The Signal

Bucks Co Beacon
  • 5.0 (7)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The Signal, a podcast by The Bucks County Beacon, will shine a light on the right-wing extremist currents streaming though Bucks County and beyond. Twice a month we will talk to guests who will help listeners navigate these perilous political waters by providing insight, analysis, and organizing solutions so that we can steer the community toward calmer, saner progressive routes.

  1. OCT 29

    America Is a White Christian Nationalist Project, With Religion Dispatches Editor Megan Goodwin

    Megan Goodwin is senior editor for Religion Dispatches, nerd-in-chief at Feral Nerd Consulting, and media & tech consultant for The Crossroads Project. Goodwin is the author of Abusing Religion: Literary Persecution, Sex Scandals, and American Minority Religions (Rutgers 2020). With Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst, she cohosted Keeping It 101: A Killjoy’s Introduction to Religion Podcast; and their first co-authored book, Religion Is Not Done With You, is now available through Beacon Press. Her next project is tentatively entitled Cults Incorporated: The Business of Bad Religion. Megan, who grew up in Yardley where she attended St. John the Evangelist Grade School and later graduated from Archbishop Egan High School, joins The Signal to talk about her scholarly and journalistic work covering religion. She explains why religion – and specifically white Christian Nationalism – are topics each of you should care about, whether you are religious or not.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, Podbean and iheart  ALSO LISTEN TO: The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Katherine Stewart Discusses Her New Book ‘Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy’ Kristin Kobes Du Mez on Evangelical Support for Trump and Project 2025’s Christian Nationalist and Authoritarian Designs for the Nation A Conversation with André Gagné About His Book ‘American Evangelicals for Trump: Dominion, Spiritual Warfare, and the End Times’ The New Apostolic Reformation: A Revolutionary Theocratic Movement Coming For Pennsylvania, The Nation, And The World Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    43 min

  2. OCT 20

    The Critical Importance of Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Election, With Garen Meguerian

    Garen Meguerian is a civil rights, free speech lawyer, with 30 years of experience, practicing in the state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Since 2016, Garen has volunteered with grassroots groups, primarily in Chester County, to preserve democratic institutions. He joins us today to raise the alarm about the threats against Pennsylvania's independent judiciary and the importance of the PA Supreme Court’s retention election on Nov. 4. In this conversation, Garen explores the implications of misinformation, gerrymandering, and the role of the judiciary in protecting voting rights, reproductive rights, and environmental protections in the commonwealth.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, Podbean and iheart  READ: Stand up for Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, by Colin Coyle League of Women Voters of PA Warns of Right-Wing Disinformation Campaign Targeting Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Election, by Melinda Rizzo. The Makeup of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court Hangs in the Balance in November. Here’s What’s at Stake, by Melinda Rizzo Judicial Elections Key to Protecting Pennsylvania’s Democracy and Our Environment, by Molly Parzen How Pennsylvania Judges Facing Retention Ruled on Key Election Cases, by Carter Walker, Votebeat ALSO LISTEN TO: Kadida Kenner on Defending Democracy and Voting Rights in Pennsylvania Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    1 hr

  3. OCT 8

    The Normalization of Book Banning in the United States, With PEN America’s Sabrina Baêta

    “In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country. Never before have so many states passed laws or regulations to facilitate the banning of books, including bans on specific titles statewide. Never before have so many politicians sought to bully school leaders into censoring according to their ideological preferences, even threatening public funding to exact compliance. Never before has access to so many stories been stolen from so many children.”  This is the introduction to PEN America’s Banned in the USA 2024-2025 report “The Normalization of Book Banning.” As part of the Bucks County Beacon’s Banned Books Week coverage, we speak with one of the author’s of this report – Sabrina Baêta.  Sabrina is a senior program manager with Freedom to Read at PEN America. She engages in research and awareness-building around censorship attacks on public K-12 education, especially as it relates to literature accessibility in libraries and classrooms.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart  READ: The Quiet Creep of Censorship: How ‘Everyday Banning’ Is Reshaping American Schools, by Tabitha Dell’Angelo We Must Continue to Defend the Freedom to Read in Central Bucks School District, by Karen Smith Banned Books Week: A Local Reflection From a Pennridge School District Dad, by Darren Laustsen ‘This Book Won’t Burn’ Celebrates Student Resistance in This New Era of Book Banning, by Lauren Bradley  ALSO LISTEN TO: The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials This Bucks County Dad Took His Child’s School District to Court to Uncover a Secret Book Banning Scheme Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider on Their New Book ‘The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual’ Black History Is a History of Resistance and Liberation, with Rann Miller Fighting for Students’ and Teachers’ Rights in Central Bucks School District, with ACLU’s Witold Walczak Unmasking Moms for Liberty’s Extremism, with Olivia Little and Diana Leygerman Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    26 min

  4. OCT 2

    The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials

    On this week's episode of The Signal I welcome two guests: Bill V. Mullen, Professor of English and American Studies at Purdue University and Christopher Vials, an Associate Professor of English at the University of Connecticut, where he also serves as Director of American Studies. Together they co-edited the book The U.S. Anti-Fascism Reader. Today we talk about their book, the history of fascism and anti-fascism in America, and lessons we can learn to help us navigate through this moment where President Trump has just designated anti-fascism as domestic terrorism and on Tuesday told top military generals and admirals that the country faces an enemy from within (namely his political opponents) and that US cities should become training grounds for the military. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart  READ: The U.S. Anti-Fascism Reader, by Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Haunted by Hitler: Liberals, the Left, and the Fight against Fascism in the United States, by Christopher Vials How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, by Jason Stanley  The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War, by Jeff Sharlet Trump Tells Military Brass ‘We’re Under Invasion From Within’ and US Cities Should Be ‘Training Grounds for Our Military’ ‘Rubber Glue Fascism’: A Close Reading of Trump’s ‘Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence’ Memo Why Journalists Are Reluctant to Call Trump an Authoritarian – and Why That Matters for Democracy ALSO LISTEN TO: Journalist Jordan Green on Why the Neo-Nazi Movement Is an Escalating Threat to US Democracy From Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Bucks County’s Fred Harran: Why ICE 287(g) Partnerships Are So Dangerous, with Jessica Pishko How Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement Will Legalize and Deploy Vigilantes to Push Their Agenda, with David Noll Former FBI Agent Who Once Infiltrated Neo-Nazi Groups and Militias Explains Why Law Enforcement Fails to Take Far-Right Extremism Seriously Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    42 min

  5. SEP 20

    Editor-in-Chief Cyril Mychalejko on The Beacon in Turbulant Times

    Cyril Mychalejko is the Editor-in-Chief of the Bucks County Beacon. He has over two decades of journalistic experience. His work has appeared in The Bucks County Courier Times, The Intelligencer, Upside Down World, Common Dreams, TruthOut, and other publications. Today, Cyril joins The Signal as a guest to reflect on the week that Charlie Kirk was killed, the disturbing history of Turning Point USA, the failure of the mainstream media to meet our authoritarian moment, and the role of The Beacon in these turbulent times.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart  READ:  Why Journalists Are Reluctant to Call Trump an Authoritarian – and Why That Matters for Democracy Why Some People Are Pretending About Charlie Kirk’s History and the Truth About This Dangerous Moment White House Working to Criminalize Left-Wing Dissent as ‘Domestic Terror’ in Wake of Charlie Kirk Murder Right-Wing Extremist Violence Is More Frequent and More Deadly Than Left-Wing Violence, Data Shows State Senator Steve Santarsiero: American Democracy Is the Frog and the Water Is Starting to Boil Jimmy Kimmel’s Cancellation Is the Latest Sign We’re Witnessing the End of US Democracy Democracy Requires Our Attention, All The Time Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Says US Must ‘Turn the Tide’ Against Political Violence, Reject Vengeance Trump Administration Uses Tragic Minneapolis School Shooting to Target Transgender Community Rather Than Strengthen Student Safety Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    44 min

  6. AUG 6

    Journalist Jordan Green on Why the Neo-Nazi Movement Is an Escalating Threat to U.S. Democracy

    Jordan Green is an investigative correspondent based in Greensboro, N.C., who covers right-wing extremism for Raw Story. His work has been featured in a host of publications, including the Washington Post, The Daily Beast, The Nation, In These Times and Sojourners. Today he joins us to talk about his recent article in The Assembly  “I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry,”  and to talk about covering, and being stalked and threatened by neo-Nazi groups, and the threat militant far-right accelerationism poses for the country.  Read Jordan’s reporting at the Raw Story here.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart  ALSO LISTEN TO: Interview: Solidarity Journalism Can Help the Mainstream Media Restore Public Trust and Strengthen Democracy, with Dr. Anita Varma From Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Bucks County’s Fred Harran: Why ICE 287(g) Partnerships Are So Dangerous, with Jessica Pishko How Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement Will Legalize and Deploy Vigilantes to Push Their Agenda, with David Noll Former FBI Agent Who Once Infiltrated Neo-Nazi Groups and Militias Explains Why Law Enforcement Fails to Take Far-Right Extremism Seriously Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    25 min

  7. JUL 16

    Fighting to Finally Raise the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania – A Conversation With State Rep. Roni Green

    State Rep. Roni Green’s professional life has been about helping people climb out of poverty and fighting for working class families.  She began her career serving the people as a human services caseworker with the Glendale County Assistance Office, working for nearly two decades to ensure that Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents have access to a path out of poverty. Her experience has deeply informed her understanding of the systemic causes of economic, social and political inequality. Roni won her first election with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668 as a Shop Steward and through additional elections held the positions of Philadelphia Chapter 12 Chair, and statewide Secretary/Treasurer based in Harrisburg, while serving as a community and labor organizer for more than 30 years. As a state representative Roni’s priorities include fighting for a living wage and workers’ rights, affordable housing to preserve neighborhoods and ensure that every working family has a home, sensible gun reform to combat the gun violence epidemic, equitable community and economic development that provides opportunities for all, and criminal justice reform with a focus on ending mass incarceration. She joins us today to talk about the current struggle to get lawmakers in the state capital to finally raise the commonwealth’s embarrassing $7.25 per hour minimum wage.  Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart.  ALSO LISTEN TO: Interview: Solidarity Journalism Can Help the Mainstream Media Restore Public Trust and Strengthen Democracy, with Dr. Anita Varma ‘A Fight Fails Without A Dream’: DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta on How The Democratic Party Will Meet This Dangerous Trumpian Moment Larissa Hopwood on the Newly Formed Doylestown Action League and Progressive Activism in Bucks County Interview: Kadida Kenner on Defending Democracy and Voting Rights in Pennsylvania Karen Downer Has Fought Racism Locally Since She Was a Child in Pre-Civil Rights Bucks County Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    21 min

  8. JUN 25

    Photojournalist Michael Nigro on Documenting History as It Happens

    Photojournalist Michael Nigro reported a piece for the Bucks County Beacon earlier this month from the streets of Los Angeles which were turned into a war zone after Trump sent in the National Guard and Marines to quash anti-ICE protests. He was actually shot in the head with nonlethal bullet by police, though thankfully he was wearing a helmet. This multimedia journalist based in Brooklyn, New York joins us today to talk about his work and his penchant for ​documenting ​​world-changing stories that has put him at the forefront of some of the most crucial events of our times, including Occupy Wall Street, Standing Rock, Charlottesville, the Yellow Vest Movement in France, The January 6th Capitol Riots, and three assignments in Ukraine, to name a few.​ His work has been featured in dozens of publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, Vice, The Intercept, Rolling Stone, and Time​ Magazine. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart  Photo Essay: Trump’s Militarized War on Immigrants Meets Citizen Resistance in Los Angeles, by Michael Nigro Michael’s Website: https://www.nigrotime.com/ Michael’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nigrotime Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigrotime/ ALSO LISTEN TO: Interview: Solidarity Journalism Can Help the Mainstream Media Restore Public Trust and Strengthen Democracy, with Dr. Anita Varma From Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Bucks County’s Fred Harran: Why ICE 287(g) Partnerships Are So Dangerous, with Jessica Pishko How Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement Will Legalize and Deploy Vigilantes to Push Their Agenda, with David Noll Former FBI Agent Who Once Infiltrated Neo-Nazi Groups and Militias Explains Why Law Enforcement Fails to Take Far-Right Extremism Seriously Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music.  Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

    27 min
See All (60)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Signal, a podcast by The Bucks County Beacon, will shine a light on the right-wing extremist currents streaming though Bucks County and beyond. Twice a month we will talk to guests who will help listeners navigate these perilous political waters by providing insight, analysis, and organizing solutions so that we can steer the community toward calmer, saner progressive routes.

Information

  • Creator
    Bucks Co Beacon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Signal

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