Propaganda Loves You

Exploring 'The Dawn of Everything': Chapters 3 Discussion

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the book club dives into chapters 3 of 'The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity' by David Graeber and David Wengrow. The discussion opens with tips on how to tackle complex academic readings, emphasizing the importance of grasping key arguments and examples. Key takeaways include the authors' argument against the assumption that ancient humans were less capable or sophisticated than modern humans, challenging the linear progression narrative of human history. The conversation covers the concept of seasonal societies, the evolution of...

Political Violence and Media Narratives: Analyzing Charlie Kirk's Assassination

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts delve into the assassination of Charlie Kirk at a college campus in Utah. They discuss the broader context of political violence in America, referencing past incidents and the reactions from mainstream media and elected officials. The conversation includes personal reflections on the emotional impact of such news and critiques of how different media outlets, particularly Fox News, have handled the coverage. The hosts also touch on the rise of conspiracy theories following the assassination and compare the situation...

Deconstructing Power and Propaganda: US Military Actions, Vaccine Policy, and the Epstein Case

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, delve into the ramifications of US counterterrorism tactics, including recent military actions against Venezuelan drug runners. They discuss how counterterrorism laws are being used to justify these actions, drawing parallels to the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis. The conversation touches on the unequal media coverage of Western vs. non-Western terrorism and state violence. The latter part of the episode covers the controversial actions and statements of high-profile...

Propaganda Loves You: From Meditation Retreats to ICE Surveillance - A Political Deep Dive

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts return from a brief hiatus to resume their regular programming, featuring hosts Kodie, Arthur and Joe. The discussion kicks off with personal updates, meditation retreats, and a light summer for wildfires. The conversation quickly shifts to serious political topics, including the fallout from the the government's procurement of Israeli spyware for ICE, and the potential consequences for civil liberties and privacy. Other key topics include recent aggressive actions by ICE and other federal...

Propaganda Loves You: Exploring U.S. Founding Documents

This episode of 'Propaganda Loves You' continues the series on U.S. founding documents, focusing on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Amendments 11 through 27. The host reads through these critical documents, offering a detailed recitation that aims to serve as a reference for listeners. Additionally, the episode concludes with a reading from President Roosevelt's 1944 speech introducing the concept of a second Bill of Rights. The episode intends to provide an in-depth understanding of these foundational texts and their implications for American governance.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:15...

Founding Documents Week: Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation

In this episode of 'Propaganda,' the show takes a different turn as host Kodie reads out key historical documents foundational to the United States. With the aim of providing listeners with a clear understanding of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, Kodie starts off with the Declaration of Independence and then moves on to the Articles of Confederation, highlighting key articles and important historical context. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on how these documents are used today and invites them to explore the original...

Epstein, Maxwell, and Conspiracy Theories: Unpacking Reality

In this episode, the hosts delve into recent developments surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, exploring the political implications and related conspiracy theories. They discuss Maxwell's interview transcripts and question the reliability of her testimony, especially regarding Donald Trump's involvement. The conversation shifts to the broader context of QAnon and other conspiracy theories, speculating whether they serve to obscure actual sex trafficking rings among elites. The hosts also touch on Trump's health and a curious comment he made about hoping his efforts in Ukraine improve his chances of getting into...

Propaganda Loves You: Weekly Updates and Key Issues in Washington DC

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie introduces a two-part segment focused on updates from previously covered topics. Recorded on August 23rd, the episode addresses recent changes in the status of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has been re-detained and faces potential deportation. The show discusses a variety of topics, including federal actions in Washington DC, proposed measures in Chicago and New York City, the Smithsonian's historical narrative control, and issues related to redistricting in California and Texas. Additionally, Kodie is joined by Noah...

Propaganda Loves You Book Club: The Dawn of Everything - Exploring the Origins of Inequality

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' hosts Joe, Kodie, and Arthur dive into the first two chapters of 'The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity' by David Graeber and David Wengrow. The conversation kicks off with an introduction to the authors and their background before exploring key themes such as the misconceptions about human history, the origins of social inequality, and the role of indigenous critiques in shaping Western thought. The discussion emphasizes the need to...

Federalization of DC Police and Smithsonian Controversy: Parallels with Historical Precedents

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts dive into two significant topics: the federalization of DC police by the Trump administration and the recent shift in the Smithsonian's exhibits to align with pro-American ideals as dictated by the administration. Discussing Trump's executive orders aimed at ending crime, the conversation explores the recent raids on unhoused populations in DC and draws parallels with Nazi Germany's historical practices. The latter part of the episode examines how the Trump administration's influence on the Smithsonian harks back...

Personal Political Journeys and Party Perceptions

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts step back from deep dives into specific propaganda or disinformation narratives to engage in an open discussion about American political parties and personal political journeys. Kodie, Joe, and Arthur share their evolving perspectives, from initial alignments and disillusionments with political parties to their current stances. The conversation includes reflections on ideological shifts prompted by key historical moments, critiques of espoused versus actual values of political parties, and the influence of political identity versus institutional party allegiance. The hosts also emphasize the...

Redistricting Wars: A Deep Dive into Gerrymandering and Political Power

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, discuss the ongoing redistricting battles in the United States, sparked by Texas's mid-decade redistricting efforts. The conversation covers the history and legal background of gerrymandering, its bipartisan usage, and the potential consequences of such political maneuvers. The hosts also touch on related news topics, including commentary on recent political events and the implications of partisan control over redistricting. They propose solutions such as national oversight and proportional voting to address these issues...

Propaganda Loves You: US Military Whistleblower on Gaza War Crimes

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, joined by Noah and Joe, discusses recent allegations from a US Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel, Anthony Aguilar, who has come forward as a whistleblower. Aguilar accuses the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the IDF, and the US of being complicit in setting up aid distribution sites as death traps in active combat zones in Gaza. The hosts play and analyze a segment from Aguilar's interview on Democracy Now, highlighting accusations of war crimes and violations of international law. The...

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts discuss the latest controversies arising from bot networks reacting to the Epstein scandal, highlighting Clemson University's research on the matter. Noah discusses a community initiative while Joe plugs an upcoming reading group featuring the book 'The Dawn of Everything.' The conversation extends to ethical concerns surrounding the deployment of AI chatbots for disinformation and examines the role of community building and online engagement in combating these forces. The hosts explore the efficacy of grassroots efforts and community cohesion as tools to resist the harmful effects of misinformation.

The Epstein Files, Obama Coup Allegations, and Disinformation Tactics Discussed

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, joined by Arthur and Joe, dives into the recent narratives surrounding Trump's connections to Epstein and the administration's attempts to pivot focus by accusing the Obama administration of orchestrating a coup. The episode covers a detailed timeline of events, from the release of the Epstein files and the DOJ's confirmation of his death by suicide, to Trump’s counterclaims regarding a potential Obama-led conspiracy. The hosts critically analyze Tulsi Gabbard's role in propagating these narratives, breaking down he...

In this week's episode of Propaganda Loves You, hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe discuss the resurgence of civil commitment, focusing on its implications and the recent controversies surrounding Trump and Epstein. They explore how the Trump administration's shifting narratives aim to distract the public, with the latest being accusations against former President Obama. The conversation broadens to a critique of the insurance industry and the exploitation inherent within it. The main discussion centers on a newly issued executive order aimed at addressing homelessness through civil commitment, invoking concerns about potential abuses of power, the morality of homelessness policies, and...

In this episode, the hosts complete their two part series into the militarization of police forces, highlighting concerns from the Department of Defense and laws that enable the transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement. They discuss the blurring lines between military and civilian policing, particularly during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The conversation shifts to Trump's connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the political fallout, and the implications for Trump's base. The hosts analyze the impact of conspiracy theories on the right-wing political landscape and the stages of propaganda lifecycle. The episode concludes with plugging the importance of supporting independent...

In this episode, host Kodie and co-host Arthur welcome guest host Noah Glick to discuss the militarization of ICE, focusing on the use of aggressive tactics and heavily armed gear in civilian operations. The conversation highlights the discrepancies in the continuation of force between ICE protocols and U.S. military standards. They delve into the implications of the Laken Riley Act and its impact on migrant detention, explaining how minor infractions can lead to severe consequences for non-citizens. The episode also touches on the misleading nature of legislative titles and their role in shaping public opinion. To add a...

Final Reflections on 'When Affirmative Action Was White'

In this episode of 'The Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' the hosts conclude their discussion on Ira Katznelson's book, 'When Affirmative Action Was White.' They review the previous episodes that covered the New Deal era and mid-20th-century government programs, focusing on how these initiatives benefited white citizens while excluding Black people. The conversation highlights Katznelson's analysis of structural racism embedded in Social Security, GI Bill benefits, and mortgage assistance. The hosts discuss Katznelson's proposed solutions for affirmative action and reparations, critiquing their reliance on bureaucratic and...

In this episode of Propaganda Loves You, hosts Arthur, Kodie, and Joe dive deep into the critical role language plays in shaping public perception and policy. They discuss how euphemisms and bureaucratic terms like 'Alligator Alcatraz' mask the harsh realities of state violence and incarceration. The discussion spans historical examples like Japanese internment camps and Soviet gulags, and touches on modern-day issues like ICE detention centers and biometric surveillance. They highlight philosophical perspectives from Ludwig Wittgenstein and Michel Foucault to underscore how language constructs power and control. The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of naming...

Countering Disinformation: NGOs, Academia, and Personal Strategies

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, dive into the fourth part of their disinformation series. They discuss various organizations that combat disinformation, including the Stanford Internet Observatory and the Alliance for Securing Democracy. The episode highlights the importance of Finland’s societal approach to media literacy, contrasts it with the U.S.'s reduced efforts, and explores NGOs and citizen groups fighting disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic. They conclude with practical tips for individuals to recognize and counter disinformation in...

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie is joined by Arthur and Joe to discuss the cost of journalistic integrity and governmental control over media. The show, recorded after the 4th of July, features a light-hearted discussion on the holiday celebrations before diving into the main topic of the current administration's attempts to manipulate media. Discussions include the Paramount settlement with Trump, which raises concerns about the First Amendment, and how Trump’s administration leveraged other lawsuit settlements to control press behavior. The episode also delves into the VOA's shift under the Trump administration, potentially transforming it...

Propaganda's Role in U.S. Immigration and Wealth Redistribution

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe and co-hosts Kodie and Arthur delve into the controversial practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as highlighted in a column by Amy Goodman and Dennis Moynihan. The discussion covers ICE's violent tactics, the economic exploitation of undocumented immigrants, and the financial gains of private corporations like the Geo Group and Palantir amidst mass deportations. They explore the historical context of ICE, its budget growth, and the political implications of challenging such institutions. The conversation branches...

Propaganda Loves You: Examining US Support in Gaza and Global Resource Conflicts

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe and co-hosts Arthur and Kodie delve into the heavy topic of US-funded aid massacres in Gaza as they begin a two-part series focused on current events. The episode discusses four categories of US ruling class abuses, focusing first on abuses abroad, with an in-depth discussion of the Gaza aid site distribution massacres. The hosts read a report from Drop Site News detailing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the involvement of US and Israeli...

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Joe, Arthur, and Kodie delve into a comprehensive discussion on the history and intricacies of affirmative action, focusing on Ira Katznelson’s book 'When Affirmative Action Was White.' They explore the impact of the New Deal era on black and white communities, the complex racial dynamics during World War II, and the inequities in the GI Bill post-war era. The conversation highlights systemic racism embedded in federal programs, the persistence of forced labor within the prison system, and the reality behind state and local administration of seemingly inclusive laws. Th...

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' Kodie, Arthur, and Joe cover the Israel-Iran conflict, election integrity, and recent misinformation campaigns. They provide updates on the geopolitical situation, discuss historical context, and analyze how propaganda influences public perception. They also touch on the implications of disinformation in the wake of a high-profile shooting in Minnesota and explore claims related to election fraud during the 2024 presidential election.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:29 Personal Updates and Social Media Insights

04:02 Discussion on Government Trust and Algorithms

06:25 International Conflicts and Propaganda

08:34 Historical Context of Middl...

Disinformation Deep Dive: Tech Platforms and International Strategies

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, Arthur, and Joe delve into the ways disinformation spreads across social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), Google, TikTok, and Reddit. They discuss the efforts these companies have made, or failed to make, in combating disinformation. The conversation touches on the larger implications of these actions, referencing real-world events like the U.S.'s recent military parade and its portrayal in the media. The episode also contrasts the approaches of different nations, highlighting Finland's robust educational strategies against...

Disinformation, ICE Raids, and Resistance: Navigating the Modern Political Climate

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Arthur, Kodie, and Joe delve into the current political landscape, discussing recent ICE raids in LA, federal overreach, and the spread of misinformation. The hosts share local and personal updates, explore the implications of recent events such as military actions and political violence, and advocate for mutual aid and local community engagement. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential of ranked-choice voting, highlighted by the New York City mayoral race, and critiques on the federal administration's...

When Affirmative Action Was White: A Book Club Deep Dive

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Joe, Kodie, and Arthur delve into the book 'When Affirmative Action Was White' by Ira Katznelson. They discuss the author's background and his position as a political scientist at Columbia University, while also touching on the university's controversial actions during pro-Palestine protests. The episode provides an overview of the book's main themes, including the racially charged manipulation of New Deal policies by Southern Democrats, the systemic exclusion of Black Americans from social welfare benefits, and the broader implications...

Propaganda Loves You: Analyzing Disinformation in the India-Pakistan Conflict and Suspicious Media Sites

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe dive into current disinformation topics. They discuss how disinformation has permeated the India-Pakistan conflict, highlighting the role of AI and deep fakes in spreading false narratives. The hosts take a closer look at Curtis Yarvin's rising influence and Marjorie Taylor Greene's controversial comments about AI regulation. They also examine a suspicious website, 'Disinformation Social Media Alliance (DISA),' revealing red flags that suggest it could be a disinformation source itself. The...

Propaganda Loves You: Weekly Fact Checks, AI Disinformation, and Gaza Updates

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' the hosts offer weekly updates and reflections on previous episodes, including a detailed fact-check segment from episode 11. They discuss recent articles concerning US State Department policy on social media censorship in foreign countries, the private bunker and apocalypse industry, and the accuracy of various claims. The hosts also delve into a recent report from RFK's team, highlighting issues with AI-generated citations. A press statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's stance on foreign censorship of Americans is...

Dissecting Global Disinformation: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea

This episode of 'Propaganda Loves You' delves into the origins and mechanics of disinformation and propaganda by examining the tactics used by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe discuss various strategies for spreading disinformation, including high-volume content, fake news sites, AI-generated material, and covert social media campaigns. The script provides detailed insights into the sources of this disinformation, such as the Hudson Institute, Merrick Institute, Graphica, and the Atlantic Council, and addresses the potential societal impacts of AI in this evolving landscape. The...

Propaganda Loves You Podcast: Weekly Updates and Deep Dive into Ongoing Disinformation

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie introduces a new release schedule, splitting the show into weekly updates on Tuesdays and deep dives on Thursdays. The episode features a detailed fact-checking segment, revealing inaccuracies and clarifying previous statements on topics such as juror compensation and carbon emissions by corporations. The hosts discuss recent issues involving AI disinformation, specifically the rogue responses from Grok, an AI chatbot that made unfounded claims about white genocide in South Africa. The conversation transitions into the contentious...

Propaganda Loves You: The Mechanics of Disinformation

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe delve into the origins and operational strategies behind global disinformation campaigns. Starting with the Soviet Union's creation of the term 'disinformation,' the episode explores Russia's extensive use of disinformation tactics, especially during the 2016 U.S. election, through the Internet Research Agency. The discussion covers how disinformation spreads across multiple channels, targets specific groups, and aims to destabilize societies by fomenting division and distrust. The hosts provide insights into methodology, the psychological impact of propaganda, and strategies...

Propaganda Loves You Book Club Episode 1: Analyzing 'On Tyranny' by Timothy Snyder

In the inaugural episode of 'Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' hosts discuss 'On Tyranny' by Timothy Snyder, a book chosen for its accessible yet critical commentary on the rise of authoritarianism, particularly in the context of the U.S. after Trump's first election. They explore the book's 20 lessons on the 20th century, touching upon the importance of defending institutions, professional ethics, and resisting paramilitaries, as well as dissecting contemporary issues related to media, propaganda, and democracy. The episode closes with a teaser for their...

Propaganda's Evolution: From Printing Press to Social Media

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Arthur, joined by Kodie and Joe, explores the historical and modern impacts of propaganda on democracy. The discussion starts with the evolution of political propaganda from the printing press to television, exemplified by the iconic 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson 'Daisy' ad. They then shift focus to contemporary issues, including the influence of social media algorithms and personalized disinformation. The episode features a detailed analysis of the American Sunlight Project, Influence Watch, and the Capital Research Center, highlighting how narratives are shaped...

Understanding Democracy and Propaganda: The Emotional and Historical Nexus

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You', hosts Arthur, Kodie, and Joe delve into the complex relationship between democracy and propaganda. The episode begins with a casual discussion about nostalgic video games like Skyrim and Final Fantasy. It then transitions into a more structured analysis of recent political events, including Bernie Sanders' campaign efforts and Donald Trump's controversial statements. The heart of the episode explores the historical roots of democracy in ancient Greece, the impact of the printing press on disseminating information, and the fine line between persuasive...

Exploring Propaganda, Activism, and Historical Narratives

In this episode of 'Propaganda. Loved You.', hosts Joe, Kodie, and Arthur discuss recent protests, the impact of voter testimonials, and innovative mental health programs like Cahoots. They delve into the defund police movement, the challenges of balancing police and community services, and the political controversies surrounding misinformation and media biases. The hosts also examine Howard Zinn's approach to history, the ethical responsibility of storytelling, and the complex relationship between truth, propaganda, and historical narratives. Additionally, they discuss the importance of finding trustworthy perspectives in media consumption.

00:00 Introduction...

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe, joined by Kodie and Arthur, tackles the historical figure Christopher Columbus and the darker aspects of his legacy. The discussion is sparked by Howard Zinn's 'A People's History of the United States.' The episode also delves into current issues like the case of Kilmar García, a Maryland father wrongly deported to El Salvador, and the Supreme Court ruling requiring his return, which the administration is resisting. The team critiques the glorification of punishment in politics and media, and emphasizes the importance of understanding history from the perspective o...

Episode #5: History is a Way of Looking

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe, along with Kodie and Arthur, delve into various aspects of history and its narratives. Joe shares his personal journey with meditation, highlighting its importance for mental health, particularly for military veterans. The episode also discusses the influence of major world events such as 9/11 on personal worldviews. Kodie talks about a local pond skimming event, Arthur discusses recent economic headlines, and Joe recounts his experience with a protest event organized by Drop Site News in Washington, DC. The team also explores...