The Unfettered Speech Podcast

Imagine watching the gate swing open after decades of being told the path was closed. That’s what the information landscape feels like right now, and Glenn Greenwald joins us to chart how it happened—and why the old guard is scrambling to bolt it shut again.We trace the journey from early blogging to studio‑grade independent shows that rival cable news, and we dig into the power struggle over who sets the story on war, national security, and foreign policy. Glenn unpacks how affordable tech and global platforms undercut legacy gatekeepers, why attempts to police “disinformation” keep boomeranging, and how raw phone footage from conflict zones—especially in Israel and Gaza—has reshaped public opinion faster than talking points can travel. The through line is uncomfortable but urgent: when secrecy becomes the default and classification blankets even the mundane, trust collapses and citizens look elsewhere for facts.We also go deep on the role of whistleblowers. From Ellsberg’s copier to Manning’s thumb drive and Snowden’s archive, the digital era turned conscience into a broadcast network. Glenn explains the state’s response—Espionage Act prosecutions, harsh confinement, and deterrent theater—and why, despite it all, people still come forward. That tension bleeds into partisan realignment: skepticism of the CIA, FBI, and NSA has migrated to the right, with conservative media giving oxygen to anti‑war arguments on Ukraine and beyond, even as liberal elites embrace the security state. Layered on top is the money problem: corporate PACs and dark money dominate, yet public financing, small‑donor movements, and targeted ethics rules offer realistic paths to reduce capture without gagging political speech.Finally, we wrestle with the legal profession’s role. OLC memos, elastic war authorities, and judicial deference keep emergency powers alive long after the emergency ends. Glenn calls for a cultural reset—independence over access, transparency over narrative management, and a press that protects sources rather than pathologizing them. If you care about free speech, whistleblowing, and honest reporting in an age of platform politics, this conversation maps the battlefield and the exits.CHAPTERS:0:00 Guest Introduction2:30 The Rise Of Independent Media7:30 Narrative Control And Policy Frustrations12:20 Israel–Gaza, TikTok, And Censorship Pushes18:45 Whistleblowers, WikiLeaks, And Iraq25:40 Punishing Leaks: Manning, Snowden, Assange31:45 Overclassification And Public Trust37:20 Partisan Realignment On The Security State45:30 Conservative Anti‑War Drift And Media InfluenceTAGS:#GlennGreenwald, #IndependentMedia, #FreeSpeechDebate, #Whistleblowers, #SnowdenFiles, #ManningLeaks, #AssangeCase, #IsraelGazaWar, #DigitalCensorship, #DisinformationWars, #SecurityState, #CIAFBITrustCrisis, #WarReporting, #PlatformPolitics, #Overclassification, #MediaGatekeepers, #AntiWarMovement, #PressFreedom, #SurveillanceState, #PoliticalRealignmentOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

A senator’s seat opens, the phones are tapped, and a single line—“this is fucking golden”—becomes the headline that swallows the story. We sit down with former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to unpack the wiretaps, the legal standards around campaign contributions, and the policy trade he says prosecutors stopped at dawn: appoint Lisa Madigan in exchange for expanded healthcare and a statewide capital bill. The details you rarely hear surface here, from who asked for Valerie Jarrett and why, to the history of political bargaining that includes Eisenhower and Earl Warren.We walk through the difference between bribery and fundraising as defined by the Supreme Court’s McCormick rule and how jury instructions blurred that line. Rod explains why the first trial hung, how his defense was limited in the second, and why most tapes remain sealed—leaving the public with a sound bite instead of the surrounding conversations. The appeals court reversed the counts tied to the “sale” of the Senate seat as lawful logrolling, yet the longest sentence of its kind still followed for a case with no personal payout. Along the way, we revisit the appointment of Roland Burris, the Senate’s initial refusal to seat him, and the media moments that calcified public belief.Beyond law and politics, Rod shares how he survived eight years behind razor wire: faith, Psalms, a classroom full of inmates learning the world wars, and a commitment to help men prepare for life after prison. The arc bends toward a commutation and later full pardon from Donald Trump—born of a TV appearance, a shared skepticism of prosecutors in politics, and years of pressure from both parties. His forthcoming book, “Framed, Fucked, and Freed,” tells that journey from Obama-era Illinois to Mar-a-Lago, and asks a question that lingers long after the headlines fade: when does hardball politics become a crime, and who gets to decide when the tapes stay sealed?CHAPTERS:0:00 Opening And Guest Introduction2:55 Arrest, Media Narrative, And Free Speech6:30 Wiretaps, Pressure, And The Senate Vacancy10:47 “Fucking Golden” In Context14:20 The HHS Idea And Obama’s Ask19:20 The Madigan Deal And Policy Goals27:30 Why The Dawn Raid Happened33:20 Legal Standards On Contributions40:00 Media Myths And Missing Tapes44:10 Appointing Roland Burris And Fallout51:30 Prison Years: Faith, Hope, And Teaching1:00:10 How Trump Commuted And Pardoned

Your grocery bill isn’t just a headache—it’s a signal. We sit down with financial analyst and entrepreneur Matt Smith to unpack a hard truth: the U.S. debt load is on a parabolic path, and the most likely political solution is to inflate it away. What does that mean for the dollar, your wages, and the value of your savings? We connect the dots between gold’s surge, stable coins as policy tools, and why confidence—not code—decides whether new instruments buy time or burn trust.From there, we look at the real engine behind “Made in America” 2.0: defense. If national security drives reindustrialization, expect inflation, bottlenecks, and capital controls to manage flows as we try to build what we no longer make. We compare U.S. procurement bloat with faster, cheaper infrastructure abroad, and ask the uncomfortable question: can we spend smarter before we spend bigger? Along the way, we confront a second crisis—collapsing trust in official narratives—and how existential rhetoric turns disagreements into divisions.Then we pivot to solutions you can control. Matt shares The Preparation, a hands-on alternative to college built around 16 skill cycles and free elite academics. Think EMT certification, heavy machinery, sailing crew, geophysics fieldwork, entrepreneurship, language, and martial arts—stacked into a profile that’s competent, confident, and “dangerous” in the best way: grounded in reality and able to say no. With AI set to erase entry-level white-collar jobs, the best hedge may be human capital that can actually build, fix, and lead.If you’re worried about inflation, curious about stablecoins, skeptical of institution-speak, or searching for a path that doesn’t start with six figures of debt, this conversation lays out the map and the mindset. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a plan, and leave a review with the one skill you’d add to The Preparation.Chapters:0:00 Opening And Guest Introduction2:20 The Debt Spiral And No-Way-Out Thesis4:55 Printing Money, Gold Signals, And Inflation8:40 New Instruments, Stablecoins, And Confidence12:10 Transfers, Doom Loops, And State Capitalism15:20 Infrastructure Costs And Comparative Efficiency18:20 Defense As Industrial Policy Catalyst22:10 Internal vs External Dollars And Capital Controls26:00 Foreign Direct Investment Over Financialization28:20 War, Oil Politics, And Budget Priorities33:30 Trust Collapse, Official Narratives, And Risky Rhetoric38:10 Generational Friction And Opportunity Scarcity40:55 The Preparation: An Alternative To College46:30 Skills, Anchor Activities, And Real-World Competence51:40 Critical Thinking, Agency, And Being “Dangerous”56:40 Local Solutions Amid Systemic Shocks1:01:00 Where To Find The Book And Resources1:02:50 Closing StatementsOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

A Marine-turned-diplomat who walked away on principle, Matt Hoh joins us to pull apart two decades of war, myth, and money. He takes us inside the Iraq “surge,” arguing it wasn’t counterinsurgency wizardry but a political settlement that finally addressed Sunni grievances and severed ties with al‑Qaeda. Then he maps the pivot to Afghanistan, showing how institutional pride, careerism, and a flood of funding drove escalation despite mounting evidence that military solutions couldn’t deliver a stable state.We talk about the mechanics of hiding war from the public: shifting risk to Afghan forces and contractors, classifying drone and special operations, and watching U.S. casualty counts fall while spending and violence continued. Matt lays out the war economy in stark numbers, from trillion‑dollar interest payments to an extraordinary lobbying ROI for weapons firms, and explains how prosperity in Washington’s suburbs became the mirror image of devastation abroad. Along the way, he challenges the Petraeus narrative, recounts what Congress did and didn’t do in 2009, and clarifies the limited policy range that boxed presidents in.The conversation also follows Matt’s 2022 Green Party Senate run, including court battles over ballot access and the hard truth that media coverage often follows ad dollars. We close with an unflinching look at Gaza and regional power: annexation by inches, a compliant media ecosystem, and a ruling‑class alignment that keeps militarism in motion. It’s a bracing, deeply informed tour of how narratives are built, how incentives lock in bad choices, and what it would take to shift U.S. foreign policy toward diplomacy and restraint.If this episode sparks questions or resolve, share it with a friend, subscribe for more candid conversations, and leave a review with the one policy change you’d make right now.  0:00       Meet Matt Hoh And His Path5:20       Iraq War Realities Versus The COIN Myth16:45    How Politics Enabled The Anbar Awakening25:40    Bureaucracy, Blind Spots, And Nation Building33:30    Petraeus, The Surge, And A Segregated Baghdad43:35    Shift To Afghanistan And Why It Escalated55:10    The Gravy Train: Budgets, Contracts, Incentives1:05:25 Hiding War With Contractors And Drones

Europe keeps choosing spectacle over strategy, and the bill is coming due. We sit down with Alex Christoforou of The Duran to unpack how a string of elite decisions—seizing Nexperia, betting on shock-and-awe sanctions, flirting with Tomahawk escalation—has triggered supply chain chaos, legal landmines, and a deeper crisis of public trust. What looks bold on a podium often unravels in the real world: Germany deindustrializes, prices rise, wages stall, and ordinary people are told to accept less while leaders chase headlines.We follow the money to Euroclear and the frozen Russian reserves. Skimming interest was risky; reaching into principal could be catastrophic. Alex explains why crossing that line would damage the euro’s credibility and splash back on the dollar—reserve status runs on predictable, apolitical settlements. If sovereign wealth isn’t safe, capital migrates. Meanwhile, the information bubble hardens. Censorship expands, outsider parties are boxed out, and Southern Europe’s skepticism deepens as migration pressures shift and the periphery is told to bear the costs of policies set in Brussels.Then comes the escalation ladder. You can hide advisors and satellite feeds; you can’t hide who fires a Tomahawk. Pushing long-range strikes into a nuclear power forces split-second judgments and empowers hardliners who argue diplomacy is a dead end. That dynamic doesn’t just raise the risk of miscalculation—it also burns the last bridges for pragmatic cooperation on arms control and global stability. Alongside it, the incentives for graft multiply: sanctions evasion schemes, defense contracts, asset seizures, and “emergency” budgets with thin oversight.So where’s the exit? Alex sketches two paths: a Europe trudging through years of contraction and humiliation while the center hoards power, or a wider rethink that accepts a multipolar reality and restores legal norms and economic sanity. The United States faces its own choice—stay lashed to failing European strategies or take a seat at the emerging table with India, Russia, China, and the Americas to rebuild guardrails that actually hold. If you care about energy security, industrial capacity, and the rule of law, this conversation connects the dots.If the analysis resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review with the one insight you think more people need to hear. Your notes help new listeners find the show and sharpen the debate.CHAPTERS:0:00 Opening And Guest Introduction2:30 Europe’s Leadership Crisis6:20 Nexperia Seizure And Industrial Blowback10:45 Sanctions On Russia And Germany’s Deindustrialization16:40 US Factions And The EU’s Dependence21:30 Rising Costs And Public Discontent In Europe25:30 Censorship, Media Trust, And Southern Europe’s Skepticism31:20 Migration Pressures And Electoral Constraints36:40 AfD’s Surge And Establishment Panic41:20 The Euro As Sovereignty Trap47:30 Project Ukraine And Fractures In EU Unity53:40 The Frozen Russian Assets DilemmaOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

Peace rarely arrives with a parade. We invited Robert Scheer—journalist, editor, and stubbornly independent voice for six decades—to help us make sense of the Gaza ceasefire and the forces that could make it stick or snap. He doesn’t sugarcoat the damage: an occupation born in 1967 hardened into a moral cul‑de‑sac, and Netanyahu’s bid to silence Palestinian agency shattered global patience. Yet Scheer sees real constraints: international pressure, a disenchanted Jewish diaspora, and a world economy allergic to endless war. War doesn’t work when everyone can watch the rubble live.We then turn to the home front. Campuses became ground zero for a fight over speech, with administrators and politicians trying to police language in the name of safety. Scheer calls that a dangerous twist: equating dissent with bigotry erodes academic freedom and breeds the very prejudice it claims to stop. He argues that the student movement’s curiosity and clarity are signs of democratic health, not disorder. And when tech billionaires buy legacy media and lobby to tame platforms, the bigger threat isn’t ideology—it’s concentrated power deciding which facts are allowed to breathe.Scheer threads his career through these themes: anti-war consistency, skepticism toward labels, and a defense of independent journalism. From Vietnam to Gaza, he insists war is a racket; from Assange to campus blacklists, he sees censorship as the shortcut of the powerful. Along the way, he credits unlikely figures—Eisenhower, Reagan’s summitry—for moments of restraint, while challenging corporate Democrats and right-wing authoritarians alike. If you care about free speech, Gaza, media trust, and how real change survives donor pressure, this conversation offers a compass, not a slogan.If this resonates, tap follow, share with a friend who debates in good faith, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—or the point you disagree with most.CHAPTERS0:00 Meet Robert Scheer3:15 Gaza Ceasefire: Can Peace Hold?11:45 Occupation’s Origins and Moral Costs20:30 Campus Protests and Speech Crackdowns27:45 Tech Power, Media Control, and Censorship36:30 Who Can Restrain Netanyahu?45:20 Labels, The Left, and Being Anti‑War55:10 NPR, Legacy Media, and Independent Voices1:04:20 Awards, Assange, and Independent Journalism

What if the loudest “experts” on foreign policy are funded by the very industries that profit from endless war? We sit down with Kelley Vlahos, Senior Advisor at the Quincy Institute and Editorial Director at Responsible Statecraft, to trace the money, status, and narratives that keep Washington on a permanent war footing—and the practical ways to push back.Kelley takes us inside the Quincy origin story and its transpartisan mission: build a coalition across left and right that puts restraint and diplomacy first. We explore how think tanks present themselves as neutral while drawing funds from defense contractors, foreign governments, and agencies, then shaping commissions and media talking points that always seem to point toward bigger Pentagon budgets. Kelly walks through the Think Tank Tracker, a public tool that lets you follow funding streams and weigh “expert” analysis with context. We also talk about the power of framing—why phrases like “forever wars” and “the blob” crack open debate in a media environment that once treated militarized policy as common sense.From there, we dig into the post‑9/11 security state: clearances as status and currency, the revolving door that turns public office into private profit, and overclassification that hides errors, inflates threats, and kneecaps accountability. Kelley shares reporting on how secrecy works in practice and why removing a clearance can feel like removing a limb in a town built on access. We connect these dynamics to the export of surveillance and digital ID tech abroad, highlighting how civil liberties get squeezed by permanent “temporary” measures.This conversation isn’t doom and gloom—it’s a blueprint. Transparency tools, sharper language, and cross‑ideological alliances make it possible to challenge the incentive structure behind endless war. If you care about smarter statecraft, honest media, and a foreign policy that serves security without sacrificing liberty, tune in, share with a friend, and leave us a review. Your voice helps widen the space for peace.

Dave DeCamp, News Editor at Antiwar.com and host of the Antiwar News podcast, takes us behind the carefully constructed narratives that drive American foreign policy and perpetuate endless wars across the globe.What begins as Dave's personal journey from maritime worker to anti-war journalist unveils the profound disconnect between mainstream media coverage and the brutal reality of U.S.-backed conflicts. His awakening came while witnessing the Saudi war in Yemen—where children starved under a U.S.-enforced blockade with barely a headline—driving him to provide the context and reporting mainstream outlets wouldn't touch.From Somalia to Venezuela, Gaza to Ukraine, Dave meticulously deconstructs the propaganda machinery that transforms complex geopolitical situations into simplistic good-versus-evil narratives. He reveals how the U.S. conducts a virtually unreported drone war in Somalia (with 78+ airstrikes this year alone), manufactures drug trafficking justifications to target Venezuela, and remains silent as Israel violates ceasefires and kills civilians—including three children in a recent Lebanon strike.Most chillingly, Dave warns how the machinery of war is turning homeward. The designation of domestic groups as "terrorist organizations" mirrors tactics used abroad, creating the legal framework to apply military operations on American soil. Meanwhile, nuclear treaties collapse, Saudi Arabia enters Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, and a new global arms race accelerates unchecked.Through it all, Dave offers a passionate defense of truth-telling in an age of manipulation. His work stands as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how narratives shape policy, how "terrorist" designations strip away human rights, and how the military-industrial complex ensures its trillion-dollar budget remains untouchable regardless of which wars end or begin.Listen to the Anti-War News podcast or follow Dave on Twitter @DecampDave to stay informed beyond the propaganda and discover what's really happening in America's endless wars.Chapters:0:27 Introduction to Dave DeCamp1:34 Dave's Journey to Anti-War Journalism6:50 Anti-War Music and Cultural Impact9:18 Ukraine War Update and Prospects12:55 Israeli Strike Killing Children in Lebanon16:31 The Hidden US Drone War in Somalia22:41 Evolution of Drone Technology and Warfare27:15 Venezuela, Rubio, and False Narratives45:51 Nuclear Treaties and Global Arms Build-up51:31 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find DaveOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

What happens when a society refuses to entertain alternative perspectives on war? Glenn Diesen, a Norwegian professor of international relations, has experienced this firsthand as he faces relentless attacks for advocating diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine conflict.The war in Ukraine has exposed deep fractures in how Western democracies handle dissent. While Norway's entire parliament and media landscape unanimously support sending weapons to Ukraine, Diesen reveals the personal cost of suggesting alternatives – smear campaigns labeling him a Russian agent, efforts to have him fired from his university position, and even the publication of his home address online. Much of this pressure comes from NGOs funded by Western governments and foundations, operating under humanitarian pretenses while functioning as propaganda arms.Diesen provides a sobering assessment of the military situation, arguing that Russia is executing an increasingly successful war of attrition while Ukraine's forces face mounting casualties. He traces the conflict's evolution from Russia's initial push for Ukrainian neutrality to the current protracted war following the failure of peace negotiations in Istanbul – a failure he attributes to Western powers promising weapons if Ukraine continued fighting.Beyond the battlefield, the conversation explores how Europe's energy policies have backfired spectacularly. The destruction of Nord Stream pipelines and severing of Russian energy connections have accelerated Europe's deindustrialization while pushing Russia to redirect its resources eastward through agreements like Power of Siberia II with China.Perhaps most thought-provoking is Diesen's analysis of the global shift from American hegemony to multipolarity. He argues that the unipolar moment was always unsustainable, and that America's interests might be better served by accepting its position as "one among equals" rather than exhausting itself trying to maintain dominance. Meanwhile, Europe faces a legitimacy crisis as governments suppress opposition parties, transform welfare states into warfare states, and blame Russia for their domestic problems.For anyone seeking to understand the complex geopolitical, economic, and democratic challenges emerging from the Ukraine conflict, this conversation offers essential insights from a perspective rarely heard in mainstream discourse.Our theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

What happens when one of America's most respected judicial minds breaks free from mainstream media constraints? Judge Andrew Napolitano's journey from Fox News analyst to independent media powerhouse reveals the startling limitations of corporate news and the hunger for authentic discourse in America today.With remarkable candor, Judge Napolitano shares how his "Judging Freedom" podcast has grown from just 93 subscribers to over 675,000, now reaching 8-12 million monthly viewers. The secret? Providing a platform for brilliant minds like Jeffrey Sachs, John Mearsheimer, and Colonel Douglas McGregor – experts whose anti-war perspectives are systematically excluded from mainstream outlets. "The mainstream media won't touch them," Napolitano explains, "because mainstream media is funded by the same people that elect the Congress to fund the wars."The conversation takes a sobering turn as we explore the troubling erosion of constitutional protections under multiple administrations. From Obama's drone assassination of American citizens to Trump's extrajudicial maritime operations, Napolitano delivers a scathing critique of presidential overreach: "Why do presidents kill? Because they can get away with it." Equally alarming are recent legislative efforts to criminalize speech critical of Israel – what Napolitano calls blatant violations of First Amendment protections.Perhaps most chilling is the Judge's assessment of America's future. With national debt approaching $40 trillion and endless military spending, he predicts the federal government will eventually "collapse of its own weight," potentially splintering the country into smaller regional republics. "We can't keep going on like this," he warns.Ready to hear perspectives you won't find on cable news? This episode illuminates why independent media has become essential for understanding the critical challenges facing American democracy. Subscribe now and join the growing community seeking authentic discourse beyond the corporate media landscape.Our theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

Anti-war activist Scott Horton pulls back the curtain on how America got locked into its cycle of endless wars—and the political shifts that made it possible. He shares his own political awakening during the first Gulf War, then connects the dots through decades of U.S. militarism that still define our foreign policy today.With sharp insight, Horton shows how both major parties have played a role in this. Democrats who once distrusted the CIA and FBI during the Vietnam era suddenly embraced them during the Trump years. Republicans who railed against big government under Clinton eagerly backed the surveillance state and endless military expansion after 9/11. The pattern is clear: principles get tossed aside whenever it’s politically convenient.The conversation digs even deeper when it turns to the economics of empire. The U.S. keeps more than 800 military bases around the world and spends about a trillion dollars a year on defense. It’s a staggering price tag—yet few politicians ever question it. Why? Because the system is designed to feed itself. Defense contractors get rich, politicians get campaign cash, and bureaucrats build careers off permanent war. No surprise the wealthiest counties in America are clustered around Washington, D.C.But Horton doesn’t just critique—he offers a vision for something better. He imagines a post-imperial America, one that accepts a multipolar world instead of trying to dominate it. By pulling back, focusing on true defense, and redirecting resources toward problems at home, the U.S. could build a future that’s safer, more prosperous, and less destructive abroad.This conversation is provocative, eye-opening, and necessary. If you’re tired of the same old foreign policy playbook, tune in—then subscribe, share, and be part of the movement that’s daring to question the wisdom of perpetual war.Our theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

What happens when one of America’s boldest investigative journalists pulls back the curtain on what he calls “one of the most propagandized societies in human history”? On this episode of the Unfettered Speech podcast, Max Blumenthal joins us to talk about what he witnessed firsthand while living in Israel to research his groundbreaking book Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel.Blumenthal doesn’t hold back. He explains how he used his own privilege as a Jew to expose realities carefully hidden from American audiences. What he found was a society, in his words, “on its way to carrying out a Holocaust in the name of preserving Jewish sovereignty”—a grim warning he once hoped was wrong, but now believes is being played out in Gaza.We dig into what Blumenthal calls the “Zionist fantasy”: Israel as “a villa in the jungle,” a European-style safe haven surrounded by populations it sees as threatening. He argues that keeping this illusion alive requires constant expansion, more walls, and the erasure of Palestinian life. And when moments like October 7th break that illusion, the backlash only grows harsher.Perhaps most striking is Blumenthal’s challenge to American Jews: how can you fight white Christian nationalism at home while supporting Jewish ethno-nationalism abroad? “You can’t be a small-d democrat in the United States,” he argues, “and defend a Jewish state that denies basic rights to the people living under it.”Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, Blumenthal’s firsthand perspective forces us to wrestle with hard questions—about identity, power, and what it would truly take to build peace.Subscribe now for more conversations that push past conventional narratives and give voice to perspectives you won’t often hear in mainstream media.Chapters:0:00 Welcome and Introduction with Max Blumenthal5:15 Inside Israel: Max's Experience Writing Goliath10:25 Propaganda and Character Assassination17:38 Liberal Zionism and J Street's Role25:31 Two-State Solution: Impossible Fantasy34:11 Arab World's Silence on Gaza43:19 Zionist Billionaires vs Anti-Zionist Jews48:42 MAGA Movement and Israel Politics56:35 Israel's Future and Path to Peace60:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

EP:9 - [GUEST] James Howard Kunstler - The Fabric of America Is Coming ApartAmerican society is unraveling — and we can’t even agree on what’s happening, let alone why. In this thought-provoking interview, Patrick Sullivan and Luis Diaz-Perez sit down with acclaimed author and social critic James Howard Kunstler to dissect the collapse of our shared cultural reality.From Russiagate to COVID, election controversies, and foreign wars, Kunstler reveals how a relentless flood of absurd narratives has poisoned public discourse — and how media institutions, unwilling to admit their failures, have driven trust to historic lows.But this conversation isn’t just about politics. We explore how America’s physical environment mirrors its social decay — from sprawling suburbs that isolate us, to neighborhoods that erode childhood independence and fuel our tech addiction. Kunstler connects the dots between urban design, mental health, and the breakdown of community bonds in ways few others can.Looking forward, he offers a surprising note of hope: as brittle, centralized systems collapse, we may rediscover human-scale living through local business, walkable towns, and real community.If you’ve been trying to make sense of today’s chaos — and where we go from here — this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to James Howard Kunstler3:10 Russiagate and Media Complicity9:14 The COVID Crisis and Vaccine Debate24:01 Mass Formation and Political Psychosis33:05 Overproduction of Elites and Social Consequences40:19 The Death of Chain Retail52:32 Suburbia's Destruction of Human Development1:00:26 Closing Thoughts and Book Announcement

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is more than just a pioneer of chunky, funky flavors — he’s also a bold activist and outspoken advocate for peace, justice, and democracy. Since launching Ben & Jerry’s in 1978 with his childhood friend Jerry Greenfield, Ben has combined business with purpose, challenging corporate norms and championing progressive causes through the company’s mission-driven model.But Ben’s commitment didn’t stop at the pint. He’s been a relentless force for campaign finance reform, racial equity, and demilitarization — and he’s put his own money and voice behind some of the most pressing issues of our time.Today, we’ll talk about how business can be a platform for change, the battles Ben continues to fight, and why — even decades after launching one of the world’s most beloved brands — he’s still stirring the pot.# # What if your healthcare, education, and housing were being sacrificed to fund nuclear weapons? Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and dedicated political activist, pulls back the curtain on America's trillion-dollar military budget and the corporations profiting from it.Cohen's latest campaign, Up in Arms, visualizes the staggering $100 billion spent annually on nuclear weapons - money that could transform American lives through affordable housing, education, and childcare. With remarkable clarity, he explains how our military spending consumes 60% of the entire discretionary budget while weapons manufacturers distribute their facilities strategically across congressional districts to ensure their funding remains untouchable.The conversation takes a revealing turn when Cohen describes the revolving door between the Pentagon and defense contractors, where officials who oversee military contracts later take lucrative positions with those same companies. This system of "legalized bribery" has created a Pentagon budget that serves corporate interests rather than national defense, while Americans struggle with inadequate healthcare and crumbling infrastructure.Most striking is Cohen's candor about his journey from business leader to activist. After finding traditional lobbying "useless and hopeless," he was recently arrested for protesting at a congressional hearing - calling out the moral disconnect between cutting Medicaid for American children while funding weapons used against children elsewhere. Drawing parallels between his values-led business philosophy at Ben & Jerry's and his current activism, Cohen demonstrates how prioritizing community welfare alongside practical goals creates better outcomes for everyone.Ready to understand where your tax dollars really go and what that means for America's future? Join us for this eye-opening conversation about war profiteering, manufactured consent, and the possibility of a more just allocation of our national resources. Visit upinarms.life to learn more about redirecting military spending toward human needs.Our theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

EP:7 - [GUEST] Nick Cruse : From Car Salesman to Revolutionary VoiceWhat happens when a car salesman with a sharp eye for exploitation becomes one of America’s most uncompromising independent journalists?Nick Cruse, founder of the Revolutionary Blackout Network, takes us on his extraordinary journey from Kansas City car lots to becoming a fierce and unapologetic voice in independent media.Cruse recounts the pivotal moment that set everything in motion: a viral article he wrote criticizing neoliberalism’s devastating impact on Black communities—an article that caught the attention of Dr. Cornel West. Disillusioned by the broken promises of Barack Obama—who bailed out Wall Street while Black homeowners lost everything—Cruse shifted toward radical politics and a deep commitment to building alternatives beyond the two-party system.This conversation pulls no punches. Cruse offers a scathing critique of what he calls the “Black misleadership class,” especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus who, in his view, have become enablers of U.S. militarism while ignoring the needs of their communities. “Emanuel Cleaver is my congressperson,” Cruse explains. “He never does town halls. He’s a ghost—just there to give the military-industrial complex the vote it needs.”Cruse doesn’t waste time chasing reforms in a corrupted system. Instead, he champions mutual aid networks as the true foundation for revolutionary change. “Mutual aid is about building a structure of resistance so you can stand outside the system,” he says, drawing inspiration from historical movements—from Lenin’s newspapers to the Black Panthers’ pamphlets—as blueprints for self-sustaining activism.What sets Cruse apart is his steadfast dedication to principle over profit. He’s turned down opportunities to join mainstream media or enter politics, choosing instead to build his own platform and speak uncomfortable truths without bending to partisan pressures. His story is a powerful reminder that integrity still matters—especially when it comes at a personal cost.Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on media, politics, and the urgent need to build something better beyond a broken system. Subscribe and share to support bold voices that challenge the status quo and dare to imagine a different future.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Nick Cruse2:13 Nick's Journey Into Independent Media7:09 Disillusionment with Obama and Electoral Politics15:18 Black Congressional Caucus and Political Representation22:34 Building Revolutionary Mutual Aid Systems30:40 AIPAC Influence and Anti-War Movement38:40 Grassroots Politics Beyond Party Lines51:42 Independent Media Business Model56:08 Choosing Integrity Over Establishment MediaOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

EP:6 - [GUEST] - Ray McGovern - Inside the CIA: A Truth-Telling JourneyRay McGovern takes us behind the closed doors of America's most secretive agency in a conversation that unravels decades of intelligence service from an insider's perspective. As a former CIA analyst who prepared daily briefings for five U.S. presidents, McGovern illuminates the structural flaws within the intelligence community that continue to shape global politics today.The conversation begins with McGovern explaining the CIA's origins under President Truman in 1947 and the fateful decision to combine intelligence assessment with covert operations under one roof. This "structural fault," as McGovern describes it, created an environment where honest analysis could be corrupted by operational agendas. He vividly describes the physical turnstiles that literally separated the two divisions within CIA headquarters—analysts couldn't access operations, and operations often proceeded without being informed by accurate intelligence.McGovern doesn't shy away from confronting the CIA's darker chapters. From overthrowing democratically elected governments in Iran and Guatemala to serve corporate interests, to intelligence manipulation during the Iraq War, he traces how the agency has often strayed from its founding mission. His personal experience working under CIA Director Bill Casey during the Reagan administration reveals how political pressure can distort intelligence findings, especially regarding adversaries like Russia.The most compelling moments come when McGovern connects historical patterns to current events. His analysis of recent drone strikes on Russian military bases and the relationship between Presidents Trump and Putin offers rare perspective on how intelligence considerations shape international relations. McGovern introduces his concept of the "Mickey Mat"—Military-Industrial-Media-Academia-Think Tank complex—to explain why peaceful relations with countries like Russia face such fierce institutional resistance.Whether discussing the Kennedy assassination from his unique vantage point or examining today's geopolitical flashpoints, McGovern makes a powerful case that America's intelligence apparatus often serves interests beyond national security. His reflections challenge American's to question official narratives and consider the hidden forces that drive conflict and prevent peace.Chapter0:00 Meeting Ray McGovern, CIA Veteran2:04 CIA Origins and Intelligence vs Operations9:27 When Analysis Gets Corrupted17:14 Corporate Influence on Intelligence25:12 Ukraine Escalation and Trump-Putin Relations33:59 Profiteering and War Economics43:36 JFK Assassination: Inside Perspective57:51 Final Thoughts on Current EventsOur theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.

When Jenin Younes saw government censorship machinery ramping up during the pandemic, she knew she had to act. Once an appellate public defender with "leftish" leanings, Younes witnessed firsthand how questioning lockdown policies transformed her from a respected legal professional into someone whose views were suddenly considered dangerous.Her journey took an unexpected turn when an essay she wrote about the harms of lockdowns on poor communities couldn't find a home in traditional left-wing publications. This led her to connections with prominent scientists including Martin Kulldorff and Jay Bhattacharya, who would later author the controversial Great Barrington Declaration. As social media censorship intensified, Younes found herself drawn into constitutional law's most pressing battle - government influence over online speech.The evidence Younes and her colleagues uncovered in Missouri v. Biden was stunning. Regular meetings between government officials and social media executives. Direct threats of regulatory consequences. Explicit demands to remove specific posts. "They would pick up the phone and threaten them. 'Why is this post still up?'" she explains. Despite victories in lower courts, the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the case on technical standing grounds - a pattern Yunus sees repeated throughout constitutional history when the Court faces politically inconvenient facts.Perhaps most troubling is how quickly free speech principles are abandoned when politically expedient. Younes notes that many of the same people who fought against COVID censorship now advocate for restricting pro-Palestinian speech. As someone with Palestinian heritage, she provides a unique perspective on how fear drives authoritarian impulses across the political spectrum. "The lesson I've learned over the past five years is that maybe the majority of people really have authoritarian tendencies, especially when they're scared," she reflects.This conversation with hosts Leonard Goodman and Patrick Sullivan offers a masterclass in constitutional principles and a warning about the fragility of free expression. As Younes demonstrates, the First Amendment's protection doesn't depend on the identity or status of the speaker - it's a restriction on government power that benefits everyone. Watch now to understand how censorship tools created for one crisis inevitably find new targets when power changes hands.

Free speech stands as the indispensable cornerstone of democracy, yet across Europe, this fundamental right faces unprecedented challenges. British political analyst Alexander Mercouris joins us to unravel the alarming patterns of censorship and democratic backsliding sweeping the continent.Drawing from his extensive experience as co-host of The Duran, Mercouris takes us behind the headlines to expose troubling developments – from British authorities detaining critics and confiscating their electronic devices to the shocking cancellation of election results in Romania when anti-NATO candidates gained traction. These aren't isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort to control narratives and limit public discourse on crucial issues, particularly regarding foreign policy and the Ukraine conflict.Perhaps most revealing is Mercouris's analysis of how Europe's political landscape transformed. The traditional left, once the stalwart defender of free speech and workers' rights, has virtually disappeared. In its absence, politics operates within an increasingly narrow right-wing framework where questioning orthodoxies brands one a heretic. This ideological homogenization manifests in eerily synchronized media coverage, with newspapers across countries publishing nearly identical editorials using matching phrases – clear evidence of unseen mechanisms directing public discourse.Yet amid this troubling landscape, Mercouris finds reason for optimism in the growing audience for independent voices. His own daily broadcasts reach approximately 100,000 viewers, demonstrating a hunger for authentic analysis. The current system's unsustainability, combined with the inherent political intelligence of ordinary citizens, suggests that meaningful change isn't just possible but inevitable.If you value democracy and free expression, this conversation offers crucial insights into the forces reshaping Europe's political reality and what it means for free societies everywhere. Subscribe now and join the conversation about protecting our most essential freedoms.

Ralph Nader delivers a powerful wake-up call about the state of American democracy while offering a surprisingly hopeful path forward. The renowned consumer advocate and political activist doesn't mince words about our current predicament: corporate interests have captured Congress, disconnecting our representatives from the will of the people. Yet his message isn't one of despair, but of untapped potential.Drawing from decades of successful activism, Nader reveals a startling truth – it has never taken more than 1% of Americans to create meaningful social change. "We got legislation through in the 60s and 70s with just 1000 people around the country," he explains, outlining how a relatively small number of organized citizens could transform American politics by establishing "Congress Watch" groups in every district.The conversation moves through fascinating territory as Nader analyzes why civic engagement has declined. Economic pressures force many Americans to work multiple jobs, leaving little energy for political participation. The constant distraction of screens further erodes civic muscle. Most devastating is how many citizens have internalized a sense of powerlessness – "I'm a nobody," they tell him – which his new book "Civic Self-Respect" directly challenges.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Nader's specific, actionable vision. He doesn't just criticize the system but offers a concrete blueprint for how ordinary citizens can reclaim their democratic power. By summoning representatives to town meetings where citizens set the agenda, these watchdog groups could transform the relationship between voters and elected officials. "If there's one thing members of Congress want more than corporate campaign money," Nader concludes, "it's your vote."Ready to discover how we can rebuild American democracy from the ground up? Watch now and be inspired by one of America's most effective change-makers as he shares wisdom gained from a lifetime of successful activism and civic engagement.

What makes a journalist brave enough to challenge the narratives that power uses to justify war? Aaron Maté, our very first guest, exemplifies this rare courage as he breaks down how propaganda manufactures consent for military action around the world.Aaron takes us through the current situation in Gaza, where Netanyahu's government continues its starvation siege with full U.S. support after derailing a ceasefire agreement. With remarkable clarity, he dissects the lurid allegations about October 7th—beheaded babies, mass rapes, and other horrific claims that lacked forensic evidence but effectively silenced diplomatic solutions. Drawing on historical precedents from Iraq's incubator babies to Libya's Viagra-fueled rape allegations, Aaron demonstrates how emotionally charged accusations consistently precede military intervention.The conversation goes deeper as Aaron shares his experience challenging the Syria chemical weapons narrative and reveals how OPCW whistleblowers were systematically silenced when their findings contradicted the story used to justify Western intervention. Perhaps most compelling is Aaron's personal journey sacrificing career advancement for journalistic integrity during Russiagate, when he recognized that challenging the dominant narrative might end his mainstream prospects but was essential for truth.As a Jewish journalist raised by a Holocaust survivor father who became anti-Zionist, Aaron brings nuanced perspective to his reporting on Israel-Palestine. His ability to question Israeli state actions while valuing his Jewish identity illustrates the complex relationship many American Jews now navigate, especially in the wake of Gaza.For anyone troubled by how easily societies embrace war and silence dissent, this conversation offers crucial insights into the machinery of consent. Aaron's approach—demanding evidence before accepting claims that lead to military action—provides a vital framework for responsible citizenship in our fractured information landscape. Listen now to understand why speaking truth to power still matters, perhaps more than ever.TAGS:free speech podcast, Aaron Maté interview, independent journalism, censorship discussion, political commentary, media analysis, podcasting tips, Greyzone reporter, Patrick Sullivan, Leonard Goodman, journalism ethics, current events podcast, Substack writers, Vancouver journalist, Pushback show, Useful Idiots podcast, censorship issues, political podcasts, media critique, independent news, thought-provoking discussions, naming a podcast, podcast brainstorming, journalism today, freedom of speech, critical thinking, podcast guests, media literacy, political discourse, engaging conversations