: ICE, Executive Power & the Rule of Law | Chris Geidner https://onoffense.substack.com/p/courts-vs-dhs-judges-stopping-ice The Courts vs. DHS: ICE, Executive Power & the Rule of Law Federal judges across the country are being forced to confront a question that sits at the core of constitutional democracy: when DHS and ICE push the boundaries of their authority, who stops them? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith is joined by legal journalist Chris Geidner, founder of Law Dork, to break down what’s actually happening inside the courts as immigration detention policies, executive actions, and long-settled legal frameworks are tested under pressure. This conversation is about more than immigration policy. It’s about whether institutions still function when they’re stressed — and what it looks like when judges, lawyers, journalists, and ordinary people defend the rule of law in real time. Follow and support Chris Geidner: 📰 Law Dork: https://www.lawdork.com/ 🦋 Chris Geidner on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisgeidner.bsky.social 🦋 Law Dork News on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lawdorknews.bsky.social More from Kris and Task Force Butler: 📚 Start or join an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org 🧰 Field manuals and organizing tools: https://taskforcebutler.org Support On Offense Subscribe on Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/courts-vs-dhs-judges-stopping-ice Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000 The Courts vs. DHS full 1 12 Kris Goldsmith Law Dork founder Chris Geidner on ICE, DHS, and the legal fight over executive power The Courts vs. DHS: ICE, Executive Power & the Rule of Law Federal judges across the country are being forced to confront a question that sits at the core of constitutional democracy: when DHS and ICE push the boundaries of their authority, who stops them? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith is joined by legal journalist Chris Geidner, founder of Law Dork, to break down what’s actually happening inside the courts as immigration detention policies, executive actions, and long-settled legal frameworks are tested under pressure. This conversation is about more than immigration policy. It’s about whether institutions still function when they’re stressed — and what it looks like when judges, lawyers, journalists, and ordinary people defend the rule of law in real time. Follow and support Chris Geidner: 📰 Law Dork: https://www.lawdork.com/ 🦋 Chris Geidner on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisgeidner.bsky.social 🦋 Law Dork News on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lawdorknews.bsky.social More from Kris and Task Force Butler: 📚 Start or join an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org 🧰 Field manuals and organizing tools: https://taskforcebutler.org Support On Offense Subscribe on Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/courts-vs-dhs-judges-stopping-ice The Courts vs. DHS: ICE, Executive Power & the Rule of Law

Federal judges across the country are being forced to confront a question that sits at the core of constitutional democracy: when DHS and ICE push the boundaries of their authority, who stops them?

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith is joined by legal journalist Chris Geidner, founder of Law Dork, to break down what’s actually happening inside the courts as immigration detention policies, executive actions, and long-settled legal frameworks are tested under pressure.

This conversation is about more than immigration policy. It’s about whether institutions still function when they’re stressed — and what it looks like when judges, lawyers, journalists, and ordinary people defend the rule of law in real time.

Follow and support Chris Geidner:
📰 Law Dork: https://www.lawdork.com/
🦋 Chris Geidner on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chrisgeidner.bsky.social
🦋 Law Dork News on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lawdorknews.bsky.social

More from Kris and Task Force Butler:
📚 Start or join an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org
🧰 Field manuals and organizing tools: https://taskforcebutler.org

Support On Offense
Subscribe on Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/courts-vs-dhs-judges-stopping-ice

]]> 4624 yes What to Do When Hate Comes to Main Street (with Phil Williams) https://onoffense.substack.com/p/phil-williams-hate-comes-to-main-street Hate doesn’t stay on the margins. It shows up in city council meetings, school board races, local sheriff elections, and “community” groups that want to look normal while they build power. In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Williams, chief investigative reporter at NewsChannel 5 Nashville and the writer behind Hate Comes to Main Street. Phil has documented how extremist networks embed themselves locally—how they recruit, intimidate, and normalize their presence in civic life—and what it takes to push back before they take over. We talk about: How hate groups move from online propaganda to real-world influence Why local politics is where extremist movements test strategies first How intimidation campaigns target journalists—and why sunlight still works What you can do in your own town to go on offense Read and subscribe to Phil’s work: https://www.hatecomestomainstreet.com/ If you’re serious about acting locally: Start or join an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org Access antifascist field manuals and organizing tools: https://taskforcebutler.org Support this work: On Offense is my full-time focus. If this episode helped you understand how hate embeds locally—and how to push back—consider becoming a paid subscriber at https://weareonoffense.com. No one’s coming to save your town. But you can defend it. Let’s go on offense. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 What to Do When Hate Comes to Main Street (with Phil Williams) full 1 11 Kris Goldsmith How extremist networks embed themselves in local politics — and how to push them out Hate doesn’t stay on the margins. It shows up in city council meetings, school board races, local sheriff elections, and “community” groups that want to look normal while they build power. In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Williams, chief investigative reporter at NewsChannel 5 Nashville and the writer behind Hate Comes to Main Street. Phil has documented how extremist networks embed themselves locally—how they recruit, intimidate, and normalize their presence in civic life—and what it takes to push back before they take over. We talk about: How hate groups move from online propaganda to real-world influence Why local politics is where extremist movements test strategies first How intimidation campaigns target journalists—and why sunlight still works What you can do in your own town to go on offense Read and subscribe to Phil’s work: https://www.hatecomestomainstreet.com/ If you’re serious about acting locally: Start or join an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org Access antifascist field manuals and organizing tools: https://taskforcebutler.org Support this work: On Offense is my full-time focus. If this episode helped you understand how hate embeds locally—and how to push back—consider becoming a paid subscriber at https://weareonoffense.com. No one’s coming to save your town. But you can defend it. Let’s go on offense. Hate doesn’t stay on the margins. It shows up in city council meetings, school board races, local sheriff elections, and “community” groups that want to look normal while they build power.

In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Williams, chief investigative reporter at NewsChannel 5 Nashville and the writer behind Hate Comes to Main Street. Phil has documented how extremist networks embed themselves locally—how they recruit, intimidate, and normalize their presence in civic life—and what it takes to push back before they take over.

We talk about:

  • How hate groups move from online propaganda to real-world influence
  • Why local politics is where extremist movements test strategies first
  • How intimidation campaigns target journalists—and why sunlight still works
  • What you can do in your own town to go on offense

Read and subscribe to Phil’s work:
https://www.hatecomestomainstreet.com/

If you’re serious about acting locally:

Support this work: On Offense is my full-time focus. If this episode helped you understand how hate embeds locally—and how to push back—consider becoming a paid subscriber at https://weareonoffense.com.

No one’s coming to save your town. But you can defend it. Let’s go on offense.

]]> 4512 yes How to Use Local Power Against Authoritarianism with Christopher Armitage https://onoffense.substack.com/p/local-power-against-authoritarianism Since Trump’s reelection, people have been desperate for an answer to the question: what do I do now? In this episode of On Offense, I’m joined by Christopher Armitage, the writer behind Existentialist Republic, to lay out a practical blueprint for engaging local and state power—because it’s far more accessible than most people think. We talk about how everyday people can: Rally friendly local and state officials to take meaningful steps that blunt federal authoritarianism Raise the cost of complicity by making governing uncomfortable for authoritarian collaborators Move beyond outrage and build jurisdictional leverage through state legislatures, attorneys general, city councils, and mayors Apply disciplined pressure with specific demands, meetings, and sustained follow-through If you’re waiting on Washington to save you, you’re going to be waiting a long time. The fight is local—and you have more leverage than you realize. Follow Christopher Armitage: https://cmarmitage.substack.com/ https://buymeacoffee.com/theer Organize locally: Start an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org Access antifascist field manuals: https://taskforcebutler.org P.S. This work—this podcast, this newsletter, this organizing—is now my full-time focus. I stepped into an unpaid role as President of VALOR Media Network, and On Offense is my primary source of income. If you believe in what I’m building, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Every dollar helps support my family and sustain this work. Let’s go on offense. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:33:00 -0000 How to Use Local Power Against Authoritarianism (with Christopher Armitage) full 1 10 Kris Goldsmith A blueprint for engaging state and local officials to rally democratic leaders—or make governing uncomfortable. Since Trump’s reelection, people have been desperate for an answer to the question: what do I do now? In this episode of On Offense, I’m joined by Christopher Armitage, the writer behind Existentialist Republic, to lay out a practical blueprint for engaging local and state power—because it’s far more accessible than most people think. We talk about how everyday people can: Rally friendly local and state officials to take meaningful steps that blunt federal authoritarianism Raise the cost of complicity by making governing uncomfortable for authoritarian collaborators Move beyond outrage and build jurisdictional leverage through state legislatures, attorneys general, city councils, and mayors Apply disciplined pressure with specific demands, meetings, and sustained follow-through If you’re waiting on Washington to save you, you’re going to be waiting a long time. The fight is local—and you have more leverage than you realize. Follow Christopher Armitage: https://cmarmitage.substack.com/ https://buymeacoffee.com/theer Organize locally: Start an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org Access antifascist field manuals: https://taskforcebutler.org P.S. This work—this podcast, this newsletter, this organizing—is now my full-time focus. I stepped into an unpaid role as President of VALOR Media Network, and On Offense is my primary source of income. If you believe in what I’m building, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Every dollar helps support my family and sustain this work. Let’s go on offense. Since Trump’s reelection, people have been desperate for an answer to the question: what do I do now?

In this episode of On Offense, I’m joined by Christopher Armitage, the writer behind Existentialist Republic, to lay out a practical blueprint for engaging local and state power—because it’s far more accessible than most people think.

We talk about how everyday people can:

  • Rally friendly local and state officials to take meaningful steps that blunt federal authoritarianism
  • Raise the cost of complicity by making governing uncomfortable for authoritarian collaborators
  • Move beyond outrage and build jurisdictional leverage through state legislatures, attorneys general, city councils, and mayors
  • Apply disciplined pressure with specific demands, meetings, and sustained follow-through

If you’re waiting on Washington to save you, you’re going to be waiting a long time. The fight is local—and you have more leverage than you realize.

Follow Christopher Armitage:
https://cmarmitage.substack.com/
https://buymeacoffee.com/theer

Organize locally:
Start an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org
Access antifascist field manuals: https://taskforcebutler.org

P.S. This work—this podcast, this newsletter, this organizing—is now my full-time focus. I stepped into an unpaid role as President of VALOR Media Network, and On Offense is my primary source of income. If you believe in what I’m building, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Every dollar helps support my family and sustain this work.

Let’s go on offense.

]]> 5448 yes To Catch a Fascist: Christopher Mathias on Antifa’s Fight Against ICE and White Nationalists https://onoffense.substack.com/p/to-catch-a-fascist-christopher-mathias In this episode of On Offense, Kristofer Goldsmith talks with investigative journalist Christopher Mathias, author of the new book To Catch a Fascist. Mathias spent more than a decade at HuffPost documenting the American far right—from white supremacist rallies and fascist street gangs to the federal agents who enable them. In this conversation, Kris and Chris talk about infiltration, antifascist organizing, the state’s complicity in far-right violence, and how antifascists are building decentralized networks to stop it. This episode includes a personal reflection from Kris on his own radicalization, his infiltrations of Patriot Front, and how To Catch a Fascist captures what motivates antifascists to go on offense—whether they’re organizing in the streets, gathering evidence, or unmasking fascists embedded in state power. Buy the book: To Catch a Fascist by Christopher Mathias Read Chris’s Guardian investigation: Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’ Follow Chris on Bluesky: letsgomathias.bsky.social Take action: Start an Antifascist Book Club Explore antifascist field manuals and tools Support the show: https://onoffense.substack.com Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 To Catch a Fascist with Christopher Mathias full 1 9 Kris Goldsmith How antifascists are exposing white nationalists in street gangs, federal agencies, and beyond. In this episode of On Offense, Kristofer Goldsmith talks with investigative journalist Christopher Mathias, author of the new book To Catch a Fascist. Mathias spent more than a decade at HuffPost documenting the American far right—from white supremacist rallies and fascist street gangs to the federal agents who enable them. In this conversation, Kris and Chris talk about infiltration, antifascist organizing, the state’s complicity in far-right violence, and how antifascists are building decentralized networks to stop it. This episode includes a personal reflection from Kris on his own radicalization, his infiltrations of Patriot Front, and how To Catch a Fascist captures what motivates antifascists to go on offense—whether they’re organizing in the streets, gathering evidence, or unmasking fascists embedded in state power. Buy the book: To Catch a Fascist by Christopher Mathias Read Chris’s Guardian investigation: Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’ Follow Chris on Bluesky: letsgomathias.bsky.social Take action: Start an Antifascist Book Club Explore antifascist field manuals and tools Support the show: https://onoffense.substack.com In this episode of On Offense, Kristofer Goldsmith talks with investigative journalist Christopher Mathias, author of the new book To Catch a Fascist.

Mathias spent more than a decade at HuffPost documenting the American far right—from white supremacist rallies and fascist street gangs to the federal agents who enable them. In this conversation, Kris and Chris talk about infiltration, antifascist organizing, the state’s complicity in far-right violence, and how antifascists are building decentralized networks to stop it.

This episode includes a personal reflection from Kris on his own radicalization, his infiltrations of Patriot Front, and how To Catch a Fascist captures what motivates antifascists to go on offense—whether they’re organizing in the streets, gathering evidence, or unmasking fascists embedded in state power.

Buy the book: To Catch a Fascist by Christopher Mathias
Read Chris’s Guardian investigation: Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’
Follow Chris on Bluesky: letsgomathias.bsky.social

Take action:
Start an Antifascist Book Club
Explore antifascist field manuals and tools

Support the show: https://onoffense.substack.com

]]> 5239 yes How to Stop Christian Nationalism | with Tim Whitaker https://onoffense.substack.com/p/how-to-stop-christian-nationalism Tim Whitaker is the founder of The New Evangelicals — a platform created to help evangelicals hold onto their faith without being pulled into a theocratic political movement. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith shares his own journey from disillusionment with religion during the Iraq War to a deeper understanding of Christian nationalism as a rising authoritarian threat in America. Together, Kris and Tim unpack the ideology, identity, and propaganda fueling the far-right’s Christian nationalist movement — and how we can fight back. Follow Tim Whitaker: 👉 Substack 👉 Instagram 👉 YouTube Support On Offense: Subscribe, rate, and share the show. Every post, comment, and review helps build a stronger pro-democracy movement. weareonoffense.com Get organized: Download the Antifascist Book Club guides and take action locally at veteransfightingfascism.org Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 How to Stop Christian Nationalism full 1 8 Kris Goldsmith Tim Whitaker joins Kris Goldsmith to break down the Christian nationalist movement — and how to fight back. Tim Whitaker is the founder of The New Evangelicals — a platform created to help evangelicals hold onto their faith without being pulled into a theocratic political movement. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith shares his own journey from disillusionment with religion during the Iraq War to a deeper understanding of Christian nationalism as a rising authoritarian threat in America. Together, Kris and Tim unpack the ideology, identity, and propaganda fueling the far-right’s Christian nationalist movement — and how we can fight back. Follow Tim Whitaker: 👉 Substack 👉 Instagram 👉 YouTube Support On Offense: Subscribe, rate, and share the show. Every post, comment, and review helps build a stronger pro-democracy movement. weareonoffense.com Get organized: Download the Antifascist Book Club guides and take action locally at veteransfightingfascism.org Tim Whitaker is the founder of The New Evangelicals — a platform created to help evangelicals hold onto their faith without being pulled into a theocratic political movement.

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith shares his own journey from disillusionment with religion during the Iraq War to a deeper understanding of Christian nationalism as a rising authoritarian threat in America.

Together, Kris and Tim unpack the ideology, identity, and propaganda fueling the far-right’s Christian nationalist movement — and how we can fight back.

Follow Tim Whitaker:
👉 Substack
👉 Instagram
👉 YouTube

Support On Offense:
Subscribe, rate, and share the show. Every post, comment, and review helps build a stronger pro-democracy movement. weareonoffense.com

Get organized:
Download the Antifascist Book Club guides and take action locally at veteransfightingfascism.org

]]> 5055 yes How to Face Your Fears and Fight ICE | Rachel Cohen on the Front Lines https://onoffense.substack.com/p/rachel-cohen-face-your-fears-fight-ice How far would you go to fight authoritarianism? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith speaks with Rachel Cohen—a Harvard Law grad who quit her Big Law job at Skadden and put her body on the line to confront ICE operations in Chicago and Minneapolis. Rachel didn’t wait for mass arrests or national headlines—she got arrested before the raids began. She took action before things escalated. This episode is about what it means to face your fears, test your red lines, and move from resistance to intervention. Kris opens with a deeply personal reflection on how—even in spaces where he was empowered to speak out—he still made compromises. He obeyed in advance. And he challenges listeners to ask: are you doing the same? Guest links: 👉 Rachel Cohen on Substack 👉 Instagram: @Cohen.489 👉 TikTok: @Cohen.489 Get organized: 📚 Download the Antifascist Book Club Guides 💻 Learn more at Task Force Butler Subscribe to On Offense on Substack, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Produced for the VALOR Media Network. Join the movement at weareonoffense.com Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 How to Face Your Fears and Fight ICE full 1 7 Kris Goldsmith When the state turned violent, Rachel Cohen stepped forward. Would you? How far would you go to fight authoritarianism? In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith speaks with Rachel Cohen—a Harvard Law grad who quit her Big Law job at Skadden and put her body on the line to confront ICE operations in Chicago and Minneapolis. Rachel didn’t wait for mass arrests or national headlines—she got arrested before the raids began. She took action before things escalated. This episode is about what it means to face your fears, test your red lines, and move from resistance to intervention. Kris opens with a deeply personal reflection on how—even in spaces where he was empowered to speak out—he still made compromises. He obeyed in advance. And he challenges listeners to ask: are you doing the same? Guest links: 👉 Rachel Cohen on Substack 👉 Instagram: @Cohen.489 👉 TikTok: @Cohen.489 Get organized: 📚 Download the Antifascist Book Club Guides 💻 Learn more at Task Force Butler Subscribe to On Offense on Substack, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Produced for the VALOR Media Network. Join the movement at weareonoffense.com How far would you go to fight authoritarianism?

In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith speaks with Rachel Cohen—a Harvard Law grad who quit her Big Law job at Skadden and put her body on the line to confront ICE operations in Chicago and Minneapolis.

Rachel didn’t wait for mass arrests or national headlines—she got arrested before the raids began. She took action before things escalated. This episode is about what it means to face your fears, test your red lines, and move from resistance to intervention.

Kris opens with a deeply personal reflection on how—even in spaces where he was empowered to speak out—he still made compromises. He obeyed in advance. And he challenges listeners to ask: are you doing the same?

Guest links:
👉 Rachel Cohen on Substack
👉 Instagram: @Cohen.489
👉 TikTok: @Cohen.489

Get organized:
📚 Download the Antifascist Book Club Guides
💻 Learn more at Task Force Butler

Subscribe to On Offense on Substack, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Produced for the VALOR Media Network. Join the movement at weareonoffense.com

]]> 3951 yes America’s Global Reckoning: Dr. Nola Haynes on Trump Policy and U.S. Collapse https://onoffense.substack.com/p/americas-global-reckoning-dr-nola-haynes America’s status as a global superpower isn’t guaranteed—and it may already be gone. In this episode of On Offense, national security expert Dr. Nola Haynes joins Kris Goldsmith to talk about the collapse of U.S. credibility, the damage of “Trump policy,” and the reckoning America must face—at home and on the world stage. This isn’t just a conversation about decline. It’s about what comes next—and what it will take for us to go on offense. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📺 Watch on YouTube 📰 Subscribe to Dr. Nola Haynes’ #SecurityBrief on Substack ✊ Read the full episode post: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/americas-global-reckoning-dr-nola-haynes Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 America’s Global Reckoning with Dr. Nola Haynes full 1 6 Kris Goldsmith What “Trump policy” reveals about the collapse of U.S. power at home and abroad. America’s status as a global superpower isn’t guaranteed—and it may already be gone. In this episode of On Offense, national security expert Dr. Nola Haynes joins Kris Goldsmith to talk about the collapse of U.S. credibility, the damage of “Trump policy,” and the reckoning America must face—at home and on the world stage. This isn’t just a conversation about decline. It’s about what comes next—and what it will take for us to go on offense. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📺 Watch on YouTube 📰 Subscribe to Dr. Nola Haynes’ #SecurityBrief on Substack ✊ Read the full episode post: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/americas-global-reckoning-dr-nola-haynes America’s status as a global superpower isn’t guaranteed—and it may already be gone.

In this episode of On Offense, national security expert Dr. Nola Haynes joins Kris Goldsmith to talk about the collapse of U.S. credibility, the damage of “Trump policy,” and the reckoning America must face—at home and on the world stage.

This isn’t just a conversation about decline. It’s about what comes next—and what it will take for us to go on offense.

]]> 4093 yes Wars Abroad, a Fascist Coup at Home (with Jonathan M. Katz) https://onoffense.substack.com/p/smedley-butler-fascist-coup-jonathan-katz In the 1930s, U.S. Marine General Smedley Butler stopped a fascist coup backed by Wall Street. Today, under Trump’s second term, the same forces are rising again—from threats of war in Venezuela to coordinated attacks on democracy at home. Historian and journalist Jonathan M. Katz joins On Offense to break down Butler’s legacy, America’s long history of imperialism, and what it means to organize against fascism in 2025. We cover: The Business Plot and America’s first coup attempt Butler’s evolution from warfighter to whistleblower How elites manipulate veterans to serve authoritarian goals Trump’s foreign policy and echoes of gunboat diplomacy How to go on offense against the far right 📘 Read Gangsters of Capitalism → jonathanmkatz.com/gangsters 📰 Subscribe to Jonathan’s newsletter → theracket.news/links 🎧 Follow On Offense and visit weareonoffense.com for more. #WeAreOnOffense #JonathanKatz #SmedleyButler #GangstersOfCapitalism #Trump #Coup #Antifascism #Venezuela Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Wars Abroad, a Fascist Coup at Home full 1 5 Kris Goldsmith Jonathan M. Katz on Smedley Butler, the Business Plot, and why it matters under Trump’s second term In the 1930s, U.S. Marine General Smedley Butler stopped a fascist coup backed by Wall Street. Today, under Trump’s second term, the same forces are rising again—from threats of war in Venezuela to coordinated attacks on democracy at home. Historian and journalist Jonathan M. Katz joins On Offense to break down Butler’s legacy, America’s long history of imperialism, and what it means to organize against fascism in 2025. We cover: The Business Plot and America’s first coup attempt Butler’s evolution from warfighter to whistleblower How elites manipulate veterans to serve authoritarian goals Trump’s foreign policy and echoes of gunboat diplomacy How to go on offense against the far right 📘 Read Gangsters of Capitalism → jonathanmkatz.com/gangsters 📰 Subscribe to Jonathan’s newsletter → theracket.news/links 🎧 Follow On Offense and visit weareonoffense.com for more. #WeAreOnOffense #JonathanKatz #SmedleyButler #GangstersOfCapitalism #Trump #Coup #Antifascism #Venezuela In the 1930s, U.S. Marine General Smedley Butler stopped a fascist coup backed by Wall Street. Today, under Trump’s second term, the same forces are rising again—from threats of war in Venezuela to coordinated attacks on democracy at home.

Historian and journalist Jonathan M. Katz joins On Offense to break down Butler’s legacy, America’s long history of imperialism, and what it means to organize against fascism in 2025.

We cover:

  • The Business Plot and America’s first coup attempt

  • Butler’s evolution from warfighter to whistleblower

  • How elites manipulate veterans to serve authoritarian goals

  • Trump’s foreign policy and echoes of gunboat diplomacy

  • How to go on offense against the far right

📘 Read Gangsters of Capitalism → jonathanmkatz.com/gangsters

📰 Subscribe to Jonathan’s newsletter → theracket.news/links

🎧 Follow On Offense and visit weareonoffense.com for more.

#WeAreOnOffense #JonathanKatz #SmedleyButler #GangstersOfCapitalism #Trump #Coup #Antifascism #Venezuela

]]> 5519 yes Gen. Honoré: “To Die Free Is an Obligation” — Trump, Hegseth, and Domestic Deployments https://onoffense.substack.com/p/general-honore-weapons-down-warning Lieutenant General Russel Honoré doesn’t talk like most generals—and in this conversation, he doesn’t mince words about politicians who glorify war but avoid accountability, or veterans who use their military service as a shield while undermining democracy. That’s exactly why I wanted to have him on On Offense. Honoré knows what it means to lead troops under pressure. He’s the kind of leader who called out systemic failures in real time after Hurricane Katrina—and he hasn’t stopped holding power accountable since. In this episode, we talk about what happens when the military becomes a political pawn—and why the deployments of troops onto American streets reminds him of America’s darkest moments of the 20th century. And we talk about how real service doesn’t end with the uniform—unless you trade your values for a comfortable seat and fat check. Here are some of the stakes we dig into: The threats facing troops and veterans from extremists and disinformation What it means to be “combat ineffective” in a democracy under attack How to take care of our people without feeding a culture of violence What accountability looks like in the age of Trump and Hegseth If you believe in the mission of this show, share this episode. Subscribe. Leave a review. Follow On Offense on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Learn more and get involved at weareonoffense.com Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:58:00 -0000 Gen. Honoré: "To Die Free Is an Obligation" full 1 4 Kris Goldsmith How Militarizing Politics Puts Democracy—and the Troops—at Risk Lieutenant General Russel Honoré doesn’t talk like most generals—and in this conversation, he doesn’t mince words about politicians who glorify war but avoid accountability, or veterans who use their military service as a shield while undermining democracy. That’s exactly why I wanted to have him on On Offense. Honoré knows what it means to lead troops under pressure. He’s the kind of leader who called out systemic failures in real time after Hurricane Katrina—and he hasn’t stopped holding power accountable since. In this episode, we talk about what happens when the military becomes a political pawn—and why the deployments of troops onto American streets reminds him of America’s darkest moments of the 20th century. And we talk about how real service doesn’t end with the uniform—unless you trade your values for a comfortable seat and fat check. Here are some of the stakes we dig into: The threats facing troops and veterans from extremists and disinformation What it means to be “combat ineffective” in a democracy under attack How to take care of our people without feeding a culture of violence What accountability looks like in the age of Trump and Hegseth If you believe in the mission of this show, share this episode. Subscribe. Leave a review. Follow On Offense on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Learn more and get involved at weareonoffense.com Lieutenant General Russel Honoré doesn’t talk like most generals—and in this conversation, he doesn’t mince words about politicians who glorify war but avoid accountability, or veterans who use their military service as a shield while undermining democracy. That’s exactly why I wanted to have him on On Offense.

Honoré knows what it means to lead troops under pressure. He’s the kind of leader who called out systemic failures in real time after Hurricane Katrina—and he hasn’t stopped holding power accountable since.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when the military becomes a political pawn—and why the deployments of troops onto American streets reminds him of America’s darkest moments of the 20th century.

And we talk about how real service doesn’t end with the uniform—unless you trade your values for a comfortable seat and fat check.

Here are some of the stakes we dig into:

  • The threats facing troops and veterans from extremists and disinformation
  • What it means to be “combat ineffective” in a democracy under attack
  • How to take care of our people without feeding a culture of violence
  • What accountability looks like in the age of Trump and Hegseth

If you believe in the mission of this show, share this episode. Subscribe. Leave a review.

Follow On Offense on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Learn more and get involved at weareonoffense.com

]]> 3819 yes Officer Harry Dunn: January 6 Wasn’t the End. It Was the Beginning https://onoffense.substack.com/p/officer-harry-dunn-january-6-wasnt-the-end On January 6, 2021, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn stood his ground against the violent mob that tried to overturn the election. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith—combat veteran and antifascist investigator—sits down with Harry to talk about what it took to defend democracy that day—and why the fight isn’t over. They get into: What it felt like to face off with insurrectionists in real time Why Harry is still organizing, speaking out, and staying in the fight What service looks like after January 6 How everyday people can join the fight in 2025 🎧 Follow On Offense on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Learn more and take action: weareonoffense.com More on Harry Dunn: 📘 Standing My Ground — Buy the book ✍️ Standing Our Ground — Subscribe to Harry’s Substack 🥃 Pours and Perspectives — Listen on the Siren Network 🧹 Cleanup on Aisle 45 — Watch with Allison Gill and Harry Dunn Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Officer Harry Dunn on January 6 and the Fight Ahead full 1 3 Kris Goldsmith A Capitol Police officer speaks out on trauma, truth, and justice. On January 6, 2021, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn stood his ground against the violent mob that tried to overturn the election. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith—combat veteran and antifascist investigator—sits down with Harry to talk about what it took to defend democracy that day—and why the fight isn’t over. They get into: What it felt like to face off with insurrectionists in real time Why Harry is still organizing, speaking out, and staying in the fight What service looks like after January 6 How everyday people can join the fight in 2025 🎧 Follow On Offense on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Learn more and take action: weareonoffense.com More on Harry Dunn: 📘 Standing My Ground — Buy the book ✍️ Standing Our Ground — Subscribe to Harry’s Substack 🥃 Pours and Perspectives — Listen on the Siren Network 🧹 Cleanup on Aisle 45 — Watch with Allison Gill and Harry Dunn On January 6, 2021, Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn stood his ground against the violent mob that tried to overturn the election. In this episode of On Offense, Kris Goldsmith—combat veteran and antifascist investigator—sits down with Harry to talk about what it took to defend democracy that day—and why the fight isn’t over.

They get into:

  • What it felt like to face off with insurrectionists in real time
  • Why Harry is still organizing, speaking out, and staying in the fight
  • What service looks like after January 6
  • How everyday people can join the fight in 2025

🎧 Follow On Offense on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🌐 Learn more and take action: weareonoffense.com

More on Harry Dunn:

]]> 4315 yes Dropkick Murphys: 30 Years of Fighting Nazis, Now Taking on Trump https://onoffense.substack.com/p/dropkick-murphys-30-years-of-fighting Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey joins host Kris Goldsmith for a conversation about punk, patriotism, and the fight against fascism in the Trump era. For over 30 years, Dropkick Murphys have called out Nazis and racists—from the stage, in their lyrics, and with their platform. In this episode of On Offense, Ken talks about why the band has always been political—and why more artists should speak out. In this episode: Ken’s response to Trump using DKM’s music without permission Why being anti-fascist is central to punk The loneliness of speaking up when others won’t Solidarity between working-class veterans and musicians Watch the video version on VALOR Media Network. Read more at onoffense.substack.com. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Dropkick Murphys Take on Trump full 1 2 Kris Goldsmith Ken Casey on punk, patriotism, and why the fight against fascism still matters. Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey joins host Kris Goldsmith for a conversation about punk, patriotism, and the fight against fascism in the Trump era. For over 30 years, Dropkick Murphys have called out Nazis and racists—from the stage, in their lyrics, and with their platform. In this episode of On Offense, Ken talks about why the band has always been political—and why more artists should speak out. In this episode: Ken’s response to Trump using DKM’s music without permission Why being anti-fascist is central to punk The loneliness of speaking up when others won’t Solidarity between working-class veterans and musicians Watch the video version on VALOR Media Network. Read more at onoffense.substack.com. Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey joins host Kris Goldsmith for a conversation about punk, patriotism, and the fight against fascism in the Trump era.

For over 30 years, Dropkick Murphys have called out Nazis and racists—from the stage, in their lyrics, and with their platform. In this episode of On Offense, Ken talks about why the band has always been political—and why more artists should speak out.

In this episode:

  • Ken’s response to Trump using DKM’s music without permission
  • Why being anti-fascist is central to punk
  • The loneliness of speaking up when others won’t
  • Solidarity between working-class veterans and musicians

Watch the video version on VALOR Media Network. Read more at onoffense.substack.com.

]]> 3526 yes Ken Burns’ Dangerous Myths — Tad Stoermer on History, Resistance, and Authoritarianism https://onoffense.substack.com/p/ken-burns-dangerous-myths-tad-stoermer Historian and veteran Tad Stoermer joins host Kris Goldsmith for the debut episode of On Offense. Together, they dig into the dangerous power of patriotic myth-making—like that in Ken Burns’ ‘feel-good history’—and how it’s left Americans unprepared to face modern authoritarianism. They cover: What the Founders really understood about tyranny Why “defending democracy” isn’t enough The danger of comforting lies in history and politics How to start fighting back—right now Visit onoffense.substack.com for the full write-up and more episodes. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:18:00 -0000 Ken Burns’ Dangerous Myths — Tad Stoermer on History, Resistance, and Authoritarianism full 1 1 Kris Goldsmith How patriotic myth-making disarms Americans in the face of rising authoritarianism. Historian and veteran Tad Stoermer joins host Kris Goldsmith for the debut episode of On Offense. Together, they dig into the dangerous power of patriotic myth-making—like that in Ken Burns’ ‘feel-good history’—and how it’s left Americans unprepared to face modern authoritarianism. They cover: What the Founders really understood about tyranny Why “defending democracy” isn’t enough The danger of comforting lies in history and politics How to start fighting back—right now Visit onoffense.substack.com for the full write-up and more episodes. Historian and veteran Tad Stoermer joins host Kris Goldsmith for the debut episode of On Offense. Together, they dig into the dangerous power of patriotic myth-making—like that in Ken Burns’ ‘feel-good history’—and how it’s left Americans unprepared to face modern authoritarianism.

They cover:

  • What the Founders really understood about tyranny
  • Why “defending democracy” isn’t enough
  • The danger of comforting lies in history and politics
  • How to start fighting back—right now

Visit onoffense.substack.com for the full write-up and more episodes.

]]> 4078 yes Trailer: On Offense with Kris Goldsmith https://www.weareonoffense.com/ On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a new podcast for anyone ready to fight for democracy and stand up to fascism. Hosted by U.S. Army combat veteran and antifascist investigator Kris Goldsmith, each episode goes inside extremist movements, breaks down how the far right is seizing power, and features frontline voices from the fight against authoritarianism. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.Watch full episodes right here on VALOR Media Network.Visit weareonoffense.com to learn more.#OnOffense #KrisGoldsmith #FightFascism #VeteransAgainstFascism #ProDemocracy Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Trailer: On Offense with Kris Goldsmith trailer Kris Goldsmith A new podcast for people ready to stop playing defense and start fighting for democracy. On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a new podcast for anyone ready to fight for democracy and stand up to fascism. Hosted by U.S. Army combat veteran and antifascist investigator Kris Goldsmith, each episode goes inside extremist movements, breaks down how the far right is seizing power, and features frontline voices from the fight against authoritarianism. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.Watch full episodes right here on VALOR Media Network.Visit weareonoffense.com to learn more.#OnOffense #KrisGoldsmith #FightFascism #VeteransAgainstFascism #ProDemocracy On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a new podcast for anyone ready to fight for democracy and stand up to fascism. Hosted by U.S. Army combat veteran and antifascist investigator Kris Goldsmith, each episode goes inside extremist movements, breaks down how the far right is seizing power, and features frontline voices from the fight against authoritarianism.


Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch full episodes right here on VALOR Media Network.
Visit weareonoffense.com to learn more.
#OnOffense #KrisGoldsmith #FightFascism #VeteransAgainstFascism #ProDemocracy

]]> 64 no