What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism.
Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft seces...
What happens when a former military cop, existentialist philosopher, and Substack firebrand walks into a podcast? You get this riveting conversation between Corey and Christopher Armitage, who pulls no punches when it comes to democracy, resistance, and why “soft secession” might be the only sane response to creeping authoritarianism.
Chris is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, prolific writer, and founder of The Existentialist Republic. From his early days in New Jersey wrestling circles to his transformation into an outspoken advocate for “soft secession,” Chris shares deeply personal reflections and bold policy ideas aimed at confronting rising authoritarianism in America.
Through a mix of dark humor, philosophical grounding, and actionable insights, Chris breaks down:
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What “soft secession” really means (hint: it’s not Civil War 2.0),
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How localism and economic independence can fortify democracy,
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What ICE agents, serotonin, and Friedrich Nietzsche have in common,
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And why writing with relentless truth might be the ultimate form of resistance.
This isn’t just another political chat—it’s a defibrillator for the democratic spirit.
⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics
[00:00] Welcome & Chris’s multi-faceted background
[00:04] Jersey roots, high school wrestling, and joining the Air Force
[00:07] Serving as military police & navigating mental health in public service
[00:13] From law enforcement to Substack: becoming a full-time writer
[00:16] On Project 2025, ICE, authoritarianism, and systemic corruption
[00:24] What is “soft secession” and why does it matter now?
[00:29] Holding federal tax dollars in escrow — a controversial idea
[00:33] Learning from Viktor Orbán, The Troubles, and global democracies
[00:38] ICE overreach, due process violations, and local accountability
[00:45] TP&R question: Can we still talk across our differences?
[00:49] Dopamine vs. serotonin: the brain chemistry of politics
[00:52] Final reflections: Hope, joy, and being a rebel for the good
🧠 Key Takeaways
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Soft secession isn’t about seceding from the union—it’s about building parallel structures and asserting state sovereignty when the federal government becomes illegitimate or abusive.
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Existentialism offers a philosophical lens to grapple with despair, absurdity, and the need for personal responsibility in chaotic times.
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Corruption isn't abstract: Christopher outlines how hundreds of billions have been diverted from essential services like SNAP and SSI under the current regime.
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Local action is powerful: From holding ICE agents accountable to auditing tax fund allocation, states and municipalities are not powerless.
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We must resist with joy: Even amid chaos, fostering joy, community, and purpose is essential—both for resilience and resistance.
💬 Notable Quotes
“We're not losing democracy. Federal democracy is pretty much dead. The Constitution is dead. But that doesn't mean we can't still build something better.”
“It's not about labeling this fascism or kleptocracy—it's about calling it what it is: bad.”
“Let the zealots win, and we’re cooked. But if rational people care more, we still have a chance.”
“Serotonin levels rise when you feel seen and heard. Listening might actually be the antidote to polarization.”
“Put ICE agents in handcuffs if they break the law. It’s that simple.”
📣 Calls to Action
✅ Tell a friend about TP&R! Help spread thoughtful conversation.
✅ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics
✅ Check out our Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com
✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion
🔗 Connect
Christopher Armitage on Substack, The Existentialist Republic — cmarmitage.substack.com
Corey is @coreysnathan on...
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- Substack
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Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨
