The Flamethrowers

“The Flamethrowers” captures the punch-you-in-the-mouth energy and sound of right-wing talk radio. Host Justin Ling takes us from the fringe preachers and conspiracy peddlers of the 1920s to the political firestorm that rages today. With humour and candour, Ling examines the appeal of broadcasters like Rush Limbaugh, who found a sleeping audience, radicalized it, and became an accidental kingmaker — culminating in the election of Donald Trump.

Introducing: The Flamethrowers (trailer)

How right wing radio took over American democracy. A new series hosted by Justin Ling.

08-31
03:47

Ep. 1: The Father of Hate Radio

Our story begins with Canadian priest Charles Coughlin — a populist crusader who winds up espousing conspiracy and hate. Right-wing radio flexes its muscle with a boycott of Polish Ham. And the Kennedy government almost wipes right-wing talk off the map. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

09-07
43:38

Ep. 2: What A Rush

President Ronald Reagan takes the shackles off right-wing radio and inaugurates a golden era of conservative politics. And Rush Limbaugh — almost by accident — becomes a kingmaker in the Republican party and changes radio forever. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

09-14
44:37

Ep. 3: The Information Wars

Welcome to the world of conspiracy and paranoia. A horrifying act of domestic terrorism brings right wing radio some unwanted attention, which pushes one fan of the supernatural away from politics, while a pair of anti-government broadcasters dig their heels in. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

09-21
48:56

Ep. 4: The Echo Chamber

The terror attacks of September 11th have Americans turning the dial to talk radio, where a whole new generation of broadcasters are eager to capitalize on anxiety and fear. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

09-28
32:22

Ep. 5: The Rage Industry

Right-wing radio finds their greatest foe in Barack Obama: As they try to take him down at every turn, they find the perfect formula to manufacture outrage. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

10-05
31:02

Ep. 6: The Talk Radio President

Donald Trump takes the style, tactics, and issues straight from the right-wing radio playbook. The only question now is: Where does it go from here? For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997

10-19
50:27

The Flamethrowers Introduces: Broomgate: A Curling Scandal

For years, players have been too afraid to talk about it. But now, the truth about a broom that almost destroyed curling is finally coming out. In Broomgate: A Curling Scandal, semi-professional curler and fully professional comedian John Cullen (Blocked Party) is exposing the unbelievable, never-before-told scandal that rocked the sport of curling. Yes, curling. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/rn6NmDQo

05-06
28:50

Chiquita Chun

I enjoyed this. Wish there were more episodes. https://mapqdrivingdirections.com

08-11 Reply

Staci BAMS

Fvck, I guess we know where maga(no caps on purpose) got its ground swell.

03-21 Reply

Staci BAMS

The Phantom Patriot? WTAF people 😳

03-21 Reply

nope

irony

10-31 Reply

Stacey Sutton

Recommending this podcast to everyone! Extremely well done and really interesting. Provides history and context for the bat s&%$ crazy we lived through the last 4 years. Bravo!

10-22 Reply

10-22

Recommend Channels