Critical Defiance

In this eye-opening episode of Critical Defiance, host Neils, alongside BobbySox and Bill, delve into the unsettling world of meme warfare. Far from being just humorous or entertaining, memes have evolved into potent tools for mass persuasion capable of toppling governments, swaying elections, and deeply influencing public opinion. Through vivid examples ranging from the 2016 US election to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the hosts reveal how memes act as sophisticated psychological operations in our hyperconnected society. They also discuss historical proto-memes like Uncle Sam and Rosie the Riveter, illustrating how cultural touchstones have long been used in similar ways. The episode takes a darker turn as it examines the misuse of memes for spreading misinformation, conspiracy theories, and targeted harassment, often leveraging advanced technology like AI and deepfakes. However, it's not all doom and gloom; the hosts also highlight efforts to counter these manipulative tactics, stressing the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and responsible participation in the meme culture. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to become more discerning consumers and creators of digital content.   Image by Ikhadel sharma from Pixabay Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: Memes and Information Warfare(00:02:30) - Bobby Singer on His Depression(00:04:47) - Trump wants National Guard on the Streets of D.C.(00:09:48) - Marriage Equality Under Fire(00:13:05) - Trump Picks the Kennedy Center Honorees(00:15:47) - Meme Warfare: The Battle for Public Opinion(00:19:21) - Meme Warfare: What Is It?(00:21:03) - The Dark Side of Memes(00:24:07) - EPA Is Now Investigating Chemtrails Like They're Real(00:24:43) - Are Memes Bad for Politics?(00:29:27) - Memes That Will Stand The Test of Time(00:31:54) - The Dark Side of Memes(00:35:35) - Tiny Hands on Memes(00:40:04) - Memes: The Evolution of Libraries

This episode delves into the profound and transformative concept of found family—relationships and bonds that go beyond biological ties. The hosts discuss the importance of chosen kinship in various contexts such as the LGBTQ+ community, migrants, and individuals with neurodivergent conditions. The episode features personal stories and highlights the societal and legal recognition challenges faced by non-traditional families. With a blend of poignant narratives and cultural references, the conversation underscores the mutual trust, respect, and support that define found families, contrasting them with conventional blood relations. The episode also touches on current events and the broader implications of family dynamics in contemporary society.   Photo by Kimson Doan on Unsplash Chapters (00:00:00) - What is Found Family?(00:03:59) - A Lost Dad Gets the Phone Call(00:06:44) - Trump's Nuclear Reactor on the Moon(00:09:51) - Texas Gerrymandering Showdown(00:12:09) - Dean Cain on Rob Schneider(00:12:27) - Defiant Pod(00:14:30) - What is a Found Family?(00:16:32) - Queer People's Found Family(00:21:10) - The Family of the Disappeared(00:22:44) - Find a Family for Neurodivergent People(00:24:17) - What Is A Found Family?(00:30:36) - What is Found Family?(00:32:36) - Karaoke: Found Family(00:35:24) - found family(00:38:21) - Critical Defiance: Memes & Found Family

The episode of Critical Defiance examines the history and present status of marijuana legalization in the U.S. It highlights connections to xenophobia, varying state laws, and the benefits of legalization. The hosts address federal reluctance to legalize cannabis fully and encourage advocacy for sensible policies while dispelling marijuana use myths. Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: On Smoking Weed(00:01:34) - Who's the designated driver this week?(00:01:52) - Trump's Gold Ballroom(00:03:29) - Trump fires commissioner for labor statistics because he thinks the report was rigged(00:04:32) - Why Marijuana Became The Boogeyman(00:10:13) - The Gateway Drug Theory(00:17:08) - Why Americans Still Don't Legalize Weed(00:20:39) - Proposal to Keep Marijuana Illegal in America(00:26:30) - Why Legalization Is the Only Solution to Pot Prohibition(00:32:42) - Critical Confrontation

In the latest episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill tackle the growing issue of police militarization in American communities. They explore the historical roots of the U.S. police force, the war on drugs, and post-9/11 security measures that have contributed to a shift from ‘protect and serve’ to an ‘us versus them’ mentality. The discussion delves into the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities and the emerging role of ICE as a domestic police force, highlighting the dangers of unqualified and unidentifiable agents operating with minimal oversight. The hosts urge listeners to educate themselves, raise awareness, and take action to prevent further erosion of civil liberties and community trust. Contents 00:00 The Thin Blue Line Down Main Street 02:21 Host Discussion 12:17 Big Thoughts 29:03 Takeaways 31:55 Sign Off Image by StockSnap from Pixabay NOTE: Transcripts and captions are automatically generated and may contain errors. Chapters (00:00:00) - Foreign Defiant: The Thin Blue Line(00:02:21) - South Park on Epstein Files(00:02:47) - Celebrity Deaths in the Heat(00:04:37) - Trump Calls for the Denaturalization of Zaran Mandani in(00:08:16) - What ACAB Means and Defunding the Police(00:12:27) - The Militarization of the Police(00:18:48) - ICE Is Becoming the Best Federal Police Force in U.S(00:24:50) - Civil Liberties Are on the Line(00:31:55) - Critical Defiance: Week Three

In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils and BobbySox delve into several pressing issues affecting society today. They kick off by examining the newly enacted ‘Big Bad Bill’ and its implications on social safety nets, clean energy, and the economy. The discussion moves to the climate crisis, highlighting recent tragic events like the Texas floods and European heatwaves. The hosts then turn their attention to the mysterious disappearance of the Epstein client list and its impact on public trust in government transparency. Finally, they explore the Trump administration’s weaponization of policy, focusing on tariffs, immigration, and the forthcoming expansion of ICE. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to stay engaged, critically informed, and proactive in their communities. Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: The Intellectual Brawl(00:02:07) - Bill's Vacation(00:03:00) - A Little Talk About Our Break(00:05:14) - New York City Pride(00:06:37) - The Big Bad Bill Is Now Law(00:08:21) - Republicans on the Health Care Bill(00:12:10) - The Disappearance of the Epstein File(00:15:30) - Floods in Texas, Europe(00:20:31) - weaponization of policy under Trump(00:21:49) - President Trump Uses Tariffs as a Weapon(00:23:47) - Immigration Policy as a Weapon(00:26:50) - Trump, the police state, and more(00:30:00) - Six Things We Can All Do to Save Democracy(00:31:17) - Critical Defiance: A Police State Primer

In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill dive into the current wave of civil unrest in America. They discuss recent nationwide protests, including the ‘No Kings’ rallies triggered by federal immigration raids and ICE actions, the deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, and President Trump’s controversial responses.The show also examines the impact of these events on American democracy, the role of the media, and the growing tension between protestors and law enforcement. With important insights into the erosion of checks and balances and the systemic issues facing the nation, this episode calls for continued activism and engagement in local government. The team introduces light-hearted segments on Pride Month and upcoming content, but the core focus remains on addressing the serious challenges posed by current political dynamics. 00:00 Voices of Defiance: Unrest and Unity in a Land of No Kings 19:25 The Morning After Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: Civil Unrest in America(00:07:28) - The Shaman and the Nazi Dog Tag(00:08:48) - Trump Calls the National Guard to Protest the No Kings Event(00:13:50) - Trump 2.0: Checks and Ceilings(00:17:20) - Queer Voices on Pride Month(00:19:38) - This Is A Weird Two Part 2(00:20:31) - Trump calls for more deportations after massive protest(00:25:57) - The Minnesota Shooter Had a List of More Targets(00:28:33) - "Being Gay or Queer Is A Choice"(00:31:33) - Marines vs Law Enforcement in LA(00:34:35) - Don't Get Involved In Politics(00:38:53) - Stay Critical, Fight for Freedom!

Content warning: This episode contains discussions that touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts BobbySox, Neils, and Bill delve into the orchestrated moral panic targeting the trans community in America. They discuss the history of irrational societal fears, compare current assaults on trans rights to past moral hysteria like Reefer Madness and the Satanic Panic, and unpack the dangerous myths and misinformation propagated about trans individuals. The episode highlights the practical and cultural implications of anti-trans legislation, stressing the severe repercussions on freedom, bodily autonomy, and societal inclusion. With Pride Month in full swing, the hosts also shine a light on significant wins for the LGBTQ+ community, including landmark decisions in Puerto Rico and inclusive events at cultural institutions. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to critically examine their understanding of gender and stand against discriminatory policies. Photo by Delia Giandeini on Unsplash NOTE: Transcriptions and subtitles are automatically generated and may mislabel speakers or contain other errors. Chapters 00:00 The New Moral Panic: Decoding the Assault on Trans Existence 04:28 News Recap 10:04 Big Thoughts 46:18 Outro Links and Resources * The Cathedral of St. John the Divine * Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2025 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticaldefiance.substack.com/subscribe Chapters (00:00:10) - Critical Defiance: The Attack on Trans People(00:04:28) - LGBTQ Pride Month 2018 Reaction!(00:08:18) - The Despicable Harvey Milk(00:10:04) - CIS People: Trans People(00:13:12) - How Trans People Got To This Point(00:19:05) - Gender Roles and How They Affect Society(00:24:41) - Trans myths and lies(00:28:14) - Gender Affirming Surgery: The REACTION Rate(00:30:21) - The Anti-Trans Bills(00:36:00) - Transgender Bill of Rights(00:41:29) - Big Wins For Queers During Pride(00:44:09) - HDE homework(00:46:18) - Critical Defiance: Queer Architects of a Better America

In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, Bill, and BobbySox delve into the evolution of Pride Month from its raw, defiant roots at Stonewall to its current incarnation as a corporate-sponsored celebration. They scrutinize the rise of ‘rainbow capitalism,’ questioning whether the mainstream visibility and acceptance it brings are genuine signs of progress or merely superficial gestures. The episode covers the historical significance of Pride, the impact of corporate involvement, and the ongoing fight for true allyship and liberation. They also highlight the importance of supporting grassroots movements and maintaining the radical spirit of the original Pride protests. Additionally, the podcast addresses contemporary issues such as the withdrawal of corporate sponsorships from Pride events due to political pressures and concerns about privacy and surveillance. The discussion aims to equip listeners with critical perspectives on the commercialization of Pride and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Contents News Recap — 2:58 Big Thoughts — 11:36 Outro/Next Week — 40:14 NOTE: Transcripts and subtitles are auto generated and may contain errors.Photo by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: Pride Month Podcast(00:03:00) - New York City Pride Festival Donors Pull Out Their Money(00:07:09) - FBI Asks for Full Access to Encrypted Data(00:11:55) - 2017's Pride Month: A Critique(00:13:47) - On Pride's Growing Identity(00:16:00) - The Story of Queer Pride(00:23:26) - Why Companies Jump on the Rainbow Brand(00:31:36) - The Complaints About Corporate Pride(00:37:14) - Has Queer Pride Been Neutered?(00:40:35) - Decoding the New Moral Panic

In this Memorial Day episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Bill, Neils, and BobbySox dive deep into the often overlooked contributions of marginalized groups in U.S. military history. They examine the roles and sacrifices of African American soldiers, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants who served the country despite facing numerous barriers and discrimination. The discussion critiques current political issues, including threats to constitutional principles and the treatment of marginalized groups within the military under the Trump administration. The hosts also spotlight successful advocacy efforts like the defeat of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. The episode ends with a preview of their upcoming Pride Month series, questioning if pride has been co-opted by capitalism. Cover photo by Chad Madden on UnsplashNOTE: Transcripts and subtitles are auto generated and may contain errors. Contents 00:00 Threads of Honor: Remembering the Diverse Voices of American Service 03:03 News Recap 09:32 Big Thoughts 31:50 Freedom Fumbles 35:03 What Can We Do? 36:46 Sneak Peek/Sign Off Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: Memorial Day Podcast(00:03:05) - Trump Administration Considering Suspending Constitutional Right to Hold People in Custody(00:07:49) - Critical Defiance(00:09:32) - Unveiling the Diversity of American Service(00:16:12) - Unsung Heroes of the Military(00:19:38) - LGBTQ Service Members in the Military(00:25:04) - Memorial Day 2017: The Immigrant Serving in the Military(00:31:50) - Republicans Give a Tax Break to Tanning Beddits(00:33:29) - Queer Wins for Memorial Day(00:36:49) - The Big Pride Episode

In this episode, the hosts of Critical Defiance delve into the contentious topics of pornography bans, free speech, and the implications of government censorship. They discuss the historical and ongoing attempts to regulate sexual content online, the influence of moral panics, and the potential threats to personal freedoms. Additionally, they touch on current events, including Trump’s controversial reception of a 747 from Qatar, and a tragic case linked to Georgia’s heartbeat law. The episode also highlights the importance of voting, staying informed, and protecting online privacy. Contents 00:00 Unzipping the Constitution: Porn in The USA 01:32 News Recap 02:14 News Recap 13:38 Big Thoughts 36:07 Freedom Fumbles 40:23 What We Can Do/Sign off Main Image by Wynn Pointaux from Pixabay Note: Transcripts and subtitles are auto generated and may contain errors. Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: The End of America(00:00:48) - Critical Defiance: Pornography, Free Speech(00:02:15) - Trump Has Been Offer A 747 As a Gift From Qatar(00:05:52) - Trump Data and Our Future(00:08:09) - Georgia Woman Left Brain Dead Because of Heartbeat Law(00:11:55) - Critical Defiance(00:14:04) - Bill Niels on Pornography(00:16:39) - States Go Too Far on Porn(00:18:20) - The States That Are Proposing Porn Bans(00:23:04) - The Fight to Make Porn More Obscene(00:32:42) - Trans Issues: How to Defend Yourself(00:36:08) - Rep. Kristi Noem wants migrants to compete for citizenship on(00:40:23) - Everything You Can Do to Save Your Internet Privacy(00:42:53) - Critical Defiance: Memorial Day Special

In this episode of ‘Critical Defiance,’ hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill delve into the myth of the American Dream. They discuss the historic and evolving promises of hard work leading to prosperity, juxtaposing it against the stark reality of 2025 marked by economic disparity, stagnant wages, and escalating living costs. The hosts critically examine foundational inequities and explore who benefits from the perpetuation of this national narrative. Discussing a variety of topics, from the soaring prices in healthcare to the challenges faced by marginalized communities, they question if it’s time to redefine the American Dream. Tune in for a raw discussion on economic trends, social changes, and the impact of public policies under the current administration. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash 00:00 Unraveling the American Dream: America’s Promise in Peril 02:16 News 28:42 Big Thoughts 58:34 Freedom Fumbles 01:01 Big Wins Chapters (00:00:01) - Critical Defiance: The American Dream Explained(00:02:16) - We're Through The News Cycle(00:03:37) - Favorite Trump Moments And Worst Moments(00:06:23) - What Stuck With You Most Since The Trump Administration?(00:10:29) - What's the Theme of this Regime?(00:11:57) - Kanye's "Heil Hitler" Album Cover(00:13:28) - Congressional Rep. Arrested for Trying to Force His Way(00:16:56) - No More Transgender People in the Military(00:24:56) - "They're not qualified to serve in the military"(00:27:01) - Critical Defiance(00:28:44) - American Dream: Does It Hold?(00:35:22) - Generation Me: The American Dream(00:39:49) - The American Dream Is Killing Me(00:49:25) - What About the American Dream?(00:57:10) - Introducing The Elite at Big Gay(00:58:35) - Trump appoints Fox News host Janine Pirro as interim(01:02:46) - Critical Defiance: Censorship Explained

The Radical Act of Physical Ownership in a Digital Age In this episode of Critical Defiance, Neils, BobbySox, and Bill discuss the importance of owning physical media and robust personal archives in an age dominated by digital streaming and algorithms. They explore the cultural and personal significance of physical media like vinyl records and photo albums, emphasizing the risks and limitations of relying solely on digital ownership. The episode features insights from entertainment industry veterans Paul J. Salamoff and Joshua Lou Friedman. The episode closes with practical tips on preserving physical media and the importance of maintaining personal and cultural archives. Photo by 烧不酥在上海 老的 on Unsplash for the main image. NOTE: Transcriptions and subtitles are not currently available due to a testy AI but will be added later. Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: The Fight for Physical Media(00:04:49) - Weekend News: What's All the Talk?(00:05:42) - Trump's First 100 Days in Office(00:08:07) - Trump Uses Photoshop To Defend Illegal Immigrant(00:10:39) - Critical Defiance: When the President Says Anyone Who is Not White(00:15:30) - Content Can't Live Forever(00:19:39) - Streaming vs Physical Copy: The Fight(00:20:35) - Film Reviewist on Streaming and Physical Media(00:25:41) - Are We Whitewashing Our Content?(00:31:21) - Film Review: How Algorithms Impact Audiences(00:37:52) - Spotify: It's Profiling You(00:43:43) - Physical Media's Long Term Reliability(00:45:07) - Critical Defiance Merch Store Open(00:48:51) - Kamala Harris Back, and More(00:50:48) - Amazon's Mayday Proposal(00:51:44) - Thousands Protest Trump's First 100 Days(00:53:16) - Things You Can Do to Protect Our Cultural Heritage(00:56:15) - Critical Defiance: The Fight for Physical Media

In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and Bobby explore the alarming trend of local news outlets being acquired by massive national corporations, leading to a decline in community-focused journalism. They discuss the consequences of these acquisitions, such as the erosion of local coverage, the influence of corporate agendas, and the diminished ability to hold local officials accountable. The episode also covers the ongoing Kilmar Abrego Garcia case, recent legal challenges to trans rights in the UK, and other current events. The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting independent local journalism, becoming discerning news consumers, and advocating for policies that promote media diversity. Episode Photo by Egor Vikhrev on Unsplash NOTE: Transcriptions and subtitles are automatically generated and may contain errors. Contents 00:00 Local News Under Siege: What happens when our communities go dark? 03:59 Big Three (Two?) 13:30 Big Thoughts 31:46 Freedom Fumbles 35:42 Big Wins 38:42 Things You Can Do 39:41 Outro Chapters (00:00:01) - Local News Under Siege(00:04:27) - Trump on Illegal Immigrants: "(00:10:01) - J.K. Rowling on Trans Rights(00:13:29) - Local News: The Future of Local Reporting(00:14:21) - Why Big Media Companies Are Buying Local News Stations(00:22:52) - The Lack of Local News(00:25:57) - Local news coverage under corporate agendas(00:28:50) - How to Become More informed through News(00:31:46) - Freedom Fumbles #2(00:33:25) - Katy Perry Went To Space(00:34:38) - Freedom Fumbles 2017(00:35:42) - Boycotts Work: Target, Amazon(00:37:10) - Book Brigade: A Little Michigan(00:37:55) - Protesters Hold Nationwide Protests Against Trump(00:38:42) - Three Things You Can Do to Support Local Journalism(00:39:42) - Critical Defiance: Beyond Good and Evil Art Consumption and the Problem

The latest episode of Critical Defiance delves into the ramifications of relentless technological innovation. Hosts BobbySox and Neils question the hype around tech industry’s disruptive culture, pondering its actual benefits versus its potential harms such as reduced worker protections and mental health crises. They also discuss two notable deportation cases under Trump’s second administration – Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian citizen, and Mahmud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate apparently targeted for his beliefs. Additionally, the episode highlights issues like market manipulation, environmental concerns from electronic waste, and how social media and smart technology are impacting privacy and daily lives. The hosts urge listeners to read privacy policies, be mindful with technology, vote with their wallets, and join peaceful protests to reclaim control over government policies and actions. Contents * 00:00 Tech Bros and the Tyranny of Disruption – Is Innovation Always Progress? * 02:31 News: The Big Three (Four?) * 15:56 Big Thoughts * 37:56 Freedom Fumbles * 41:41 Big Wins * 43:38 Thing You Can Do * 45:28 Next Week/Outro Links & Resources * The dark side of electronic waste recycling | The Verge * MTG scooped up plummeting stocks during market chaos sparked by Trump tariffs | The Independent * Why Microsoft made a deal to help restart Three Mile Island | MIT Technology Review * Surveillance Self-Defense | EFF.org * Indivisible * Tesla Takedown | Take action at Tesla showrooms everywhere. * Oppose the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) – A Voter Suppression Bill – Passed House ⭑ 5 Calls NOTE: Transcriptions and subtitles are automatically generated and may contain errors. Chapters (00:00:01) - Critical Defiance: The Cult of Disruption(00:02:31) - Trump Admin's Attempt to Deny Return of Deemed Illegal Alien(00:10:28) - Trump Faces Accusations of Market Manipulation(00:13:04) - 3 Things to Watch Out For In America This Week(00:13:45) - SAVE Act(00:15:50) - Crazy News Week: Apple, Google, and More(00:16:38) - The Disruptors of the Future(00:22:39) - Is Social Media About Connectivity or Control?(00:24:22) - Social Media's Addiction Factor(00:26:28) - Is Smart Technology Just There to Take All of Our Information?(00:33:30) - How Do We Control Tech?(00:38:12) - Freedom Fumbles: This Guy Grabbed A Rifle During A Protest(00:42:34) - Gay News: Don't Ban All Flags(00:45:28) - Local News Under Siege(00:48:02) - Critical Disruption: The Future of Tech

In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and BobbySox delve into the alarming trend of digital erasure of historical and cultural information from government websites. They discuss how significant data on topics like climate change, women’s health, LGBTQ+ issues, and diverse historical contributions are being systematically deleted or manipulated, likening it to a modern-day book burning. The episode features a new streamlined news segment entitled ‘The Big Three,’ covering topics such as the impact of tariffs, the forced deportation of Kilmore Abrego Garcia, and the disrespect shown by the administration during a dignified transfer of troops. The hosts also explore the success of DEI-based boycotts against companies like Tesla and Target, celebrate Cory Booker’s record-breaking filibuster, and suggest ways to combat this digital dystopia, including supporting Wikipedia and the Internet Archive. Listeners are encouraged to share their outrage, contact their representatives, and actively support public libraries.   Contents 00:00 404: History Not Found – Digital Book Burning in The 21st Century 02:27 The Big Three: Weekly News Highlights 04:39 Project 2025 and Tariff Tactics 13:50 Digital Dismantling of History 25:04 The Mandela Effect and Digital Erasure 25:56 Book Bans and Historical Revisionism 29:43 Call to Action: Fighting Back 31:34 Freedom Fumbles 35:22 Big Wins   Episode art by Draguth Leon from Pixabay NOTE: Transcriptions and subtitles are automatically generated and may contain errors.   Chapters (00:00:01) - Critical Defiance: Where Did All the History Go?(00:02:27) - The Big Three: Tariffs, Liberation Day(00:07:42) - Trump and the Deportation of Salvadorans(00:11:40) - Trump Disrespects Our Veterans With His Golfing(00:13:50) - The Digital Erasure of Our History(00:20:13) - The Trump administration's efforts to get rid of marginalized groups(00:25:56) - Naval Academy Library Purges Diversity, Equity and Inclusion(00:27:14) - Don't Let the Digital Book Burners Replace Your History(00:31:38) - Freedom Fumbles...(00:35:28) - Two Big Wins for the Democrats(00:37:10) - Ruby Bridges's New Children's Book(00:38:29) - Don't Boycott Tesla(00:43:47) - What Can We Do to Save the Internet?(00:45:07) - Signing Off: Critical Defiance

This Critical Defiance episode, hosted by BobbySox and Neils Olesen, delves into the significance of Transgender Day of Visibility, addressing the celebration and challenges faced by the trans community. The episode critiques media manipulation, legislative battles, and misinformation about trans people. It discusses legislative measures, portrayals, and the impact on real lives. The hosts also cover current events, including the murder case of Sam Nordquist, restrictive bills in the U.S., SignalGate, and Elon Musk’s controversial comments. The hosts highlight the importance of trans history and visibility, drawing from historical examples such as Pharaoh Akhenaten and activist Marsha P. Johnson. The discussion extends to misconceptions about trans people, the difference between being trans and drag, and even nature’s instances of gender variance. The episode concludes with calls to action for allyship and advocacy. Links & Resources * International Transgender Day of Visibility – Wikipedia * Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2025 | American Civil Liberties Union * Killing of Sam Nordquist – Wikipedia * Vivian Jenna Wilson on Being Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter, Protecting Trans Youth and Taking on the Right Online | Teen Vogue * 16 Remarkable Historical Figures who were Transgender – History Collection * Meet the Rare Gender-Neutral Kitten With No Sex Organs | Smithsonian * Five wild lionesses grow a mane and start acting like males | New Scientist Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: Transgender Day of Visibility(00:02:02) - LGBTQ issues in the US(00:09:52) - "Are Testosterone Injections Bad For Women?"(00:10:25) - President Trump's latest executive order on election(00:11:28) - Trump's Secret Chat on Signal(00:14:20) - Trump Threatens Iran With Bomber(00:15:27) - The Trans Mental Illness(00:21:58) - Mental Illness?(00:25:49) - Transgender Voices: Visible AF Non Binary(00:30:06) - What Is Trans Visibility Day?(00:32:18) - Marsha P. Johnson at the Stonewall riots(00:35:35) - Transgender Fear mongering(00:39:59) - QUEEN AND DRAG(00:43:17) - Is Transness Normal For Cats?(00:47:03) - Critical Defiance: Week 3

In this special episode of Critical Defiance, Neils and Turbo merge their March 24th discussion on internet privacy with new insights to equip listeners with a comprehensive guide to online security. Topics covered include data harvesting, mining, and aggregation, the importance of secure communications with VPNs and encrypted messaging, and practical steps to safeguard your digital footprint. They delve into everything from browser settings and social media privacy to protecting everyday carry devices and gaming consoles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their digital privacy in today’s surveillance-driven world. 00:00 Data Defiance: Taking Back Your Internet Privacy 02:14 Part One 02:55 Privacy Basics 09:25 Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication 12:07 Secure Communications 17:34 Part Two 18:07 Browsing, Searching, & VPNs 18:42 VPNs 22:04 Social Media 24:17 Phones & Portable Devices 32:09 Gaming 34:11 Voice Assistants 35:09 Automotive Computer Systems Links & Resources * Tools from EFF’s Tech Team | Electronic Frontier Foundation * Internet Privacy | American Civil Liberties Union * Choosing the VPN That’s Right for You | Surveillance Self-Defense (EFF) * Proton: Privacy by default – Mail, VPN, Calendar, Password Manager & more * StartMail: Private, Secure and Encrypted Email * Bitwarden: Password Manager for Business, Enterprise & Personal * DuckDuckGo – Protection. Privacy. Peace of mind * Signal Messenger * Wire – Collaborate without Compromise Main Image by succo from Pixabay Chapters (00:00:00) - Special Episode 8: Internet Privacy(00:02:55) - What is Data Harvesting and Privacy?(00:05:00) - What is Data Mining and Harvesting?(00:07:16) - How to Prevent Hackers From Stealing Your Passwords(00:12:25) - Is Encryption Safeguard Communication?(00:16:10) - How to Make Your Online Life More Secure(00:18:04) - What Is a VPN?(00:20:35) - How to Protect Yourself From Search Advertising(00:21:55) - Social Media: Do You Need To Share?(00:24:10) - How to Lock Down Your Smartphone(00:25:30) - Find My Phone and Siri: Your Location(00:27:52) - Optional Data and Diagnostic Data in Settings(00:29:55) - Scammer's Mobile Phishing(00:32:02) - How Privacy Is Affecting Video Games(00:34:04) - Are Your Cars More Vulnerable Than Your Phone?(00:37:05) - Critical Defiance: Special Episode 3

In this week’s episode of ‘Critical Defiance,’ host Neils Olesen delves into the recent unsettling changes in the American political landscape, highlighting the use of the Alien Enemies Act by President Trump to deport Venezuelans in the U.S. without due process under the law. The discussion includes analysis of the deteriorating rule of law, rising authoritarianism, and the alarming implications for protesters and immigrants. Neils is joined by contributor Turbo for part II, when they focus on the crucial issues of personal privacy and security in a digital age, offering practical advice on protecting personal data. The show also touches on the disturbing trends in domestic policies, affecting Social Security and education, and the special status granted to Tesla by the government. Stay informed, engaged, and aware of the increasing threats to democracy and personal freedom. 00:00 The Authoritarian Playbook/Online Privacy Part I 01:23 Intro 02:40 News 15:40 Promo 16:30 Big Thoughts 35:10 Outro This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticaldefiance.substack.com/subscribe

In our relentlessly connected world, digital overload looms large. With the 24/7 influx of news and social media, it’s essential to step back, breathe, and prioritize mental well-being to stay effective in shaping a democratic future. In this post, we explore the pivotal connection between self-care and political engagement, offering actionable strategies to avoid burnout while maintaining your impact. Join Bobby Sox and Neils from their secret underground bunker, along with their team, as they navigate the complexities of our current socio-political climate. With a colorful introduction from Bobby, who embraces the chaos as a self-described “feral goblin child,” the team combines humor with serious discourse to maintain their sanity and efficacy. In this week’s news chapter, the duo breaks down recent headlines, shedding light on political speeches, tariffs, the Ukraine crisis, and education policies. With a critical eye, they reveal the truths obscured by official rhetoric, highlighting the importance of informed skepticism. In the face of constant pressure, practicing self-care is crucial. Bobby and Neils offer “12 Tips for a Sane Resister,” emphasizing the necessity of setting boundaries with news consumption, managing notifications, and finding personal ‘you’ time. Discover the importance of disconnecting and recharging amidst the storm of information. Cover Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: How to Manage Your Stress(00:02:16) - Trump's Joint Speech to Congress(00:05:59) - Trump on Censuring His Speech(00:08:50) - Trump's Tariffs on Canada, Mexico(00:10:22) - Trump Orders Partial Halt to Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine(00:15:29) - Anti-Vaxxers on Measles(00:16:48) - The Trans Man's Death(00:21:35) - How to Stabilize Yourself During the Trump Era(00:23:54) - Setting Boundaries for Notifications(00:24:31) - Beyond Boundaries: Alone Time(00:25:55) - Find Joy, Raise You Kindness(00:27:42) - 5 tips for self-care(00:31:32) - Taking Care of Your Body(00:34:11) - 5 things to do for yourself and your community(00:35:56) - 12 Points For More Self-Care

March 3rd, 2025 In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and Bobby Sox discuss the influence of historical inflection points on our present and future, highlighting events like the Industrial Revolution, Civil Rights Movement, and COVID-19. They also address current pivotal moments, including sociopolitical shifts and the impact of technology. The hosts comment on contemporary issues such as the management of Doge under Elon Musk, the U.S. political landscape under Trump, and current social issues like the tragic murder of Sam Nordquist. Listeners are encouraged to actively engage in shaping the future through various means, including contacting representatives and staying informed. The episode also teases upcoming discussions on self-care during these tumultuous times. Please note that the attached transcript was auto generated and may contain errors. Chapters (00:00:00) - Critical Defiance: The Momentous Changes of 2025(00:02:29) - Elon Musk's Doge Organization Gets Some Pushback(00:04:55) - White House Directs Agencies to Make Deep Cuts to Federal(00:06:55) - Trump berates Zelensky at the Ukraine meeting(00:10:01) - Sam Nordquist's Murder Gets Erasure in The New York Times(00:14:38) - Historical inflection points(00:16:06) - Inflection Points in American History(00:21:34) - What's The Privacy Change From the Digital Age?(00:26:08) - Americans Are Living Through a Political Pandemic(00:32:08) - Things You Can Do To Save Our Kids!(00:34:33) - Self-Care Episode 6(00:34:55) - Bob Socks on Democracy