The Daily Whatever, Oct 18: The Philosophy of Adverse Action with Rick Herbst

On today’s The Daily Whatever Show, we celebrated No Kings Day with a guest who fits the moment perfectly — Rick Herbst, founder of Adverse Action Daily.

Rick’s background spans tech, corporate leadership, and a long-running curiosity about how power operates. His publication borrows its name from a legal term, but he’s redefined it as a philosophy: finding smart, peaceful ways to push back when the system feels rigged. In Rick’s world, adverse action is what happens when ordinary people learn to use the rules — and sometimes bend them — to reclaim a little agency.

He walked us through the uneasy marriage between oligarchy and Trumpism, the growing influence of corporate-style governance, and why billionaires are drawn to frameworks that treat democracy like a management problem. The conversation could have veered into despair, but Rick kept it grounded, thoughtful, and even funny.

Then came one of those Daily Whatever moments that stops you mid-sip of coffee: turns out Rick is related to our beloved high-school history teacher, Mrs. Herbst — the one who taught Lawrence and me about democracy back when we were attending pep rallies instead of No Kings rallies. Full circle in the weirdest, best way.

What I love about Rick’s voice is how careful he is with language. He reminded us that activism isn’t just about showing up in the streets — it’s also about refusing to surrender the words that shape the story. “Patriot.” “Antifa.” Even “America.” Words worth fighting for.

Thank you Tawana Fulmer , Su , Kimmy Win , Steve Uppendahl , Jason Odell , Lindsey , Randall Silas , Carrie , Linnea , Beth Cruz , MorganX , Bee Reba , Rick Herbst , Luca , Monica M 🇨🇦 , Mel , Lee Noeau Old/Slow , Gloria Ramirez , snarkyboots , Smclive , Cathy Scatterty jeanne holmes , Dana DuBois , Monique C 🇨🇦 , Joan , Jenny Lynn , Rachel Hendricks , Leanna , Francesca Bossert , Bryan Hagerla , Courtney 🇨🇦 , DanielsJHS , Beth Plutchak , Jaye P , Jeanne Elbe , Patty Thornton , Joan , Robin E Thebodeau , Dannys Catherine Moran , Patty Evans , Jeanette Jimenrz , Lawrence Winnerman , Mary jill robbins , The Peaceful Solution-Plan B , Jeanne St. James , Janie 🪡 , Hannah Throckmorton , PhemK , Susan Jagoda , Peg , Antonio Salas , Brandon Ellrich , Joan Van Duynhoven , Tanya Harding , Bob, the Free Radical , Wendy Parker , Therese McNally, Michael Gordon Gaudoin , Aaron Cuyler , Karen Marie Shelton , Damon Kenner , Linda Smith , Lynn L , Wendy Parker , Noble Blend , Cat , Terri , Cat , Sue , Curtis Yarvin , Jennifer Leonard , Tim Hudson , Brushy 🦝📚 , Just kell , Isaac Saragossi , Emmanuel Annor , theLastRedShirt , Heather Olivier , Robin J Bahr , Ajhview , Patricia Kelly , JUDITH F NILES , Karen Brownfield , Patricia Weinberg , Sally , KC , Debbie Lazarewicz , Tiffany Chestler , pat archer , John Delaney , Mason/She/Her🩷💜💙