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Park Bench Ontology

Park Bench Ontology
Author: Gavin Stephens
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© The Chonilla Network
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is a low-stakes existential crisis disguised as a comedy podcast for people quietly losing faith in the script of modern life. Each week, comedian and writer Gavin Stephens dissects the absurd machinery of capitalism and culture — from sitcoms to wealth inequality, Baudrillard to people who talk in the movies — exposing the broken myths, invisible rules, and slow-motion collapse we all pretend isn’t happening.
Presented by The Chonilla Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
405 Episodes
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In this week's episode of Uncolonized, we dive deep into the recent Canadian federal election outcomes with special guest Derek Forgie from @Partiesoverproject. Join us as we discuss the implications of the election results, the shifting political landscape, and what it means for Canadians moving forward. This insightful conversation, recorded live on Instagram, offers a fresh perspective on the political climate in Canada. Tune in to gain valuable insights and engage with our community!Check out bonus episodes on our Patreon http://pateron.com/theuncolonizedVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant dive into the media’s favorite zombie narrative: the “silent majority.” Every election cycle, pundits and pollsters act like it’s a shocking new revelation—but this trope is as old as Nixon. We unpack the latest reincarnation of it, featuring the supposed shift of white male Gen Z voters to the right, particularly towards Trump. Are they really shifting—or just revealing who they’ve always been?Plus, in our Patreon-exclusive episode, we get into a viral story about a woman who dated a string of far-right men. What she discovered about their views, emotional development, and how they perform masculinity says a lot about the culture we’re in.👉 Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92iotrec96g 👉 Get the full uncensored conversation on Patreon: patreon.com/theuncolonizedTopics covered include:The myth of the centrist Gen Z white male voterPolitical amnesia in mainstream mediaWhy the “silent majority” narrative is a smokescreenInsights from dating the far-rightEmotional repression and conservative identityVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, I sit down with comedian, activist, and host Derek Forgie (MTV, Just For Laughs, CBC) to discuss his new project, Parties Over. His podcast and show explore what it takes to bridge the growing divide between left and right in politics. Can real dialogue exist beyond the echo chambers? What does true common ground even look like? Derek and I break it all down in real-time.Follow Derek and Parties Over: 🔹 TikTok 🔹 InstagramSupport Uncolonized: 💰 Join our Patreon for exclusive content: patreon.com/theuncolonized 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @uncolonizedpodVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, Gavin and Daniel break down the results of the 2025 Ontario election. What do the numbers say? What does it mean for the future of the province? And most importantly—how does this impact the people living here? From campaign promises to political fallout, we dive into the winners, the losers, and the bigger picture.This is just Part 1! Catch the full conversation, including Part 2, exclusively on our Patreon. Join us at patreon.com/theuncolonized to support the show and get access to bonus content.🎙️ Tune in for sharp analysis, unfiltered opinions, and a conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode, Gavin breaks down the latest political spectacle—Trump letting his mask slip and Zelenskyy failing to navigate the game of politics. Under late-stage capitalism, the pretension is gone, exposing the raw mechanics of power, media manipulation, and imperialism. What happens when the illusion of leadership crumbles? Gavin unpacks it all with his signature insight and humour.Catch the full unfiltered discussion in Part 2 on Patreon: patreon.com/theuncolonizedVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Uncolonized, Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant dive into Captain America: Brave New World, breaking down the political and social implications of the film. What does it mean to have a Black Captain America in today's world? How does the film tackle race, power, and patriotism? We get into all of it, plus our expectations for Anthony Mackie’s take on the shield.Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World stars Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Carl Lumbly, Shira Haas, and Danny Ramirez.Patreon Exclusive: Over on our Patreon, Gavin shares a wild story about being confronted at one of his shows—by a group that seems pretty cozy with the convoy movement. You don’t want to miss it! Subscribe now: patreon.com/theuncolonized.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, host Gavin Stephens sits down with Nichole Henderson, a registered psychotherapist (BA, SSW, MACP) and founder of Yellow Chair Therapy. Together, they dive into the realities of ADHD in adults—especially those who go undiagnosed for years. They explore the challenges of late diagnosis, how ADHD manifests differently in marginalized communities, and the urgent need for affordable mental health care.Tune in for an insightful and necessary conversation on mental health, neurodiversity, and the barriers to proper diagnosis and treatment.🔗 Learn more about Nichole’s work at Yellow Chair Therapy.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode of Uncolonized, Gavin dives into the philosophy of Herbert Marcuse and how it connects to his real-life experiences with people who give off an uncanny valley vibe. He unpacks how this mindset makes capitalism feel like the natural order, making it harder to see the system at play. Critical thought is dismissed, replaced with endless consumption—so how do we break free? Tune in for a deep dive into ideology, reality, and the struggle to think beyond the script.Here's the link to the Harper article by Joseph BernsteinVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, Gavin & Daniel take a Canadian perspective on the incoming U.S. administration and the inauguration. How does this political shift impact the U.S., Canada, and the world? We break it all down and cut through the noise. Catch the full conversation, including our extended discussion, over on Patreon: patreon.com/theuncolonized.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, it’s a solo episode with me, Gavin Stephens. In Part 1, I dive into WWE’s big move to Netflix, focusing on the reception of Hulk Hogan. I explore how Jean Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality applies to Hogan and why he embodies America’s myth-making machine. I also share my evolving perspective on politics—shifting from the traditional left vs. right divide to a more direct Workers vs. Owners framework.In Part 2 (available exclusively on Patreon), I continue the discussion, tackling the TikTok ban and why America has always been a plutocracy.Tune in for deep analysis, cultural critique, and unfiltered takes.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 8 of Season 16, Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant discuss the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione, a man many are calling a class hero. The duo unpacks the growing divide between those who see Luigi’s actions as a response to wealth inequality and liberals attempting to distract from systemic issues by labelling him simply as a murderer.From the role of corporate greed to the moral and political fallout, Gavin and Daniel break down what this event says about the state of capitalism, class struggle, and the narratives surrounding them.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 7 of Season 16, hosts Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant tackle the slow bleed of reality as social media continues to shape public discourse. They explore the alarming rise of far-right pipeline accounts using anti-immigrant, misogynist, and racist rhetoric to weaponize anger and spread dangerous ideologies.Gavin shares his recent experience falling into an Instagram rabbit hole after seeing a post criticizing a person begging while owning a cell phone, unpacking how such simplistic far-right populism thrives in a capitalist system under distress. Together, they dissect the subtle ways these narratives take hold and the broader implications for society.You can check out the second part of our conversation on our Patreon patreon.com/theuncolonized. Part 2 we talked about Kendrick Lamar's latest GNXVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Uncolonized, we dive into the gripping thriller Heretic, starring Hugh Grant in a chilling performance as the diabolical Mr. Reed. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, and featuring a talented cast including Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace, the film tells the story of two young missionaries who find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse after knocking on the wrong door.We discuss the film’s intense premise, standout performances, and how it explores themes of faith, morality, and survival. Tune in as we unpack this suspenseful tale and why it’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of Uncolonized, we dive into the aftermath of the recent U.S. election and what it means for Canadians, as it looks like another four years of Trump may be on the horizon. We break down the ripple effects of Trump’s presidency on Canadian politics, the economy, and our collective social landscape. Is Canada as immune to the U.S. political climate as we like to think, or are we just as susceptible to the rise of far-right ideologies? Join us as we navigate the myth of Canadian exceptionalism and what a Trump presidency could mean for our liberal bubble up north.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Episode 4 of Uncolonized Season 16, Daniel and Gavin dive deep into the 2023 film Jones Plantation, an indie movie created by anarcho-capitalists that uses slavery as a metaphor for government oppression. But behind the "freedom" rhetoric lies a more insidious truth: the film’s creators seem to align with ideologies that ultimately favour the oppressor’s side, not the enslaved. We dissect how using slavery metaphors to promote anti-state, pro-capitalist agendas conveniently ignores the historical context of white supremacy, capitalism's role in the slave trade, and how these narratives perpetuate the very power imbalances they claim to oppose. Tune in as we unpack this messy, revisionist take and expose why this film is more fuel for the libertarian myth machine.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Uncolonized, host Gavin Stephens dives into the heated topic of how immigrants are politicized as scapegoats in Western societies. From housing crises to public unrest, Gavin breaks down the systemic issues often buried under narratives blaming immigration, exploring events like the London riots and the myth of Western superiority. Join Gavin as he exposes the political tactics behind these narratives and argues for a more just perspective on immigration.Articles used:MSN Uk riotsThe Maple Blame Governments not immigrantsInvestigative Journalism Foundation.🎧 Don’t miss our bonus episode on Patreon, where Gavin goes even deeper into this discussion: patreon.com/theuncolonized.#UncolonizedPodcast #GavinStephens #ImmigrationDebate #SystemicIssues #HousingCrisis #PoliticalScapegoating #WesternSuperiority #LondonRiots #PodcastCommunity#ImmigrationDebate #SystemicIssues #WesternSuperiority #HousingCrisis #LondonRiots #UncolonizedPodcast #ImmigrantRights #GavinStephensVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we looked at social media companies and the lack of autonomy in art and the world. We also discussed how renters are suffering from algorithms pricing them out of housing and how education has become impossible under surveillance capitalism.Here are some articles we looked at Surveillance capitalism in education, Teen Vogue:https://www.teenvogue.com/story/surveillance-education-spying-technology-schoolsMega Landlords & the A.I pricing scheme, Breach mediahttps://breachmedia.ca/canadian-mega-landlord-ai-pricing-scheme-hikes-rents/Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the title says, we are late on this one. Life has happened so this season was a bit loose. However here we are with a new and final episode for season 15. We talked politics, pop culture and so much more, so please enjoy and thank you for supporting us.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gavin & Daniel are back with the penultimate episode of Season 15. There has been so much going on, especially in Ontario. Ontario Place closing, LCBO on strike, Doug Ford continuing his backroom deals. We had a lot to catch up on and we did in this first part of the episode. Check out the second on our Patreon:http://patreon.com/theuncolonizedVisit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Gavin is all by himself, and letting loose. Gavin discusses a bunch of current events including the Canadian journo who decided to write a book about racism while doing blackface.Visit our website: gavinstephens.caCheck out the Substack:  Dispatch From The SimulationFollow us on instagram: @countgavinFollow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephensSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



























These two guys are clueless.